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10 Best Underrated Tamil Movies To Watch Right Now In 2025

 
'96

The Tamil film industry is known for its rich emotional palette and story telling which is second to none. Some of the biggest hits get the attention they deserve, but there are also many hidden gems in the Tamil romantic films, which do an excellent job at portraying love in all its forms, joy, pain, hope, and wistfulness. These films cross beyond the barriers of language, which is proof that love in itself has a universal voice. For those looking for a wide range of emotions from laughter to tears to inspiration, here are ten lesser-known Tamil romantic films you should put on your watch list in 2025.

1. Love Story

A soulful look at love, which is at once beautiful and painful as it is caught between social barriers. We see the story of a Christian Zumba instructor who has fallen for a high-caste Hindu girl, and together they struggle against the caste divide that keeps them apart. Naga Chaitanya gives in to great performance in what is very much an emotional film.

Love Story

2. Mara

Starring R. Madhavan, Maara is a visual poem of a story that talks of a woman who comes across a painting that is of a childhood fairy tale. She sets out to find the artist, which in turn takes her on a journey of love and self-discovery. With excellent cinematography and music, this film redefines modern romance in Tamil cinema.

3. Seven Days Colorful Colony

A cult favorite that still speaks to many, 7G Rainbow Colony tells the story of a young man’s infatuation with his neighbor. His awkward yet true attempts at winning her over are the focus of this very emotional story. The film’s honest take on love and loss makes it a classic.

4. '96

A wistful classic which brings back the past for two ex-classmates in '96. Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha do great work to bring out the emotion in what is a very moving tribute to first love and memories that don’t fade.

5. Sillai Karuppu

An anthology of four love stories that range in age group and background, in Sillu Karupatti, love is what we see in all of its forms, from that of innocence to that of maturity. If you were a fan of Modern Love Hyderabad, this Tamil version is a must-see for you.

6. Kamali of Nadukkaveri

In between romance and inspiration, Kamali from Nadukkaveri tells the story of a young girl from the outskirts who aspires to study in a premier institution. Also in the course of her academic growth, we see a sweet love story, which in turn motivates the audience to go after their dreams no matter what.

7. Taramanai

Taramani breaks the mold as it looks at the issues of modern relationships. We are introduced to Prabhu, a traditional guy, and Althea, a single parent who is a liberal thinker. In their love story, we see how they are brought together and torn apart by their divergent world views.

8. Merku Range of Mountains

In a rural setting, which is the stage for this very personal drama, we see the story of a laborer’s dream to own land, which plays out in the end up to be a struggle. Also, we see in the mix his love story, which brings a very human element to the work, which in the end proves to be a must-watch piece that has also received an impressive IMDb rating of 8.0.

O Kadhal Kanmani

9. O Kadhal Kanmani

Mani Ratnam’s contemporary romantic masterpiece, which presents a young couple who prefer a live-in arrangement over marriage. Their story, which plays out in today's fast-paced world, presents what it is like to love in this time, and which, at the same time, is very relevant and refreshing.

10. Bachelor

A look at present-day relationships and breakups, which is what The Bachelor is about. We see a couple in a live-in relationship that breaks down due to miscommunication and issues of ego. Their stormy romance, which plays out in the court, also includes humor, heartbreak, and what we learn about love.

From classic love stories to modern romantic tales that have flown under the radar, these Tamil films are what you’ll turn to in 2025 if you’re after deep emotional stories. Love breaks barriers as these films do so beautifully.