Kollywood Actor Suriya Movies of All Time

A Quick Intro About Suriya

Suriya is among the few stars in Tamil cinema who bridges the gap between high-octane commercial entertainers and deep, character-driven dramas with effortless ease. From the raw intensity of Nandha to the experimental brilliance of 24, he has built a career defined by sheer dedication and constant reinvention. Be it his cult classics or his latest blockbusters, this list tracks the evolution of a true performer. Here is the complete filmography of Suriya and the stories behind his biggest hits.

List of All Movies by Actor Suriya

1. Retro (2024)

A stylised, period gangster drama directed by Karthik Subbaraj, mostly set between the 70s–90s in coastal Tamil Nadu and later on a far‑flung island. Suriya plays Paarivel “Paari” Kannan, an orphan‑turned‑henchman who tries to abandon a life of smuggling and violence after falling in love, only to see his wedding destroyed and his bride vanish. Years later, he tracks her to a remote island ruled by feudal oppressors, where his personal hunt collides with the villagers’ fight for freedom and an old don’s thirst for revenge, forcing him into a final, bloody uprising. 

2. Kanguva (2024)

A big-screen spectacle directed by Siva, jumping between a raw, tribal past and a high-tech present. Suriya plays dual roles, including that of a fierce warrior, as the plot attempts to connect some ancient promise to a modern mystery. It's loud and grand, has Bobby Deol as the villain, and is aspiring to a "pan-Indian" scale with extensive visual effects. 

4. Vikram (2022) (Cameo)

Suriya appears only in the last few minutes, but he arguably creates the biggest impact as the terrifying drug lord, Rolex. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this cameo connects the movie to a larger "Cinematic Universe" involving Kamal Haasan and Karthi. He plays a cold, ruthless villain, setting the stage for a massive showdown in future sequels. 

5. Etharkkum Thunindhavan (2022)

This is a rural entertainer from director Pandiraj, featuring Suriya as a lawyer who decides to take the law into his hands to save women from a blackmailing ring. Family sentiment is mixed with heavy action as the hero is portrayed as a protector of his village's honor. The film tries to deliver a strong social message about women's safety wrapped in a commercial package. 

6. Jai Bhim (2021)

Based on a real case fought by Justice Chandru, Suriya plays the lawyer fighting for a tribal woman whose husband goes missing in police custody. It’s a raw, hard-hitting film directed by T.J. Gnanavel that exposes police brutality and systemic caste bias. Taking a backseat, Suriya allows the story of the victims to shine, probably one of the most critically acclaimed films of his career. 

7. Soorarai Pottru (2020)

This is an underdog story of a man who dreams of opening a low-cost airline, so that flying becomes affordable to anyone. Directed by Sudha Kongara, from the life of Captain G.R. Gopinath, the hero of this film constantly faces rejection and sabotage. The chemistry between Suriya and Aparna Balamurali is fantastic, which justifies this ambitious dream on real and messy emotions. 

Its sharp writing and fearless filmmaking ensured #1 spot on our 10 Brilliant Tamil Films from 2020 You Should Stream Right Now.

8. Kaappaan (2019)

Suriya plays an SPG officer tasked with guarding the Prime Minister, played by Mohanlal. The story, directed by K.V. Anand, turns complex with bio-warfare threats involving locusts and a mole in the department. It is an action-heavy film where the hero has to go rogue to clear his name and save the country. 

9. NGK (2019)

This is a movie by the eccentric Selvaraghavan about an educated organic farmer who enters politics to clean up the system but gets consumed by it. The film shows, psychologically, how power takes a toll on Suriya's character until he slowly becomes manipulative and unhinged-a darker, complex look at the usual "hero enters into politics" trope.

10. Singam 3 (2017)

The third installment in the blockbuster franchise cop series by Hari sees Duraisingam moving to a new state to solve the murder of a commissioner. It is incredibly fast-paced, loud, and features Suriya shouting punchlines while chasing international criminals. The movie is all about the "mass" factor, pitching the unstoppable cop against an Australian villain. 

11. 24 (2016)

A genius sci-fi thriller by Vikram Kumar, with Suriya essaying three different roles: a scientist, a watch mechanic, and the evil villain Athreya. The plot is built upon a watch that can control time, and there is an intellectual game of cat-and-mouse throughout. The villain role of Athreya is considered by many as one of his best performances for his menacing charisma. 

12. Pasanga 2 (2015) (Cameo)

Suriya plays an extended cameo as a child psychiatrist who helps parents understand their kids better, especially those who have ADHD. Director Pandiraj has made sure that the film is actually about the kids, while Suriya and Amala Paul are the cool, understanding couple. It’s a message-oriented film designed to educate parents rather than entertain with action.

13. Masss (2015)

A Venkat Prabhu entertainer where a conman gets involved in an accident and acquires the ability to see ghosts. He starts a business of finishing the last wishes of ghosts for money, but gets serious when he encounters a ghost related to his past. Horror, comedy, and revenge all combine in this to offer Suriya a chance to play a fun, street-smart character. 

14. Singam 2 (2013)

Duraisingam returns, this time going undercover as an NCC master in a school to track the movement of illegal arms. The action scales up from a village under Hari's direction to international waters with African drug lords thrown in. Relentless and aggressive, it cements the character of Singam as an iconic Tamil cinema cop.

15. 7aum Arivu (2011)

A student in genetic engineering tries to revive the skills of the ancient monk Bodhidharma in his descendant, played by Suriya, to stop a biological war. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the film mixes historical martial arts with modern sci-fi concepts. It's ambitious and focuses heavily on the idea that we have forgotten our ancient history and strengths. 

16. Ghajini (2005)

A wealthy businessman is affected by short-term memory loss after being attacked and uses tattoos and photos to hunt for his girlfriend's murderers. helmed by A.R. Murugadoss, this film became a huge cult classic owing to its unique story and Suriya's intense physical transformation. A tragic love story enveloped in a brutal revenge thriller. 

17. Kaakha Kaakha (2003)

This Gautham Menon classic redefined cop movies in Tamil cinema, with Suriya as a stylish, encounter specialist police officer. He falls in love with a school teacher and his job invites a ruthless gangster to target his personal life. It's gritty, realistic, and tragic. The crackling chemistry between Suriya and Jyothika is something people still rave about. 

18. Nandha (2001)

A silent drama by Bala about a young man who returns from juvenile prison for having killed his abusive father in order to save his mother. He struggles to readjust to normal society, and to regain his mother's acceptance, but is instead drawn into a local political struggle. This was a breakthrough role for Suriya, whose performance showed he was capable of such an intense performance with very little dialogue. 

19. Friends (2001)

A story of three best friends whose friendship is put through misunderstandings and a romance hidden from the others. Suriya stars alongside Vijay as the committed friend who keeps trying to hold the group together amidst all the chaos. It's an emotional drama, though it's mainly famous today because of the hilarious comedy track involving the contractor and the painters. 

20. Pithamagan (2003)

This Bala directed film teams up Suriya with Vikram, in which Suriya plays a conman with a motor mouth who befriends a socially shunned graveyard caretaker. His energetic and funny performance perfectly balances the dark and heavy tone of the film. Of course, it ends in tragedy, but that unique friendship is the soul of the story. 

Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004)

Mani Ratnam intertwines three different stories around a bridge accident, featuring Suriya as a student leader who wants to clean up politics. He represents the angry, educated youth believing in taking action instead of complaining. The non-linear storytelling and clash of ideologies between the characters make it a cult favorite. 

Ayan 2009

Plot: A fast-paced thriller in which Suriya plays a brilliant, educated man who chooses to work as a mule for a smuggler. Directed by K.V. Anand, it's packed with clever tricks on how they bypass customs and deal with rivals in the trade. The movie is pure entertainment, racing quickly between countries, and is one of Suriya's biggest commercial hits. 

Vaaranam Aayiram (2008)

A heartwarming visual diary by director Gautham Menon, where a son reminisces about his father's influence on his life. Suriya plays the dual role of son and father and has undergone a massive physical transformation from a teenager to a soldier to an old man. It is a heart-wrenching tribute to fatherhood, love, and how to cope with loss. 

Aadhavan (2009)

 Suriya plays a professional hitman who misses his target and then infiltrates the target's family house as a servant to finish the job. The film, directed by K.S. Ravikumar, turns into a comedy of errors as he starts bonding with the family he's supposed to kill. It's a rare negative-turned-comedy role for him, aimed at family audiences. 

Rakta Charitra (2010)

The film by Ram Gopal Varma is based on true factional wars in Andhra Pradesh. Suriya stars in this raw saga as a man who wants revenge for his family's sake. Its extremely violent and extreme, with Suriya using his eyes to convey pure wrath instead of the dialogues. This film gave the Telugu and Hindi world an introduction to him as a serious actor. 

26. Anjaan (2014)

A slick gangster flick set in Mumbai, this is about a handicapped man who comes to the city in search of his missing brother, a dreaded don. Directed by Lingusamy, it relied heavily on slow-motion shots, punch lines, and the "mass" appeal of the hero. However, the movie was eminently forgettable except for its chart-busting songs and stylish clothes. 

27. Maattrraan (2012)

An ambitious script by K.V. Anand features conjoined twins, one shy and one outgoing, who share a heart. When one twin dies, the other has to survive with the shared heart and solve the mystery behind the murder and corporate corruption. The visual effects employed to portray the twins were something new in Tamil cinema upon release. 

28. Avan Ivan (2011)

A quirky Bala film about two half-brothers with Suriya making a fun guest appearance as himself judging a talent show. The main story is about the brothers' relationship and their attempts to please the local zamindar. Suriya's cameo adds a bit of star power to the climax of this otherwise raw and rustic drama. 

29. Perazhagan (2004) 

Suriya plays a dual role-a handsome aggressive youth and a hunchback with a heart of gold. The character Chinna, the hunchback, is widely loved for his humor and emotional depth since he searches for love despite his appearance. The movie is a touching drama that weaves the dual storylines until they cross each other. 

Maayavi (2005) 

Light-hearted comedy of a tour guide who kidnaps a famous actress to save himself, but they end up as friends. The movie is a bit farcical, directed by Singampuli, with quite a few humorous scenes between Suriya and the comedian Vadivelu. Its genre is Fantasy/Comedy, and it's just a small, fun movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. 

June R (2005) 

Primarily a story about a woman named June and her relationship with her adopted brother, wherein Suriya plays a wealthy suitor who loves her. He isn't the central character but plays the supportive "green flag" boyfriend who helps her through emotional turmoil. It's a tear-jerker that focuses on non-biological family bonds. 

Aaru (2005) 

Plot: A loud, fast-paced gangster movie directed by Hari in which Suriya plays the role of a henchman who gets betrayed by his own boss. He survives the betrayal and turns back to dismantle his boss's empire with brutal efficiency. It is full of Chennai slang, sickle-wielding action, and aggressive confrontations.

33. Vel (2007)

Yet another Hari film about separated-at-birth twins, one growing up as a city investigator and the other as a village heavy. They interchange identities to resolve a family crisis, with a mixed bag of city and village action sequences following. A classic family entertainer that tries to appeal to all centres, brotherly sentiment is the core. 

34. Kuselan (2008) 

A film about the bond between a barber and a superstar, where Suriya appears as himself in a song and a few scenes to honor the film industry. He pays tribute to the lead actor Rajinikanth within the movie's meta-narrative. His role is short but adds to the celebration of cinema that the movie portrays. 

35. Manmadhan Ambu (2010) 

A Kamal Haasan comedy on a cruise with the involvement of a detective and a jealous fiancé. Suriya makes a quick guest appearance in a song, dancing alongside the legends. It’s just a friendly cameo that adds a bit of surprise for the audience. 

36. The Ghazi Attack (2017) 

An underwater war thriller about an Indian submarine intercepting a Pakistani vessel in 1971. Suriya doesn't appear on screen but provides the intense voice-over narration in the Tamil version, setting the historical context. It is a serious and claustrophobic film as it entirely focuses on the tactical warfare beneath the sea. 

37. Kootathil Oruthan (2017) 

Plot: A story about an average "middle-bencher" who feels that the world doesn't seem to notice him. Suriya appears in a cameo at the end to validate the lead's journey, more or less saying that it is fine being average. It's a small but sweet cameo that also elevates the film's feel-good message.

38. Thaanaa Serndha Koottam (2018) 

A heist comedy by Vignesh Shivan, inspired by the real-life Opera House heist and the movie Special 26, features Suriya as the leader of a group of normal citizens who masquerade as CBI and IT officers to raid corrupt politicians. The movie is colorful and set in the 80s, with more emphasis on humor and wits than physical fighting. 

39. Kadaikutty Singam (2018) 

A rural family drama featuring Suriya's brother Karthi, dealing with the importance of farming and joint families. Suriya produces the film and is seen in a guest appearance right towards the end as himself, driving a car. It’s a nice meta-moment showing the real-life bond between the brothers. 

40. Navarasa (2021) 

An anthology film exploring nine emotions, Suriya stars in the segment Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru directed by Gautham Menon. He plays a musician who feels an instant, intense connection with a girl. It's an artistic, musical short that focuses purely on the chemistry and vibe of falling in love. 

41. Nerukku Ner (1997) 

Suriya's first film, produced by Mani Ratnam, in which he co-stars with Vijay. The plot involves two men caught in the crossfire of their siblings' divorce and family feud. It’s a raw city drama that showed Suriya as a fresh face learning the ropes alongside an already rising Vijay. 

42. Kaadhale Nimmadhi (1998) 

The movie is a romantic drama where Suriya plays the supportive brother who helps his sister and her lover unite against their strict family. It's a typical 90's sentiment film wherein he plays the role of the "good guy" who is ready to sacrifice his safety in the way of love. He wasn't the main hero, but his role was pivotal to the emotional climax. 

43. Periyanna (1999) 

Suriya plays a young man who marries for love and hides in a village under the protection of a chief played by Vijayakanth. The movie acts as a bridge between the veteran star Vijayakanth and the newcomer Suriya. It’s a village sentiment movie where Suriya handles the romance while Vijayakanth handles the action.

44. Poovellam Kettuppar (1999) 

The first film to pair real-life couple Suriya and Jyothika, where they play children of business rivals. They pretend to be employees in each other's companies to win over the parents and unite the families. It’s a sweet, musical love story that is cherished by fans for the obvious chemistry between the leads. 

45. Uyirile Kalanthathu (2000) 

A heavy family drama with Suriya playing the youngest son who is constantly misunderstood by his father and brothers. At one point, he gets framed for a crime and must prove his innocence and win back trust from his family. Emotional tear-jerker about craving for parental validation. 

46. Unnai Ninaithu (2002) 

A Vikraman film starring Suriya as a lodge receptionist who loves a girl, faces rejection, yet helps her when she's in distress. The ultimate "nice guy" movie, with all its selfless love sans ego. The comedy track is a legend in the lodge, and the film remains a favorite for its clean, family-friendly narrative. 

47. Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002) 

Unique romance, wherein the protagonist is a cynic and despises the concept of romance, ends up falling in love with a girl he rarely speaks to. Stylish and quiet, directed by Ameer, the film depends on looks and silence more than dialogues. The feel was cool and cult and very different from the loud romances that were happening that time. 

48. Shree (2005) 

Suriya plays a rowdy who tries to go straight but is pulled back into violence by his gang and family history. It's an action-heavy film that tries to balance sentiment with gang wars. The movie didn't do well, but it showed Suriya attempting a rugged, anti-hero look. 

49. Chennaiyil Oru Naal (2013) 

A thriller based on a real incident where a heart has to be transported across Chennai traffic for a transplant. Suriya appears in the role of a movie star who steps in to help coordinate the traffic police and public in this endeavor. This is a fast-paced, multi-narrative film with a strong social message about organ donation.  

50. Ninaithathu Yaaro (2013) 

A film about a director and an assistant with plenty of guest appearances from the industry. Suriya makes a brief appearance as himself to add some glamour to the proceedings. It’s a small film that needs these guest appearances to gain attention. 

51. Rakhta Charitra 2 (2010) 

A violent conclusion to the political saga, all in the perspective of Suriya’s character, Surya, and the road of vengeance he walks. Bloody, full of intensity, with a raw performance having been stripped off his glamour, into pure aggression. The futility of violence in faction politics is what this film has to tell. 

52. Ponmagal Vandhal (2020) 

This is a courtroom drama produced by Suriya for his wife Jyothika, who is playing the role of a lawyer reopening a cold case. Suriya is not a part of this film, but his production house had backed this strong, woman-centric film about child safety. It's tense, a legal thriller filled with emotional twists.

53. Jillunu Oru Kadhal (2006) 

Wife accidentally gets her husband's old diary, which narrates an intense love story of his college days. Suriya is acting in two phases: one as a fun-loving college student and another as a mature married man. A classic love triangle with great music and the plot of how a past love can affect a happy marriage.