In the vibrant landscape of Tamil cinema, 2023 has proven to be a remarkable year. Especially since most of the major Tamil movies are now available on OTT platforms. Streaming giants like Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 have become a treasure trove of entertainment options. They offer a diverse range of engrossing films and enthralling web series. Among the standout releases, here are some must-watch Tamil movies of 2023.

1. Jigarthanda DoubleX

Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Jigarthanda DoubleX is a Western action-comedy film that serves as both a spiritual successor and prequel to its predecessor, Jigarthanda (2014). The stellar cast includes Raghava Lawrence, S. J. Suryah, and Nimisha Sajayan. It is available on Netflix.

The Tamil movie is set in the 1970s and revolves around a filmmaker and a dangerous gangster collaborating to create a Western movie. The plot weaves through political intrigue and revenge. It also focuses on the plight of a tribal community facing the threat of an elephant poacher. The film’s climax takes unexpected turns, revealing political conspiracies and the harsh reality faced by the tribal members. Jigarthanda DoubleX is a testament to Karthik Subbaraj’s storytelling prowess and the stellar performances of the cast.

2. Chittha

Directed by S. U. Arun Kumar and produced by Siddharth, Chittha is a compelling Tamil-language drama thriller. This Disney+ Hotstar movie explores the bond between a government employee Eeswaran, played by Siddharth, and his eight-year-old niece, Sundari.

The movie takes an intense turn when Sundari gets kidnapped by a dangerous pedophile, leading Eeaswaran on a crusade to save her. Chittha delves into themes of safety, revenge, and the impact of tragic events on the lives of its characters. The film, released in theatres on 28 September 2023, received critical acclaim for its engaging narrative and Siddharth’s stellar performance.

3. Leo

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Leo stars Vijay in the titular role and is the third movie in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. This Tamil movie draws inspiration from A History of Violence (2005) and unfolds the story of Parthiban, an animal rescuer and café owner, who becomes involved in a series of events that force him to confront his past as Leo Das.

The Netflix film merges action, family drama, and suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Vijay’s powerful performance, coupled with a gripping storyline, makes Leo a standout addition to Tamil cinema in 2023.

4. Japan

Directed by Raju Murugan, this Tamil movie is a heist action comedy featuring Karthi and Anu Emmanuel. The film follows the exploits of Japan, a notorious master thief, who engages in a cat-and-mouse chase with the police after stealing jewels worth ₹200 crore (approximately $24 million) from a Coimbatore jewelry shop.

Japan offers a mix of action and humor, showcasing Karthi’s versatility as an actor. The Netflix film, released during the week of Diwali, received mixed reviews, but Karthi’s performance and the engaging plot make it a worthy watch for fans of the genre.

5. Raid

Raid, directed by Karthi in his directorial debut, is a Tamil-language action thriller that serves as a remake of the 2018 Kannada film Tagaru. The film follows Inspector Prabhakaran’s relentless pursuit of gangsters in Chennai, leading to a gripping showdown with ruthless criminals.

Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, Raid stands out as a great Tamil movie for its intense action sequences, compelling narrative, and Karthi’s directorial efforts. Japan is available to stream on Aha Tamil.