Top Ajith Movies That Deserve a Spot on Your Watchlist

When you talk about Tamil cinema and iconic stars, Thala Ajith is a name that instantly commands respect and admiration. He’s not just an actor—he’s an emotion for millions. What makes Ajith stand out isn’t just his mass appeal or stylish looks, but the way he breathes life into every role with sheer dedication and subtle brilliance. Whether he’s playing a fierce action hero, a calm family man, or a man battling inner struggles, Ajith delivers with a natural flair that hits you right in the feels. No overacting, no gimmicks—just raw, real, and powerful performances that stay with you long after the credits roll. That’s the magic of Thala on screen.Here are the list of some ajith movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

*List of Ajith movies that deserves on your watchlist*

Kadhal Mannan

“Kadhal Mannan” is one of those cult classics that truly changed the game for Ajith Kumar. It was a major turning point in his career, and his performance as Siva was just top-notch—full of charm, attitude, and emotion. Directed by Saran, the movie had the perfect mix of romance, drama, and some unforgettable music. Every song in the film was a hit and still holds up even today. Back then, Ajith was the ultimate ‘chocolate boy’ of Tamil cinema, and this film really cemented that image. “Kadhal Mannan” will always have a special place in the hearts of fans and in Tamil film history.

Director:Saran

Released date:1998

IMDb:7.2/10

Where to watch : It is available on OTT Platforms like PrimeVideo and aha.

Vaalee

One of the most iconic films in Ajith Kumar’s career, Vaalee stands out as a classic that showcased his acting brilliance in a dual role for the first time. Playing both the antagonist Deva and the protagonist Shiva, Ajith delivered a phenomenal performance—especially as Deva, a deaf and mute character whose intense obsession added layers of psychological depth to the film. This was Ajith’s first time portraying a negative role, and he absolutely nailed it with chilling expressions and body language that left a lasting impact. His on-screen chemistry with Simran added a beautiful touch of romance, making the emotional beats hit even harder. Every song in Vaalee was a chartbuster, further cementing the film’s cult status. Ajith’s subtle mannerisms—like Deva’s love for chewing gum—added realism and uniqueness to the character, making Vaalee a must-watch for every Thala fan and Tamil cinema lover.

Director:SJ Surya.

Released date:1999

IMDb:8/10

Where to watch:It is available on Primevideo and aha.

Villain

Villain is an action thriller movie directed by K. S. Ravikumar. In this film, Ajith Kumar plays two characters – Shiva and Vishnu.

Shiva works as a bus conductor, and along with his friends, he cleverly steals black money from corrupt people. He donates the money to trusts that support disabled and suffering people, like his brother Vishnu.
Vishnu is his twin brother with a disability, and Shiva takes care of him with love and patience.

The movie has a good mix of action, emotional moments, and family drama. Ajith’s acting in both roles is impressive, and his emotional scenes and expressions touched the audience.

If you like Ajith’s movies that mix action with strong emotions, Villain is a must-watch film.

Director: K.S.Ravikumar

Released date:4 November 2002

IMDb:7.1/10

Where to watch:It is available on YouTube.

Varalaru

Varalaru, directed by K. S. Ravikumar, is an action drama that showcases Ajith Kumar in a powerful triple role. He plays Shivashankar, a classical Bharatanatyam dancer and strict father, along with Vishnu and Jeeva, his twin sons.

The story follows Vishnu’s sudden change in behavior after his engagement to Divya (Asin). His shift from an innocent young man to a rude and rebellious son leads to unexpected twists and emotional drama. The film gradually reveals family secrets and past events that explain Vishnu’s actions.

Ajith’s performance is the highlight of the movie. His portrayal of both the caring father and the negative character Jeeva impressed audiences and critics alike. His negative shade reminded fans of his earlier iconic role in Vaalee. Varalaru is truly a must-watch Ajith Kumar movie for action and family drama lovers.

Director: K.S.Ravikumar

Released date:20 October 2006

IMDb:7.3/10

Where to watch:It is available on YouTube.

Citizen

Citizen is a crime thriller movie directed by Saravana Subbiah. The story follows Ajith Kumar in several disguises as he kidnaps three government officials to seek justice for the destruction of his small village.

Ajith’s performance as a fisherman is especially emotional and realistic, showing his excellent acting skills. His different looks and characters throughout the film make Citizen a memorable movie in his career.

If you enjoy thrillers with social messages and strong performances, Citizen is a must-watch for Ajith fans.

Director:Saravana Subbiah

Released date:8 june 2001

IMDb:7.2/10

Where to watch : This movie is available on YouTube.

Mankatha

Mankatha marks the 50th film of Thala Ajith and stands as one of his most iconic performances. This blockbuster Tamil action thriller revolves around the thrilling world of cricket betting money, packed with unexpected twists and high-stakes drama. Ajith Kumar delivers a power-packed performance as Vinayak Mahadevan, a rogue cop with a charismatic edge. His stylish outfits and signature smile throughout the film captivated fans, adding to the film’s mass appeal.

Backed by Yuvan Shankar Raja’s electrifying background score, Mankatha is filled with goosebump-inducing moments that still resonate with fans. It not only showcased Ajith in a bold, never-seen-before avatar but also became one of the highest-grossing films in his career, cementing its place as a cult classic in Tamil cinema.

Director:Venkat Prabhu

Released date:2011

IMDb:7.7/10

Where to watch:This movie is currently streaming in Jiohotstar

In conclusion, Ajith Kumar has delivered numerous remarkable performances throughout his career, showing his versatility in a wide range of roles—from a charming chocolate boy to a ruthless villain, and even an emotional father. His dedication and passion for cinema reflect his brilliance as an actor.

Adding to his impressive filmography, Good Bad Ugly is all set to release on April 10. With its gripping teaser and high expectations, this film could easily become one of your favorite Ajith movies to watch this week.

Also Read:The Ultimate Guide to Making Real Money from Home for Students, Moms & Freelancers

🎬 Ajith Kumar – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of Ajith Kumar’s most notable films?

Ajith Kumar is known for several iconic roles in Tamil cinema. Some of his most notable films include:

Aasai
Kadhal Mannan
Villain
Vaalee
Varalaru
Mankatha

2. In which movies did Ajith play a negative role?

Ajith has impressed audiences with his negative roles in:

Vaalee – where he played dual roles, including a villainous brother
Mankatha – as a corrupt and cunning police officer

3. Has Ajith Kumar won any awards?

Yes, Ajith Kumar has won six Filmfare Awards South for his performances. In 2025, he was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contribution to cinema.