Introduction
No film industry created a greater cultural impact with their action movies than the Tamil industry did in the 80s. Characterized by hero-centric roles, the Tamil action movies of that era featured stylized drama and a complete mix of action, drama, and romance. The 1980s were a great time for Tamil action movies, and many big stars like Rajinikanth, Thiagarajan, and Vijaykanth became famous because of these films.
Dharma Raja
Plot Summary
Dharma Raja is an action drama film in the Tamil language. It features Sivaji Ganesan and K. R. Vijaya in the main roles. The movie is set in a rural and semi-urban area where political corruption and manipulation run rampant. Amidst the chaos that threatens the peace of the community, Dharma Raja rises to punish the oppressor and protect the oppressed. The movie goes back and forth between action-packed confrontations and courtroom scenes where dynamics of power and justice are played out.
Sivaji Ganesan’s Commanding Performance
Sivaji Ganesan is a highly respected actor in the Tamil film world, famous for his strong and impressive acting on screen. His outstanding role in Dharma Raja is why this movie is regarded as one of the top Tamil action films from the 80s. Ganesan brings his eloquence, emotional depth, and magnetic charisma to his role. Ganesan’s performance carries the role and makes it iconic.
Engaging Mix of Action and Drama
The mixture of action and drama is also what makes Dharma Raja one of the top 10 Tamil action movies the 80s have to offer. Unlike the tough action movies from that time, Dharma Raja mixes action with emotional stories and family feelings. The movie focuses on ideas like fairness in society and a brave person standing up to help those who are treated unfairly.
Sattam Oru Iruttarai
Plot Summary
Sattam Oru Iruttarai (The Law is a Dark Room) is a vigilante action movie that features the lead character taking the law into his own hands after meeting with a personal tragedy. Vijay, the main character, gets upset when someone kills his father. The person who did it gets away because of some rules in the law and bad decisions by judges. Vijay decides to take matters into his own hands and try to get revenge. Meanwhile, his sister joins the police force, which leads to a game of hide and seek between Vijay and the criminal throughout the film.
Vijayakanth in the Lead Role
This is considered the breakout role for Vijayakanth, who plays Vijay. His turn as the broodish vigilante becomes the focal point of the movie. The portrayal was apt and thus found appeal among the younger audience, making it one of the must-watch Tamil action movies of the 80s.
Cult Status
Sattam Oru Iruttarai is considered one of the most important and iconic 80s Tamil action films. This movie formed the blueprint for the future anti-hero and vigilante stories in Tamil cinema. Its popularity also reached other regional industries and spawned multiple remakes such as Nyayam Meere Cheppali (Telugu), Andhaa Kanoon (Hindi), and Nyaya Ellide (Kannada).
Malaiyoor Mambattiyan
Plot Summary
Malaiyoor Mambattiyan is a popular Tamil action movie from the 1980s that’s considered a cult classic. It stars Thiagarajan as Mambattiyan, a character inspired by Robin Hood. The story is set in the forests of Malaiyoor and follows Mambattiyan and his group of loyal friends. The film deals with themes of social justice, showing how wealth should be taken from the rich and given to the poor. Its strong message about fairness and right action makes it one of the best Tamil action movies of the 1980s.
A Standout Film
Malaiyoor Mambattiyan became popular right away. It is famous for its simple, rural atmosphere, the lovely main character, and how it combines thrilling action with themes of justice and social problems. The movie shows people standing up against a bad system that hurts them. It’s successful because of its clear story, the heartfelt acting, and the thrilling action that many people enjoyed.
Evergreen Soundtrack
The movie’s evergreen soundtrack makes it one of the top 10 Tamil action movies the 80s has to offer. The Malaiyoor Mambattiyan soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, which all became chartbusters, for instance, Chinnakka Chinnakka. The movie’s songs also made Thiagarajan a household name and established his position in the industry.
Paayum Puli
Plot Summary
Paayum Puli is a Tamil language martial arts movie inspired by the 1973 classic Enter The Dragon. Starring Rajinikanth, the movie was a big deal in Tamil cinema and is seen as one of the top Rajinikanth action films from the 80s. The story is about Bharath, an ordinary guy who decides to change his life to seek revenge for his sister’s death, murdered by some bad people in the criminal world. He learns martial arts to fight back against those responsible, using both his intelligence and strength.
A Successful Remake
Paayum Puli is one of the best remakes of “Enter the Dragon,” with carefully choreographed action scenes. Director S. P. Muthuraman gives the 1973 Bruce Lee classic a local touch steeped in the concepts of social justice and rebelling against the status quo. The movie is known for its stylish action scenes, dramatic hair flips, and lines that people love to repeat. The title means “The Charging Leopard,” which fits perfectly with Rajinikanth’s brave and fierce personality.
Box-office Glory and Beyond
Paayum Puli was a box-office success and left behind a cultural impact on Tamil cinema. The movie became the inspiration for other martial arts that became prevalent. Rajinikanth’s charismatic performance drew crowds in droves and made it last over 100 days in multiple theatres in Tamil Nadu. The movie also expanded Rajinikanth’s fan base to all age groups and demographics, becoming one of the iconic 80s Tamil action films.
Komberi Mookan
Plot Summary
Komberi Mookan is a 1984 Tamil language revenge drama set in a rural setting against the backdrop of social justice. Directed by A. Jagannathan and starring Thiagarajan, the movie combines action, drama, and themes of family honor and social oppression. The protagonist Mookan transitions from a timid villager to a defiant force of justice after being wronged by a powerful landlord of his village. Komberi Mookan is emblematic of his mustache, which he carries as his symbol of masculinity and defiance.
Thiagarajan’s Performance
Thiagarajan shows real emotion in his acting, mixing being open and showing courage. The character is hard to predict, sometimes staying quiet and other times getting very angry, which makes it very popular among fans. Komberi Mookan is a classic film that is not as well-known as it should be in Thiagarajan’s film list and is a must-see Tamil action movie from the 80s.
Music and Cinematography
Komberi Mookan was also iconic for its cinematography and music. The earthy cinematography lends authenticity to the portrayal of rural life in India, grounding the film in realism. The action scenes are raw and emotional, indicative of Mookan’s inner turmoil and rage. It was a diversion from the overdramatic action sequences, keeping in tune with the realistic tone of the movie. Additionally, the background score and the songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja lend to the drama and emotional depth of the movie.
Rajanadai
Plot Summary
Rajanadai is a Tamil cop investigative action film directed by SA Chandrasekhar, starring Vijayakanth. Vijayakanth portrays a CID officer who is assigned a tough case involving a corruption scandal, human trafficking, and murder. As the officer goes deep into the case, dangerous details begin to unfold, and he faces powerful foes such as politicians. The movie, translated into “Royal Walk,” is emblematic of the morally upright lead police officer.
S. A. Chandrasekhar Direction
Director Chandrasekhar is known for his socially aware movies with exhilarating action, and Rajanadai is no exception. With this movie, he crafts a tight script reflecting the systemic rot within the system with sprinkles of thrilling action. The core message of corruption extends beyond mainstream institutions, resonating with the audience when faith in the government was weak.
Taut Action Sequences
Unlike the norm of the time, Rajanadai diverges from the overtly dramatic action sequences and goes for something realistic. The script and editing are tight and keep the audience on their toes. The action sequences and the interrogation scenes are a balance between brains and brawn.
Kalicharan
Plot Summary
Kalicharan is a 1988 Tamil language dark and gritty action-revenge film starring Karthik, directed by L. Raja. In the movie, the protagonist, Kalicharan, seeks justice for his family after they fall prey to a corrupt and powerful criminal syndicate. Betrayed by law, Kalicharan takes the law into his own hands and embarks on a quest to take down the syndicate and its overlords. The movie also explores Kalicharan’s internal conflict and transformation from a law-abiding man to a vigilante outlaw. Its gritty tone and emotional depth make it one of the best 80s Tamil action movies.
Action with Emotion
What makes Kalicharan stand out from the rest of the Tamil masala films is its emotional depth. The action in the movie isn’t just for spectacle; it has its significance and is rooted in emotion. Each action scene is emblematic of Kalicharan’s rage, emotions, and connected to its stakes. Such emotional stakes make it unique from other must-watch Tamil action movies of the 80s. This treatment was a diversion from the formulaic movies of that time.
Karthik’s Charismatic Performance
Karthik broke his typecast as a soft-spoken hero and surprised the audience with his intense performance. Kalicharan walks a fine line between heroism and madness and adds layers to his character through proper emotion. His performance makes the film one of the top 10 Tamil action movies the 80s have to offer.
Nallavanukku Nallavan
Plot Summary
Nallavanukku Nallavan is a 1984 Tamil language action drama revolving around the protagonist Manickam, his fall from grace, and his rise to power. Manickam marries an orphan woman named Uma and is almost immediately charged with a false crime and sent to jail. He vouches that he will return a better man. Upon returning, he works hard and becomes successful in his career. The movie is rooted in emotional storytelling and the ups and downs in a man’s life.
Rajinikanth’s Performance
Rajinikanth’s performance grounds the character in realism and humanity. His role as Manickam provided him with the opportunity to explore a more dramatic role. This role was a severe diversion from the gritty action revenge films of its time. The redemption arc makes it one of the most iconic 80s Tamil action films.
Cult Blockbuster
Nallavanukku Nallavan was a commercial success upon release and became a cult classic for not relying on violence and action alone. The story’s moral core and emotional connection made it endearing to the audience, which made it last more than 100 days in the theatre. This movie is one of the most revered entries of the 80s.
Pillaikkaga
Plot Summary
Pillaikkaga is a 1989 Tamil language family action drama, starring Prabhu and directed by P Vasu. The plot revolves around the protagonist becoming a father figure and protector to a child in the middle of a crossfire in a family feud and a criminal plot. The movie is a symbol of the moral core of the protagonist, where he protects the child without an obligation to do so.
Prabhu’s Range
Prabhu delivers a stunning performance as the lead, balancing both ruthless action and emotional depth. His portrayal of the hero is apt as both a father figure and an action star. Such contrast and seamless performance enraptured the audience.
P. Vasu’s Signature Direction
This movie bears P Vasu’s signature style, blending sentimental themes with commercial action. The film revolves around parental love, sacrifice, loyalty, and redemption. These qualities made it one of the best 80s Tamil action movies.
Erimalai
Plot Summary
Erimala is a 1985 Tamil language revenge drama starring Thiagarajan and directed by Gopi Krishna. The story is set in a village ravaged by feudal conflicts and rampant criminal lords. Thiagarajan plays a village youth who purges the evil from the village, becoming the symbol of rage for the common masses. Erimalai means volcano, which is emblematic of the hero’s rage, tendency to outburst against the wrongdoers.
Thiagarajan’s Intense Screen Persona
Thiagarajan is fit for the role, considering he is used to playing the brooding, gritty villains in his career. The hero’s rage and anger against the system and his quest to purge the evil from the village make him a symbol and metaphor.
Music and Score
The movie is remembered for its exceptional background music, which seamlessly blends emotion with action-packed intensity. The music complemented the movie in times of gritty action and emotional triumph.
Conclusion
The Tamil action genres of the 80s mainly centred around themes of social justice, morality, and family sentiments. With emotional core and action-packed themes, these top 10 Tamil action movies of the 80s have captured the audience’s imagination. However, getting all these movies under one platform is almost impossible. Here’s where DhoomDB comes in, where you can watch all the Tamil 80s movies at your convenience and preference. DhoomDB is an online platform that houses multiple movies in different regional and pan-Indian languages of India.
