Best Dhanush Movies for Every Fan – Watchlist Included

Dhanush started his journey as a lead actor in Thulluvadho Ilamai. Since then, he has worked hard in every film and played many different roles. He always gives his best to entertain his fans with good movies and strong acting. Here is a Dhanush movies list in Tamil that every fan should watch.

kadhal konden (2003)

Kadhal Konden was released after Thulluvadho Ilamai. In his first film, Dhanush played a schoolboy, but in Kadhal Konden, he took on a completely different role as a college student with a complex, psychotic character. It was a big contrast to his debut, and he truly lived in the role with an impressive performance. The movie received critical acclaim and earned positive reviews, especially for Dhanush’s acting. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score also played a major part in the film’s success, and Dhanush’s dance moves were a standout. If you’re a fan, this film definitely deserves a place in your Dhanush movies list.

Director: Selvaraghavan

Release date: 4-july-2003

IMDb: 8/10

Where to watch: You can watch kadhal konden movie on SUNNXT and MX Player.

Why It Stands Out:Kadhal Konden showcases Dhanush in a dual-shade role — portraying a soft-spoken, innocent character in the first half and transforming into a psychologically intense, villain-like persona in the second. His impeccable performance, especially his powerful expressions and intense dance moves in the climax, makes this one of Dhanush’s most memorable roles.

Polladhavan (2007)

Polladhavan is one of the most important films in Dhanush’s career, directed by Vetrimaaran. The story revolves around a young man whose life changes after he buys a new bike—he finds a job, falls in love, and gains confidence. But things take a dark turn when the bike is stolen, pulling him into unexpected trouble. Dhanush delivers a phenomenal performance and carries the entire film with ease, making Polladhavan a standout film in tamil movies.

Director: Vetrimaaran.

Release date: 8-november-2007

IMDb: 7.7/10

Where to watch: You can watch Polladhavan movie on Z5.

Why It Stands Out:In Polladhavan, Dhanush delivers a spellbinding performance that perfectly blends youthful charm, local Chennai slang, and effortless swag.Especially in the climax where he returns with a six-pack physique for a gripping fight sequence after recovering his stolen bike. This role remains one of the most iconic in his career.

Aadukalam (2011)

Aadukalam is another powerful collaboration between Dhanush and director Vetrimaaran.The story follows Karuppu (played by Dhanush), a skilled rooster fighter who ends up clashing with his own mentor due to jealousy and rivalry. Dhanush’s performance, screen presence, and authentic Madurai slang impressed both critics and audiences. His transformation from a chocolate boy image to this intense role was remarkable, and his dance for the popular Otha Sollala song became a trend. Aadukalam earned Dhanush a National Award and remains one of the finest films in his career.

Director: Vetrimaaran.

Release date:14-January-2011

IMDb:8.1/10

Where to watch: You can watch aadukalam movie on SUNNXT

Why It Stands Out: Aadukalam is an intense and raw drama that showcases a completely different side of Dhanush. Shedding his usual charming image, Dhanush transforms into a rugged local rooster trainer, donning a lungi-clad look that adds authenticity to his character.Dhanush’s natural acting in this village-based story won him the National Award for Best Actor. Aadukalam became one of the most iconic films in his career.

3 Movie (2012)

3 is a romantic drama where Dhanush plays Ram, who falls in love with Janani (Shruti Haasan) from a young age and later marries her. After marriage, Ram starts facing mental health problems but hides them from Janani, trying to protect her. The story shows how he struggles silently, leading to an emotional and unexpected climax. Dhanush’s performance as Ram is one of his best, and the movie is still loved by many fans. The songs and background music, especially Why This Kolaveri Di, were a huge hit and added to the film’s success.

Director:Aishwarya Rajinikanth

Release date:30-March-2012

IMDb:7.4/10

Where to watch: You can watch 3 movie on SUNNXT

Why It Stands Out: In 3, Dhanush plays a cheerful student with great comic timing alongside Sivakarthikeyan.
Later, he shows intense emotions and deep love for Janani in the climax.
His performance beautifully balances humor and heartbreak.

Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014)

VIP (Velaiilla Pattadhari) is a good feel entertainment and as well as emotional movie where Dhanush plays Raghuvaran, a civil engineering graduate who struggles to get a job. After losing his beloved mother, he finally gets a chance to work in a big construction company. The movie shows how he faces challenges and beats his competitor to succeed. Dhanush’s acting is excellent, and his bond with his mother (Saranya) and father (Samuthirakani) is very touching. His scenes with Amala Paul, the rivalry, and the strong background music make VIP a memorable film.

Director: R. Velraj

Release date: 18 -July -2014

IMDb:7.9/10

Where to watch: You can watch Velailla Pattadhari movie on jiohotstar.

Why It Stands Out: Dhanush’s powerful dialogue delivery and emotional expressions, especially in scenes showing his deep love for his mother, feel raw and realistic. His natural performance is elevated with a touch of swag, making the character as Raghuvaran even more impactful.

Maryan (2013)

Maryan is a critically acclaimed survival drama starring Dhanush in the lead role. He plays Maryan, a fisherman who travels to Sudan to work and clear his debts. After paying off the debts, he prepares to return to India to reunite with his love, Panimalar. However, he is kidnapped by terrorists, and the story follows his intense journey of survival through the harsh desert. Dhanush delivers a brilliant performance, especially in the second half, showing a powerful emotional transformation. A.R. Rahman’s background score adds strong emotional depth and intensity to the film, making Maryan a must-watch for fans of Dhanush and survival stories.

Director: Bharat Bala

Release date:19-July-2013

IMDb:7.1/10

Where to watch: You can watch maryan movie on Amazon prime Video and Aha.

Why It Stands Out: In Maryan, Dhanush takes his acting to the next level, especially in the intense desert scenes in the second half. His raw emotion and survival struggle make this performance one of the most powerful in his career.

Vada Chennai(2018)

Vada Chennai is another powerful Dhanush–Vetrimaaran collaboration, known for its raw and intense gangster drama. Dhanush plays Anbu, a talented carrom player who falls in love with Aishwarya during his younger days. His life changes completely when he gets pulled into the world of crime and gang wars. The jail scenes, gritty storytelling, and strong screenplay without confusion make the film stand out. Dhanush delivers a power-packed performance as Anbu and also produced the movie. Vada Chennai received critical acclaim, and fans are eagerly waiting for Vada Chennai 2.

Director: Vetrimaaran.

Release date:17- October-2018

IMDb:8.4/10

Where to watch: You can watch Vadachennai movie on Amazon prime Video and jiohotstar.

Why It Stands Out:Vada Chennai features a brilliantly written screenplay with strong performances throughout. Dhanush delivers a spellbinding performance.

Asuran (2019)

Asuran is a blockbuster film and another successful collaboration between Dhanush and director Vetrimaaran after Vada Chennai. Dhanush plays Sivasamy, a calm farmer with a violent past, and the film shows two powerful shades of his character—one as a young man and the other as an aged father of two sons. When his elder son is killed over a land dispute, Sivasamy is forced to fight against caste violence and social injustice to protect his family. Dhanush delivers a powerful and emotional performance, especially in the second half. With its strong message and gripping storyline, Asuran is considered one of the best Dhanush movies to date.

Director: Vetrimaaran.

Release date:4-October-2019

IMDb:8.4/10

Where to watch:Asuran movie is available on Primevideo

Why It Stands Out:In Asuran, Dhanush appears in a never-seen-before rugged avatar as a protective and emotional father.
His intense performance and powerful revenge-driven role earned widespread praise.

Thiruchitrambalam(2022)

Thiruchitrambalam is a feel-good entertainer where Dhanush plays Pazham, a food delivery boy dealing with everyday life and emotions. His character is naturally portrayed and highly relatable. After facing rejection from two girls he loves, Pazham slowly realizes that true love was always beside him—his best friend Shobana (played by Nithya Menen). Their bond is heartwarming and forms the emotional core of the movie. The film’s soulful background music adds a pleasant vibe, and even without big twists or action scenes, Dhanush’s casual and realistic performance makes Thiruchitrambalam a film worth watching again.

Director:Mithran R. Jawahar

Release date:12-August -2022

IMDb :7.9/10

Where to watch: Thiruchitrambalam movie is currently streaming on Prime video

Why It Stands Out:
Thiruchitrambalam is a feel-good film with Dhanush’s natural and simple acting that feels real.
Anirudh’s emotional background music adds more charm to the story.

Raayan (2024)

Raayan is a Tamil action drama directed by Dhanush, who also plays the lead role as Raayan, a food truck owner living with his siblings. Marking Dhanush’s 50th film, he delivers a strong and effortless performance, sporting a rugged look with short hair and a thick moustache. The story revolves around betrayal within the family and how Raayan fights to protect his sister and survive the challenges that follow. With intense action, emotional depth, and a gripping plot, Raayan is a must-watch for fans of Dhanush and Tamil action dramas.

Director: Dhanush

Release date:26 -July -2024

IMDb:6.5/10

Where to watch: Raayan is noe available in PrimeVideo

Why It Stands Out:Raayan received mixed reviews, but Dhanush once again impressed with his effortless and natural performance

Conclusion: Dhanush’s Versatility Shines Across Every Role

From his debut in Thulluvadho Ilamai to his most recent releases, Dhanush has consistently delivered powerful and diverse performances. Whether portraying a charming chocolate boy, an intense psychotic character, or an aged father, his transformation for each role is truly remarkable. His screen presence and acting skills continue to impress audiences and critics alike. The films listed above are must-watch movies for any Dhanush fan or lover of quality cinema.

Frequently asked questions About Dhanush

1. What is Dhanush’s first film?
His first movie is Thulluvadho Ilamai, released in 2002. It was directed by his brother Selvaraghavan and written by their father Kasthuri Raja.

2. How many National Awards has Dhanush won?
Dhanush has won two National Awards for Best Actor — one for Aadukalam and another for Asuran. Both movies were directed by Vetrimaaran.

3. Which is Dhanush’s highest-grossing movie?
Raayan is currently Dhanush’s highest-grossing film, with a box office collection of over ₹125 crores worldwide.

Also Read: Top Tamil Low Budget Films with Huge Box Office Success (2025 List)