The 2000s saw the baton pass from A. R. Rahman (who gave hits like Kandukondain and Boys ) to a new generation.
Simultaneously, actors like Suriya, Vikram, and Ajith Kumar transitioned from romantic leads to action stars with strong character arcs. Vikram’s Pithamagan (2003) and Anniyan (2005) showcased his unparalleled versatility. Suriya’s Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and Vaaranam Aayiram (2008) brought a gritty realism to the police and family drama genres. Ajith’s Varalaru (2006) and Mankatha (2011, just at the cusp of the next decade) cemented his "Ultimate Star" image. Dhanush, who debuted in the late 90s, came into his own with Polladhavan (2007) and the cult classic Subramaniapuram (2008), proving that a non-conventional hero could lead a hit.
The rivalry between "Thalapathy" and "Thala" reached a fever pitch. Vijay became the king of the box office with hits like Ghilli (2004) and Pokkiri (2007) , while Ajith reinvented his image with the heist thriller Mankatha (late 2011) and the sleek Billa (2007) .
: A massive commercial success that blended romance and high-speed action, starring Madhavan and Meera Jasmine Kaakha Kaakha
The 2000s saw the baton pass from A. R. Rahman (who gave hits like Kandukondain and Boys ) to a new generation.
Simultaneously, actors like Suriya, Vikram, and Ajith Kumar transitioned from romantic leads to action stars with strong character arcs. Vikram’s Pithamagan (2003) and Anniyan (2005) showcased his unparalleled versatility. Suriya’s Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and Vaaranam Aayiram (2008) brought a gritty realism to the police and family drama genres. Ajith’s Varalaru (2006) and Mankatha (2011, just at the cusp of the next decade) cemented his "Ultimate Star" image. Dhanush, who debuted in the late 90s, came into his own with Polladhavan (2007) and the cult classic Subramaniapuram (2008), proving that a non-conventional hero could lead a hit.
The rivalry between "Thalapathy" and "Thala" reached a fever pitch. Vijay became the king of the box office with hits like Ghilli (2004) and Pokkiri (2007) , while Ajith reinvented his image with the heist thriller Mankatha (late 2011) and the sleek Billa (2007) .
: A massive commercial success that blended romance and high-speed action, starring Madhavan and Meera Jasmine Kaakha Kaakha
