This was quite an eventful year for Tamil cinema and here are ten films that stood out from the rest.

180: 180 gives you a lot to chew on. I wouldn't call it an original movie but it is a refreshingly original take on terminal illness. Just give the movie a fair shot, look for character motivations instead of expecting to be spoonfed, and you'll know that director Jayendra has observed such a case at close quarters. Unfair criticism received is on account of it being misunderstood.

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Engeyum Eppodhum

Four characters- likeable, funny and affable. You get comfortable just watching them be themselves. And then director Saravanan pulls the rug from under their feet, and ours. Engeyum Eppodhum is A stinging reminder of the fragility of our lives. That fact slowly sinks in as you walk out of the theatre.

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Nil Gavani Sellathey

A stylized remake of the horror classic 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' with a pinch of action. You want to pause each scene and stare. Also note that the character development here exceeds the original. Too bad you missed out on it.

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Nadunisi Naaygal

This uncompromising, daring attempt by Gautham Menon at crafting a psychological slasher-thriller-drama strikes a raw nerve. Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya and Nadunisi Naaygal are proof enough that Menon is one of the finest film-makers working in Kollywood.

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Aadukalam

Aadukalam's story might be hinged on the cockfighting business, but the movie examines the minds of it characters, through which it tackles dark themes such as power, jealousy, disloyalty, greed and the human ego. Packaged with music numbers that enhance the experience. Dhanush delivers one of his best performances.

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Aaranya Kaandam

The first neo-noir from Kollywood. It might be heavily inspired by Tarantino and to a lesser extent by Guy Ritchie, but it has enough to stand on its own feet. A benchmark has been set.

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Muran

A character-oriented remake of Hitchcock's plot-oriented 'Strangers on a Train.' A very good attempt.
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Mayakkam Enna

Calling Mayakkam Enna Selvaraghavan's best work.. No. Sorry, that goes to Pudhupettai. Calling Mayakkam Enna Selvaraghavan's most mature work wouldn't be an accurate description of their creator-creation relationship. Mayakkam Enna IS Selvaraghavan.

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