Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Birthday: 5 must-watch movies on OTT by director that prove his versatility

Gautham Vasudev Menon is without a doubt a versatile figure in the realm of South Indian cinema. Apart from being an exceptional director, he is also an actor, scriptwriter, and producer. This upcoming February 25th, as Menon turns 52, TopMob has put together a list of 5 essential films directed by him for your viewing pleasure.

5 must watch films of Gautham Vasudev Menon

1. Minnale

Cast: R. Madhavan, Reema Sen, Abbas, Nagesh, Vivek
Where to watch: ManoramaMAX

Gautham Vasudev Menon couldn’t have hoped for a more promising first film than “Minnale,” starring R. Madhavan and Reema Sen, which is a captivating romantic drama. The movie narrates a heartwarming love tale centered around Rajesh, who encounters Reena on a stormy night after being struck by lightning. As the story unfolds, it develops into a complex love triangle involving Rajesh, Reena, and Rajesh’s college rival, Rajiv Samuel. “Minnale” is frequently recognized as one of the finest romantic films produced in the 2000s.

2. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu

Cast: Kamal Haasan, Jyothika, Lev Gorn, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Daniel Balaji, Prakash Raj
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

In Gautham Vasudev Menon‘s filmography, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu comes as the second police film following Kaakha Kaakha in 2003. This movie focuses primarily on Raghavan, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who assists his military friend in investigating the brutal murder of his daughter. The probe unexpectedly takes Raghavan to the United States, where romantic undertones also unfold. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu offers an exhilarating mix of action and suspense that promises to keep viewers gripped throughout.

3. Vaaranam Aayiram

Cast: Suriya, Simran, Sameera Reddy, Divya Spandana, Deepa Narendran
Where to watch: Sun NXT

Without a doubt, among Gautham Vasudev Menon‘s impressive collection of films, “Vaaranam Aayiram” stands out as the most acclaimed. This film is a semi-autobiographical exploration of the complex bond between a father and son, with a Major’s reminiscences about his father unfolding after learning of his demise. The narrative weaves through themes such as romance, politics, and personal struggles, while highlighting the unwavering support a father provides to his son in times of need.

Beyond the movie itself, the soundtrack composed by Harris Jayaraj has garnered immense popularity and has even achieved cult status over time. Interestingly, GVM himself has confessed that “Vaaranam Aayiram” is a tribute to his own father.

4. Yennai Arindhaal

Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arun Vijay, Anushka Shetty, Vivek, Anikha Surendran
Where to watch: JioHotstar

Yennai Arindhaal is frequently recognized as one of Ajith Kumar’s finest acting roles. This movie centers around IPS Satyadev, who endeavors to dismantle a criminal organization involved in organ theft. He had previously left the police force due to personal conflicts, but was subsequently reinstated to take down the organ trafficking network. Similar to other films by GVM, it also features a romantic subplot, which is portrayed quite poetically. The film has earned a cult following among audiences globally.

5. Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu: Part 1 – The Kindling

Cast: Silambarasan TR, Siddhi Idani, Radhika Sarathkumar, Neeraj Madhav
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

As an ardent enthusiast, let me share my take on “Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu”: This neo-noir crime drama unfolds with Silambarasan in the leading role, portraying Muthu. The narrative delves into Muthu’s relentless pursuit to earn for his family, which unfortunately leads him down a dangerous path in Mumbai’s criminal underworld. As events transpire, Muthu finds himself deeply enmeshed within the crime world, eventually rising to become a don’s right-hand man. The intricate web of crime, deceit, and revenge that Muthu navigates forms the heart of this gripping tale.

2025-02-25 18:07

5 must watch films of Gautham Vasudev Menon

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