If you enjoy watching good films irrespective of the language, then here is a list I want you to get your hands on. Buy, beg, borrow or steal but please ensure you watch these southern (Tamil and Telugu) films, which I believe are far better than many films released over the last two decades.
While most of these films are available for download (you know where), but I doubt if you would get them with subtitles. I will direct you to links where you can find these films with subtitles provided if I come across. You could also check with Landmark, Moserbaer or any other reputed video stores.
Please note that the list is not in any chronological order. I have jotted them down as I remembered.
Aarohanam: It is about free-spirited women, who under the pretext of gender are subjected to suppression. A modern-day take on bipolar disorder, the film tracks the story of a missing mother, who is being searched by her son and daughter. Helmed by debutante Lakshmy Ramakrishnan, a popular character actor in Tamil cinema, “Aarohanam” addresses a domestic issue without exploiting its characters.
Pizza: One of the biggest low-budget hits of recent times, “Pizza” is one of its kind horror-thriller in Tamil cinema. A film that tests your patience in the first 40 minutes springs an unexpected surprise in the second half to completely catch you off guard. It leaves you bewildered with what it arrives so skillfully at supported by a taut screenplay. Directed by debutant Karthik Subbaraj, the film features an almost all new cast, except for few faces.
Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (NKPK): Tamil cinema has never celebrated male bonhomie like it did in NKPK. It’s one of those long Tamil films I never regretted sitting through the last minute because I never looked at my watch once. Inspired by true events, NKPK is the story of a man, who suffers from short term memory loss after falling on his head while playing cricket with his friends. He is set to get married in two days, but with no memory of his recent past or about his girlfriend, his marriage is at stake, and only his friends can save him from this commotion.
Haridas: It is highly emotional, but still manages to strike a chord with its viewers. When an encounter specialist is handed over the responsibility of his autistic son, a series of events unfold, allowing the relationship between the father and son to be strengthened. While critics have panned it to be a cross between “Taare Zameen Par” and “Forrest Gump”, I believe it bears no similarities but for the fact that it also treats a rare condition with a pinch of sensibility and optimism.
Soodhu Kavvum: I doubt if there is a better caper film in Indian cinema than “Soodhu Kavvum”. When a group of misfits attempt to kidnap an adult son of a local minister, little do they realize that their own actions will come back to haunt them. This is one of the wittiest dark comedies backed by tight screenplay and crisp cinematography. Vijay Sethupathy (Pizza and NKPK), the poster boy of Tamil cinema, evolves as a winner and proves that he is no one film wonder.
Midhunam: Featuring only two characters played by S.P Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi, “Midhunam” is easily one of the best Telugu films in a long time. Akin to the title, which means a couple, it is the story of an elderly couple waiting for the arrival of their children from the states, and in the process relive some of their best moments together. No, it’s not inspired by Amour, if that’s what you thinking. It is based on a story of the same name written few years ago.
Eega: A landmark film in the history of Indian cinema, “Eega” proved that with strong content one can even make a film with a housefly and reap gold at the box-office. Inspired by the story of David and Goliath, what happens when a man is reborn as a housefly to avenge his killers, is what filmmaker Rajamouli attempts to bring forth with his super fly powered by wonderful visual effects.
Neram: A race-against-time type of film that focuses on good and bad times in the life of an individual. Narrated in non-linear fashion, “Neram” takes us through few hours in the lives of our protagonist, who is having supposedly the worst day of his life. It’s very unlikely that you will find a single dull moment in the film supported by cinematography that’s more than just bright shots. It also boasts a cast that’s bereft of any criticism with their flawless performance. Finally, we have one helluva chase theme derived from meaningless words that will linger in your mind even hours after the film.
