Top 10 Best Tamil Crime Thriller Movies – Part 2

The world of Tamil cinema or Kollywood, is captivating for any movie buff. Right from its humble beginnings with silent movies to the musical extravaganzas and larger-than-life productions that we see today, the Tamil movie industry has evolved over the past century. From superstars like Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan to composers like A.R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraja, who captured the world with their magical compositions, the Tamil movie industry has become a household name nationwide. One can never forget the role of action-packed masala entertainers featuring stars like Vijay, Ajith, and Suriya in the widespread popularity of Tamil movies. However, beyond the mainstream entertainers, directors like Bala and Vetrimaaran sparked important conversations like caste, poverty, and gender equality through their movies. The likes of Pa. Ranjith and Mari Selvaraj created a new wave in the industry with their independent films exploring contemporary themes. One of the prominent genres that evolved along with the movie industry is crime thrillers. While we explored some of the Top 10 Best Tamil Crime Thriller Movies that were classic gems in our previous installments, let’s delve into some recent movies in the genre this time. Our team at Top Tens Only has curated a fresh list of crime thrillers from which you can pick your favourites. 

A Spine-Chilling Journey Into The Top 10 Tamil Crime Thrillers 

The Tamil film industry continues to churn out masterpieces that leave audiences in awe.  This time, we delve into some of the top-rated crime thrillers released in the past decade. From cunning serial killers to spin-chilling mysteries, these movies explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and give you an adrenaline rush. So brace yourselves for the exciting journey through the top ten crime thriller movies in Tamil, where suspense reigns supreme and the line between good and evil blurs.

1. Ratsasan (2018)

Ratsasan is one of the most gripping crime thriller movies, directed by Ram Kumar, leaving you on the edge of your seat. Vishnu Vishal portrays Arun Kumar, an aspiring filmmaker whose dreams of creating a chilling serial killer movie are forced to take a backseat when he reluctantly joins the police force. But Arun falls into a horrifying situation when a real serial killer begins stalking and murdering teenage girls in the city. The case becomes personal when Arun’s niece becomes the killer’s next victim. Fuelled by grief and a desperate need for justice, Arun dedicates himself to unmasking the culprit before he strikes again.

What sets Ratsasan apart is its unconventional antagonist, who, with a tragic past, evokes a sense of empathy despite his monstrous acts. This movie can also be dubbed one of the best crime thrillers by Vishnu Vishal. Rather than relying on excessive gore, the film utilises eerily good background music by Ghibran and crisp editing to create a truly impactful experience. This chilling descent into the darkness of a serial killer’s mind makes Ratsasan a must-watch for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

2. Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018)

Directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu, Imaikkaa Nodigal is a Tamil psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer. Lady Superstar Nayanthara takes centerstage as Anjali IPS, a CBI officer tasked with reopening the seemingly closed case of “Rudra,” a ruthless murderer believed dead for five years. When a string of new killings similar to Rudra’s modus operandi plagues the city, Anjali finds herself in a desperate race against time.  The investigation takes a horrifying turn when Rudra targets Anjali’s brother’s girlfriend, framing him as the culprit. As the case unfolds, the audience takes a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. The shocking revelation of Rudra’s true identity, intertwined with Anjali’s past, adds complexity that elevates Imaikkaa Nodigal beyond a typical cat-and-mouse chase. It is one of the recent top 10 South Indian crime thrillers. Anurag Kashyap, the acclaimed Bollywood director, makes his acting debut as the antagonist, ACP Martin Roy, while Vijay Sethupathi adds star power with a captivating extended cameo.

3. Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (2019)

This experimental crime thriller is the first movie to be written, directed, acted and produced by a single person, Parthiban. While only Parthiban appears on the screen, the rest of the characters are voiced by unseen actors. He plays a middle-aged man named Masilamani, who is taken in for interrogation by the police for a murder. However, he misleads the police, and a female psychologist is called in for help, to whom he confesses not one but three murders with a unique modus operandi—a single slipper, size 7, left at the scene. The remaining plot revolves around how the police uncover the truth through Masilamani’s narration. 

Parthiban dubbed the movie a unique and engrossing experiment, and it is undoubtedly among the best thrillers of the 21st century. He skillfully weaves humour into the story, highlighting the stark socio-economic divide in our society. The movie received accolades on an international platform and is being remade in Hindi and Indonesian.

4. Magamuni (2019)

Santhakumar’s directorial debut puts a fresh spin on the classic “twins separated at birth and reunited later” plot and is our next addition to the top 10 Tamil crime thriller movies list. Arya delivers a captivating dual performance as Magadevan and Muniraj, two brothers with contrasting lives. Magadevan is a street-smart cab driver and henchman of a local gangster who is desperately trying to mend his ways for his wife and son. Meanwhile, Muniraj, a peaceful organic farmer with a passion for Tamil literature and yoga, leads a serene life far from the city’s chaos. However, his life is disrupted by the romantic interference of the daughter of a rich landlord. Magamuni masterfully keeps the audience guessing whether these men are twins or their intertwined destinies are a mere coincidence. The film cleverly explores themes of duality and deception, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as they wait to see how their paths collide.

Beyond the captivating plot, Magamuni tackles the sensitive issue of caste in Indian society. The stellar performances, particularly by Arya, further elevate the film. Magamuni is a thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller and will stay with you long after the credits roll.

5. Game Over (2019)

Game Over is one of the Tamil top crime thriller movies with a psychological twist, released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. The film, directed by Ashwin Saravanan, features Tapsee Pannu as the strong female protagonist, alongside Mala Parvathy and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan. Tapsee appears on screen as Swapna, a professional game designer struggling with post-traumatic stress after she was raped in a dark room the previous year. Her love for gaming is the only solace from her trauma. However, her life takes a horrific turn when she is trapped with a serial killer along with her house help, Kalamma and killing him is the only way for both of them to be saved. As the plot progresses, the lines between Swapna’s reality and her video game creations begin to blur. Is this a terrifying game of cat and mouse, or is something more sinister? 

This film is not for the faint of heart, owing to some scenes of shocking violence. However, Game Over is more than just a slasher flick. It’s a gripping exploration of overcoming fear and the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

6. Vellai Pookal (2019)

Vellai Pookkal, the directorial debut of Indian IT professional Vivek Elangovan, is a suspenseful thriller among the top 10 thriller movies, delivering a deep social message. Inspired by a real-life incident, the film tackles the sensitive issue of child abuse. Vivek, known for his comedic roles, takes centre stage in a serious role as Rudhran, a retired police officer. He travels to Seattle to mend his strained relationship with his son Ajay. However, their reunion is disrupted when a series of kidnappings plague the neighbourhood. Unable to resist his investigative instincts, Rudhran embarks on a personal quest to unmask the culprit. The case takes a shocking turn as Rudhran unearths a horrifying connection between the kidnapper and his own son, Ajay. Vellai Pookkal delves into the complexities of the father-son bond while exposing the long-lasting consequences of child abuse.

Charles delivers a noteworthy performance as Rudhran’s accomplice, Bharathi, in Vellai Pookal, one of the best Tamil detective thriller movies. The film also benefits from strong contributions by foreign actors portraying Ajay’s wife and her younger self. This unique blend of experience and fresh talent makes Vellai Pookkal a standout Tamil psycho-crime thriller.

7. Kolaigaran (2019)

Kolaigaran, directed by Andrew Louis, is a pulse-pounding Tamil top-rated crime thriller movie with an engaging plot. Arjun plays the lead role as DCP Karthikeyan, a dedicated police officer tasked with investigating the ruthless murder of an unidentified man whose face was deformed by the killer to prevent identification. However, using his smart investigative skills, Karthikeyan identifies the victim and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. His suspicions are soon directed to a mother and daughter. known to have past connections with the victim. But he reaches a dead end when their neighbour, Prabhakaran, a former police officer, surrenders and claims to have committed the murder. 

The movie showcases some astounding performances, including that of Vijay Anthony as the neighbour Prabhakaran, whose motives are hidden till the end. With its intense action sequences, sharp performances, and suspenseful narrative, Kolaigaran will leave you breathless. It’s a must-watch for fans of Tamil crime thrillers who crave an exhilarating and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

8. Psycho (2020)

If you are looking for a chilling psychological thriller, Mysskin’s “Psycho” will be the right pick. It is one of the best action crime thriller movies in Tamil. Udayanidhi Stalin takes the lead role as Gautham, a blind young man whose life takes a terrifying turn when a sadistic serial killer abducts his girlfriend, Daagini (Aditi Rao Hydari). Driven by desperation and love, Gautham joins forces with his friends to track down the psychopath before it’s too late. Rajkumar Pitchumani delivers a bone-chilling performance as the deranged killer. His portrayal is equally terrifying and strangely sympathetic, hinting at a tragic backstory. Beware, “Psycho” is not for the faint of heart. Mysskin’s signature style leans into the dark and disturbing, featuring graphic scenes that justify its A rating. However, for fans of the crime thriller genre, “Psycho” is a masterfully suspenseful ride into the abyss of a killer’s mind.

9. Penguin (2020)

Penguin is one of the best Tamil thriller suspense movies, with Keerthi Suresh as the lead. The movie marks the directorial debut of Eashvar Karthic and was released on the OTT platform owing to the COVID-19 restrictions on theatrical release. Keerthy portrays a pregnant woman, Rhythm (Keerthi), fighting the trauma of her firstborn child being kidnapped 6 years ago. However, her world turns upside down when she unexpectedly meets her missing child, who is trying to escape the kidnapper but is in a traumatic condition and cannot talk. The police, along with Rythm and her husband, Gowtham, set out to find the culprit and save another child who had been kidnapped by him. But what awaits Rythm is a world of deceptions and suspenseful revelations that will make her question her reality and force her to make difficult choices.

Keerthi delivered a stunning performance in Penguin, her second female-centric movie after Mahanati. She convincingly portrays a mother’s vulnerabilities and strengths simultaneously. Even though the movie didn’t fare well at the box office, it is worth watching for a suspenseful ride.

10. Por Thozhil (2023)

We conclude the list of hit Tamil top 10 crime thriller movies with Por Thozil, directed by Vignesh Raja. It boasts a stellar cast, featuring veteran actor Sarathkumar alongside rising stars Ashok Selvan and Nikhila Vimal. Ashok portrays DSP K. Prakash, a rookie cop forced into a tense partnership with the tough senior officer, SP Loganathan (Sarathkumar). Their alliance, which appears awkward at first, takes an exciting turn when a series of eerily similar murders plagues the city. The killings echo unsolved cases from the 1970s, forcing the officers to confront a chilling possibility: a copycat or a ghost from the past. Joined by the tech-savvy Veena (Nikhila Vimal), Prakash and Loganathan must overcome their differences to track down the killer. The dynamic between the seasoned officer and his quick-witted but inexperienced partner forms the heart of Por Thozhil’s intrigue. Por Thozhil is one of the best Tamil crime suspense thriller movies, keeping viewers hooked until the shocking reveal. For fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of the past, Por Thozhil is a must-watch on OTT platforms.

A Thrilling Journey Awaits: Must-Watch Tamil Crime Thriller Movies

So there you have it! This list merely scratches the surface of the Tamil best crime thriller movies. With the constant evolution of the genre, a treasure trove of promising films is waiting to be discovered. From heart-pounding suspense thrillers to edge-of-the-seat whodunits, Tamil cinema offers something for every adrenaline junkie. We hope you have picked your favourites for this weekend’s movie night among our list of the ten best Tamil suspense thriller movies of all time.  So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and be prepared to be enthralled by the meticulously crafted thrillers, which will keep you guessing until the end.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tamil Crime Thrillers

1. Which are the top 10 crime thriller movies in Tamil?

There are many great Tamil crime thrillers out there, but here are 10 highly-rated recent movies to get you started: Ratsasan (2018); Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018); Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (2019); Magamuni (2019); Game Over (2019); Vellai Pookal (2019); Kolaigaran (2019); Psycho (2020); Penguin (2020)

2. Is Ratchasan a real story?

Ratsasan is a fictional story based on a real psycho killer.

3. What is special about Otha Seruppu?

It is the first movie to be written, directed, acted and produced by a single person. Rest of the cast appears as voice actors only.