Best Road films in Tamil cinema

Anbe Sivam

Anbe Sivam covers so many genres that it is hard to place it under one. I would argue that it is, at it’s heart, a road movie. The whole movie is told through the perspective of a traveler and it takes us with him on this very special journey. I don’t think any movie in cinema history has given us characters as relatable as the ones you see in this film. The train accident victim, the suave train thief, the tea shop owner, the savior nun, dog Shanku and the funny station master are characters that will never leave our memory.

Anbe Sivam is many things, but the one thing it is not, is mediocre.

Madras to Pondicherry

By far the most iconic road movie in Tamil cinema. Features an out and out entertainer filled to the brim with comedy, action and tightly-knit screenplay. To top it, it stars an ensemble cast consisting some of the biggest names in the history of TN cinema starring Ravichandran, Kalpana, Nagesh, Manorama, OAK Thevar, VKR among others. I can’t recollect a better road movie than this in Tamil.

Thiruda Thiruda

Not strictly a road movie, but it checks every box so I have to include this. This film was not well received when it came out, but unsurprisingly it is now considered a cult classic. Technically brilliant and far ahead of its time, this film can give many recent films a run for their money in terms of writing and screenplay. The music is easily one of the top 5 works of Rahman.

Paiyya

IMO Paiyya is the quintessential road movie. Its got everything right and its edited perfectly to not lag at any stage. Multiple villain gangs, sizzling chemistry between leads, blockbuster songs and an enthralling screenplay. While not fresh or ground breaking, this is one of the most re-watch worthy movies made in recent times.

AYM

This one is the poorest of the lot and for good reason. The movie was made by an out-of-form GVM and it shows. The film could have used a lot of trimming and some solid writing. Baba Sehgal’s villainy was also just meh. But all that said, the movie still boasts some technical superiority including music from ARR and camera work with Dan Mcarthur. Good for a one-time watch. The film is also special in that is the only road movie in Tamil I remember with a bike as the travel medium.

Apparasandigala, idha nambi pudhusa vaangina Thunderbird ah eduthuttu kilambidatheenga, Chennai thaandurathukulla palla ilichidum.

(Translation - Dear apprentices, please dont get inspired by this movie and take a new Royal enfield thunderbird on a long drive, you will likely regret it)