List of all Dhanush Movies in Kollywood in his Lifetime

A Quick Intro About Actor Dhanush

Few actors are as versatile in their roles as Dhanush, who consistently breaks the stereotype of how a "hero" should look. From a skinny teenager in controversial youth dramas to a powerhouse performer with National Awards and Hollywood blockbusters in his kitty, he has had quite an evolution. Whether it is as a raw, gritty gangster in Vada Chennai or a relatable engineer in VIP, there is a certain uniqueness with which he portrays his characters. This list tracks that amazing journey through cult classics, massive hits, and bold experiments that defined his career.

List of all Movies by Tamil Actor Dhanush

1. Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002)

This was Dhanush's big debut, and it was quite bold for its time. The story follows a group of high school friends exploring their sexuality and dealing with peer pressure, which created a lot of controversy when it came out. A family affair that launched his career, it was directed by his father Kasthuri Raja with a screenplay by his brother Selvaraghavan. It features Sherin as the female lead and became a sleeper hit despite the initial criticism.

2. Kaadhal Konden (2003)

This film marked Dhanush as a serious actor to watch out for. He played Vinod, a socially awkward genius who develops a dangerous obsession with his classmate played by Sonia Agarwal. The movie, directed by Selvaraghavan, is a dark psychological thriller that keeps you on edge until the tragic climax. It was a huge critical success and marked the Dhanush-Selvaraghavan duo as a powerhouse in Tamil cinema. 

3. Thiruda Thirudi (2003)

This film made Dhanush a commercial star, thanks to the viral "Manmatha Raasa" song. Dhanush plays a carefree petty thief who gets into fights with a girl, played by Chaya Singh, only to fall in love eventually. Directed by Subramaniam Siva, this is a full-on commercial entertainer with ample comedy and romance. The chemistry between the leads and the energetic soundtrack made it a huge blockbuster. 

4. Sullan (2004)

Dhanush attempted to get a makeover of sorts as a mass action hero with this movie, in which he plays a college student who confronts a ruthless loan shark. The loud, over-the-top film brims with punch dialogues, which did not click for the audience back then. It stars Genelia D'Souza as the love interest and Pasupathy as the villain. It got panned by critics but has since gained a bit of a cult following for its unintentional humor. 

5. Puthukkottaiyileirunthu Saravanan (2004)

Another attempt in the mass action genre, wherein Dhanush takes on the role of a youngster who ends up in Singapore to clear his family's debts. The story goes from fighting goons to winning hearts, but the screenplay was in a bit of a mess. Directed by S.S. Stanley, the film featured Sonia Agarwal once more, but there was no magic from their previous collaboration here. It faced failure at the box office since it sounded and looked too generic. 

6. Dreams (2004)

This was a romantic drama wherein Dhanush plays a rich youth trying to convince his father to approve his love. Helmed by his father Kasthuri Raja, the movie attempted to be a modern love story but suffered from a very outdated script. He is paired with Diya and Parul Yadav, but the chemistry and the story just did not click. It is also regularly featured as one of the weakest movies in his early filmography. 

7. Athu Oru Kanaa Kaalam (2005)

Dhanush collaborated with the legendary director Balu Mahendra for this realistic romance. He plays a young man who ends up in jail due to a crime of passion, focusing on the emotional toll of separation from his lover, played by Priyamani. It is a slow-burn drama that gives more importance to performance rather than commercial elements. Though the film wasn't a commercial success, the movie holds a special place for showcasing his acting skills at a very early stage. 

8. Devathaiyai Kanden (2005)

A different story of a tea stall owner falling in love with a rich girl, the plot twists when he files a case against her for having used him. Directed by Boopathy Pandian, the film has mixed romance and courtroom drama in the second half. Dhanush and Sridevi Vijaykumar play the leads, while the comedy track by Karunas was a big highlight. It did decent business and connected well with the youth audience.

9. Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam (2006)

This is a breezy entertainer where a carefree guy enters a cat-and-mouse game with his lover's rich and arrogant brother. Directed by Boopathy Pandian, it stars Shriya Saran and features Prakash Raj in a fantastic role as the antagonist-turned-ally. The highlight is the banter between Dhanush and Prakash Raj. It was a huge commercial hit, bringing Dhanush back into the profit zone. 

10. Pudhupettai (2006)

Widely regarded as a masterpiece, the film traces the rise of a slum boy named Kokki Kumar into a terrifying gangster. Raw, bloody, and visually stunning, with a brilliant score by Yuvan Shankar Raja, it is directed by Selvaraghavan. Dhanush essayed one of his career-best performances, capturing the character's fear and eventual ruthlessness perfectly. Though it was average at the box office then, it is now a massive cult classic. 

11. Polladhavan (2007)

The movie marked the beginning of the iconic combination of Dhanush and director Vetrimaaran. A young man's life deteriorates when a gang of drug peddlers steals his much-loved bike. It was a raw, realistic thriller which broke the commercial format. Starring Divya Spandana and Daniel Balaji as the lead and villain, it was a sleeper hit that redefined Tamil action cinema.

12. Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram (2007)

The film is a remake of the Kannada hit Jogi. Village innocent Dhanush comes to the city in search of his mother and gets caught in the middle of a gang war. Suresh Krishna directed this venture, which lacked the emotion of its original and appeared disjointed. Dhanush, who was paired with Meera Jasmine, could not make the sentiments of a mother-son relationship click. The result was that the film turned out to be a major disappointment at the box office. 

13. Kuselan (2008)

Despite the heavy promotion, this is actually a Rajinikanth film in which Dhanush makes an appearance in a song sequence as himself. The P. Vasu-directed story speaks about the friendly relationship between a barber and a superstar. In this film, Dhanush only appears in the "Cinema Cinema" song for paying a tribute to his father-in-law. Not a full role for him, but his cameo definitely adds to the celebration of cinema in the movie as a whole.

14. Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008)

This is a beautiful family entertainer in which a jobless guy falls in love with a girl, loses her, and then ends up working for the girl's strict family in order to win everyone. Mithran Jawahar-directed, it is a remake of a Telugu hit. Dhanush shines as his character is very likable and soft. The comedies with Vivek and the emotional sequences with Raghuvaran make this a favorite for many. 

15. Padikkathavan (2009)

Dhanush plays a man who hasn't finished his education and is constantly insulted by his family, only to fall for a girl whose father is a dangerous don. This is a quintessential masala movie directed by Suraj, which relies a lot on comedy. The humor track with Vivek is legendary and often watched on YouTube today. It was a box office hit, proving Dhanush could pull off pure comedy effortlessly. 

16. Uthama Puthiran (2010)

A riotous comedy of errors where Dhanush, a happy-go-lucky guy, gets mixed up with a wealthy family and a kidnapping plot. Directed by Mithran Jawahar, it is a remake of a Telugu movie with an ensemble cast including Genelia D'Souza and Vivek. There are parts that work and make the confusion comedy a decent watch with your family. It did reasonably well as a holiday entertainer.

17. Kutty, 2010

A romantic drama in which a young man practices "one-sided love," refusing to let the girl know his feelings while protecting her from others. Directed by Mithran Jawahar, it’s a remake of the Telugu hit Arya. Dhanush plays the energetic and slightly eccentric lover boy opposite Shriya Saran. The movie received mixed reviews because the concept felt a bit repetitive, but it had decent music. 

18. Mayakkam Enna (2011)

A poignant drama dealing with the story of a wildlife photographer who gets betrayed in his professional field and slides into depression. The film is an intense drama by director Selvaraghavan, well supported by an excellent performance by Dhanush and Richa Gangopadhyay. The pain of failure and the strength needed to get up again is beautifully told in the movie, with haunting music by G.V. Prakash. Though not a box office blockbuster, it is enjoyed for its raw emotion. 

19. Venghai (2011)

Dhanush is shown as a disciplined son who is compelled to pick up a sickle to save his father, a respected village leader. Director Hari presented the film on the lines of the standard rural action template with fast cuts and loud music. Tamannaah and Rajkiran, with their presence, did not offer anything new that was seen in most of Hari's hits. An average grosser, the film didn't really add to his career. 

20. Mappillai (2011)

Dhanush is marrying into a rich family and, predictably enough, his mother-in-law is arrogant. The Suraj-directed film, with Hansika Motwani and Manisha Koirala in the cast, is a masala entertainer in colorful commercial packaging. Of course, the remake does not have the original's charm, but it worked on its summer release as comedy and by the merits of its star. 

21. Seedan (2011)

This is a remake of the Malayalam hit Nandanam, where Dhanush actually plays an extended cameo as a human form of Lord Murugan. He steps in to help a devout housemaid (Ananya) navigate her love life and struggles. Directed by Subramaniam Siva, it’s a gentle drama focused on faith and love. Dhanush's role is more of a supporting "god-figure" than a traditional lead. 

22. Aadukalam (2011)

Based in the rooster fighting world of Madurai, this is a raw story of betrayal and jealousy between a mentor and his student. By Vetrimaaran, this won six National Awards for Best Actor inclusive, to Dhanush. His acting as Karuppu is so natural in this film, which is considered one of the best in Tamil cinema. It has a perfect blend of local culture with a Shakespearean-level tragedy.

23. 3 (2012)

Helmed by his wife Aishwarya R. Dhanush, this film became global news because of its song "Why This Kolaveri Di." The story traces the romance of a couple from their school days to adulthood, till it takes a sudden dark turn into bipolar disorder. Dhanush's transition from a sweet lover to a mentally disturbed man is haunting. Though its second half was received controversially, the film stays in your memory for its music and lead performances. 

24. Naiyaandi (2013)

A rural comedy in which the owner of a lamp shop falls in love with a girl, but has to keep their romance a secret from his traditionally strict family. Helmed by A. Sarkunam, the film stars Nazriya Nazim as the female lead. This one leaned too much on slapstick humour and misunderstandings without really drawing genuine laughs. It's largely been regarded as a forgettable addition in his discography. 

25. Mariyaan (2013)

Based on a true story, Dhanush plays the role of a fisherman from Tamil Nadu who was kidnapped by Sudanese mercenaries while working in Africa. Directed by Bharat Bala, this is a visual masterpiece with music by A.R. Rahman. Dhanush's acting in those scenes where he is held captive is visceral and heartbreaking. It wasn't that big of a box office hit, but it is highly critically acclaimed for its survival drama elements. 

26. Raanjhanaa (2013)

Dhanush's Bollywood debut, where he plays a persistent lover in Varanasi who tracks a girl from another religion for several years. His infectious energy and tragic vulnerability captured the hearts of the nation with Aanand L. Rai at the helm of the film. The lead actress is Sonam Kapoor, and A.R. Rahman's music is nothing short of legendary. This movie was a massive hit and catapulted him as an instantly recognizable face in Hindi cinema. 

27. Ethir Neechal (2013) 

Dhanush produced this film, and he appears only in a cameo during a song. Still, it eminently belongs to the family of films bearing his brand. A guy with an embarrassing name strives desperately to prove himself worth it by attempting a marathon. Directed by Durai Senthilkumar, the film stars Sivakarthikeyan. Dhanush's soup boy dance in the item number was one of its major promotional highlights. 

28. Velaiilla Pattadhari (VIP) (2014) 

The ultimate anthem for jobless engineers. Dhanush plays the role of Raghuvaran, a civil engineer who refuses to do any random job and waits for his breakout while getting ridiculed by his family. The movie, directed by Velraj, hits just the right note between mass heroism and realistic middle-class struggle. It was a huge blockbuster and created an iconic character that even now shows relevance among youth. 

29. Thanga Magan (2015) 

Often referred to as "VIP 2" by fans before the actual sequel released, this film tells the story of a man's life before and after marriage. Dhanush plays a dutiful son trying to find out why his father committed suicide. Helmed by Velraj, it stars Samantha and Amy Jackson. The attempt at a family drama just doesn't have the punch that their previous outing had, and hence it ended up being an average grosser. 

30. Maari (2015) 

Dhanush is a local pigeon-racing don who is more stylish than scary. The movie, directed by Balaji Mohan, is all about swag and sunglasses and the viral "Senjiruven" dialogue. Kajal Aggarwal played the lead, while Robo Shankar took care of the comic relief. The story is very thin, but Dhanush's charismatic performance, along with Anirudh's background score, turned it into a profitable hit. 

31. Vai Raja Vai (2015) 

A thriller revolving around the life of a man possessing extrasensory perception, who gets trapped in the gambling world. The film, directed by Aishwarya R. Dhanush, features Gautham Karthik. Dhanush makes a stylish cameo appearance in the climax as the character "Kokki Kumar" in Pudhupettai. His short stint in the movie was very much appreciated by the audience and became the major talking point of the movie.  

32. Anegan (2015) 

A romantic thriller with events unfolding in four different time periods. Dhanush plays four different characters, all linked by love and a mystery involving his past life. Director K.V. Anand has presented this as a grand colourful entertainer with a hit song "Danga Maari." The storyline was complex, yet it was well handled. The audience loved seeing Dhanush on screen in multiple avatars. It was a commercial success. 

33. Shamitabh (2015) 

Dhanush's second Hindi film had him playing a mute aspiring actor who rises to become famous using the voice of a failed, alcoholic superstar, played by Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by R. Balki, the story is a battle of egos between the face and the voice. Dhanush holds his own against the inimitable Bachchan with an intense performance. The critically appreciated film did not set the box office on fire. 

34. Kodi (2016) 

A political thriller in which Dhanush plays dual roles: a calm teacher and his aggressive twin brother who is into politics. By Durai Senthilkumar, the movie is extraordinary considering the fact that the heroine (Trisha) herself is the main negative lead. The tussle between love and political ambition is handled exceptionally well. The film became a box-office success and received special appreciation for Trisha's bold character graph.  

35. Thodari (2016) 

The entire movie happens on a moving train. Dhanush plays a pantry worker who must save the passengers when the train runs out of control due to a hijack and technical failure. Director: Prabhu Solomon This film had a very poor VFX and logic defying screenplay. Though the setting was fresh, it was panned by the critics and didn't appeal at the box office. 

36. VIP 2 (2017) 

The sequel to his classic hit, directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth. The story of Raghuvaran, now a successful engineer, clashing with a corporate tycoon played by Kajol. The movie tries to recreate the magic of the first part but with much reliance on nostalgia. Made money owing to the brand value but was considered a lesser product compared to the original by a big margin.

37. Pa Paandi (2017) 

Dhanush's directorial debut is a heartwarming tale about an elderly stuntman who goes on a road trip to find his first love. He also plays the younger version of the protagonist in flashbacks. The film is sweet, mature, and filled with feel-good moments. It was a critical and commercial success, proving his skills behind the camera as well. 

38. Maari 2 (2018) 

The mischievous don is back, this time to face a villainous character who addresses himself as the "God of Death" (Tovino Thomas). Helmed by Balaji Mohan, the sequel deals more with friendship and emotion than the first part. Though the movie as a whole received mixed reviews, the song "Rowdy Baby" went on to become a global phenomenon, breaking records on YouTube for its choreography and energy. 

39. Vada Chennai (2018) 

A dense, multi-layered gangster saga set in North Chennai. Dhanush plays Anbu, a carrom player who unwittingly gets pulled into a war between rival gangs spanning decades. By Vetrimaaran, this is often cited as one of the greatest Tamil films ever made. The detailing, the ensemble cast, and the raw storytelling make it a modern classic. 

40. The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2018) 

Dhanush's maiden international English film, in which he plays a Mumbai street magician who goes in search of his missing father in Paris but ends up embarking on a wild adventure through Europe in a wardrobe. Whimsical and feel-good, directed by Ken Scott. Though the film didn't quite work in India, it performed well in France, proving his international appeal. 

41. Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2019) 

A sleek romantic thriller that had been in the making for years. Dhanush plays a regular guy, who falls in love with an actress played by Megha Akash, and gets pulled into a secret operation to save her. Visually sleek, Enai Noki Paayum Thotta has great songs, like "Maruvaarthai." Unfortunately, the delay just killed the hype, and the story felt dated upon release. 

42. Asuran (2019) 

A hard-hitting drama based on the novel Vekkai. Dhanush plays an aging father from a lower caste who is forced to flee into the forest to protect his son after a violent clash with a landlord. Directed by Vetrimaaran, the film explores land politics and caste oppression. It was a huge critical and commercial success, winning Dhanush a second National Award for Best Actor. It's no surprise that Asuran made its way into our team's ‘Best Tamil Movies of 2019’ list.

43. Pattas (2020) 

Dhanush has once again played dual roles-a stern father who is a master of some forgotten ancient martial art, Adimurai, and his fun-loving son. Helmed by Durai Senthilkumar, the movie was promoted as an attempt to showcase this forgotten martial art form. The fight sequences were choreographed nicely, but its plot was foreseeable. It was a decent festive entertainer and didn't leave much impact either.

44. Atrangi Re (2021) 

A Hindi romantic drama featuring Dhanush as a Tamil medical student who gets forced into marrying a girl, Sara Ali Khan, in love with an imaginary presence. Helmed by Aanand L. Rai, this movie deals in a different way with mental health and trauma. Dhanush received universal acclaim as the patient, loving husband, even if the logic of the film was questioned. 

45. Jagame Thandhiram (2021) 

Dhanush stars as Suruli, a Madurai gangster who gets recruited by a racist British crime lord to take down his rival. By Karthik Subbaraj, this film tries to mix gangster swag with a message about immigration politics. Having released directly on Netflix, it disappointed many fans as the screenplay seemed confused and didn't utilize Dhanush's potential fully. 

46. Karnan 2021 

A strong social drama is based on real-life incidents. Dhanush plays an angry young man in a village that is systematically oppressed by the police and bureaucracy. The visual metaphors (like the donkey and the horse) by director Mari Selvaraj, and the raw intensity of the climax, leave one stunned. It was a big hit and sparked much-needed conversations about social justice. 

47. Naane Varuvean (2022) 

A psychological horror thriller in which Dhanush plays the role of twin brothers, one of whom is a protective father, and the other is a psychopath. Told by Selvaraghavan, the movie has a very eerie atmosphere. The first half is taut with tension, the second half rushes into a conflict between the brothers. It’s a unique moody film that works much better for fans of the genre rather than the general audience. 

48. Thiruchitrambalam (2022) 

A refreshing return to the "boy-next-door" genre. Dhanush plays a delivery guy navigating a strained relationship with his father and a complicated love life. Directed by Mithran Jawahar, the film is simple, realistic, and heartwarming. The chemistry between Dhanush and Nithya Menen-who plays his best friend-is the soul of the movie. It became a surprise blockbuster. 

49. The Gray Man (2022) 

Dhanush is Avik San, aka The Lone Wolf, a deadly assassin paid to take out the character of Ryan Gosling. A Russo Brothers directorial for Netflix, this is a big-budget Hollywood actioner. His screen time is limited, but his fight scene is one of the highlights of the movie. He is a man of few words but high impact, thus introducing him to a massive audience across the globe. 

50. Maaran (2022) 

An investigative journalist unravels the misdoings of a corrupt politician and becomes a target in the process. Director: Karthick Naren The film went directly to Hotstar. It tries to be a stylistic thriller that falls flat with a weak script and uninspiring writing, being generally regarded as one of his more lackluster releases recently. 

51. Vaathi (2023) 

Released as Sir in Telugu, this is a story about a junior lecturer who fights against the privatization of education to help government school kids pass their examinations. The film is by Venky Atluri and is a message-oriented commercial film. The plot is formulaic, but Dhanush's earnest performance carries the movie for its box office success in both Tamil and Telugu. 

52. Captain Miller (2024) 

A high-octane period action film set in pre-independence India. Dhanush plays a former British soldier who turns rebel after witnessing atrocities. The film by Arun Matheswaran is violent, loud, and a visual spectacle. It is a story of freedom and dignity with extra loads of gunfights and Dhanush in a rugged avatar. The technical value and action blocks of the movie received accolades. director Vetrimaaran​