Best Tamil Films - 2008

It was a busy year for Tamil films with dozens of releases. I managed to watch a good number of the better films and according to me there were quite a few films that were watchable for a variety of reasons but still didn't make my final list due to some minor and major shortcomings. First the list of films that just missed my top 3. Films that I enjoyed (In full or in parts!) and films that I might have recommended during the year:

• Anjaathey: Daringly different film and great performances marred a little by the extended climax 
• Jeyam Kondaan: Well directed and scripted, good casting and performances but disappointing music
• Poo: Offbeat, Super performance by Parvathy, Terrific visuals. Average music and slightly meandering plot
• Arai En 305il Kadavul: Bold attempt, started on a funny note but got a bit too preachy towards the end
• Dhaam Dhoom: Awesome music and visuals, brisk start but the plot just loses focus towards the end
• Poi Solla Porom: Clean, Great Casting and very funny but nowhere near the original (Khosla ka Ghosla)
• Raman Thediya Seethai: Non formula film with good performances and screenplay. Music was a let down
• Vaaranam Aayiram: Soundtrack of the year! Surya was good but the film still lacked fizz.

And now my Top 3: 

1. Dasavathaaram: It may not have lived upto expectations and some of the Avtaars may have been wearing patchy make up but there is no denying that this was the most talked about film of the year (Second highest number of Google searches this year for any Indian film; second only to Jodha Akbar). The Parallel narratives, some of the avtaars (like Balram Naidu) and the production values were positives while the music and Asin dampened things. But above all Kamal showed us why he is a cut above! 
2. Subramaniapuram: One of the most promising Tamil films in recent times. M. Sasikumar's film was the dark horse of the year and Kangal Irandal was probably the song of the year. A refreshingly different film - Whether it was the casting or the production values or the plot. The only issue I had with the film was its subtle glorification of violence. 
3. Saroja: Venkat Prabhu's Chennai 28 was easily one of the best films of 2007 and Saroja walked into the 2008 hall of fame. It was one of the most entertaining films of the year with great casting and stellar performances. The film also reassured us that Commercial Tamil Cinema is headed in the right direction and that content can still be king in a superstar-dominated industry.