‘I am no one special. Just a common man with common thoughts. I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but in one respect I’ve succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul and for me that has always been enough.‘ – The Notebook (2004)
There are few films we consider romantic. This is a list of the 10 best Tamil romantic films from 1990 to 2015. These are films that made you feel for the characters and their love for each other. Classic love stories that have touched people in one way or another.
Shakthi – “Why you took so many days to find me?”
Karthik – “I can’t be separated from you. I can’t live without you. Shakthi, I love you.”
Shakthi – “Can you do anything for me?”
Karthik – “What? Will you ask me to jump from train?”
Shakthi – “No… Marry me”
1. Maniratnam’s Alaipayuthey
“It is all like magic. A soulful movie with pure romance, indeed one of the best romantic movies ever made. A film that is beautifully crafted with moments, dialogues, and images that will stay with you long after the end title. It makes you love the characters, their relationship, and just everything about it. This is a textbook example of how to make a romantic movie.” – P.S. Arjun
2. Maniratnam’s Roja
“The pinnacle of romantic films. You would have to have a heart of stone not to fall in love with the soundtracks, visuals, and characters of this film. It’s amazing how very few movies get it just right.” – P.S. Arjun
3. Gautham Menon’s Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya
“The absolute beauty of this movie lies in its perfection as a simple love story. Two young lives suddenly thrown together in the midst of reality. You will feel as if you’re a part of the movie, be able to relate to them, and love the feeling it gives.” – P.S. Arjun
4. Gautham Menon’s Minnale
‘This is a film that I have watched repeatedly and will continue to watch with joy. It also reminds us of what its like to fall in love.’ – Surabhi Krishna
5. Ameer Sultan’s Paruththiveeran
“This is more like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is violent, romantic, and sad. I don’t want to talk any more about Paruththiveeran and Muththazhagu; I highly recommend you see it as soon as possible. An eye-catching, starkly bold, and breathtaking film.” – P.S. Arjun
6. Gautham Menon’s Vaaranam Aayiram
‘Like a flower, that grew by the seeds of life, this film grows slowly inside us, while watching.’ – Surabhi Krishna
7. Balaji Shakthivel’s Kadhal
‘What is so compelling about this film is that it defies convention. Breathtaking romantic honesty. This film will make you cry, it will really bring a tear to your eye!. It was lovely to see a film like this once in a while. A movie with a different track. ‘ – Surabhi Krishna
8. Agathiyan’s Kadhal Kottai
‘I felt so amazingly touched and brought to tears watching this. You would have seen Lunch Box! Kadhal Kottai is the Lunch Box of 90s. This film put me in one of the best moods I have ever felt watching a film!’ – Surabhi Krishna
9. SJ Suriya’s Kushi
‘The beauty is the simplicity of magnificent human emotion. The story isn’t unique but it is presented in a way that makes you feel as though you’re watching something fresh. This movie is so cute and I have seen it about a million times ‘ – Surabhi Krishna
10. Gautham Menon’s Neethaane En Ponvasantham
‘A beautiful movie about two people finding each other. It has everything: love, romance, sorrow, and happiness. This is a perfect little film, and I hope it gets more recognition as the years go by.’ – P.S. Arjun
The list of good romantic movies in Tamil does not ends here. Kadhalukku Mariyathai is another must watch so are Unnale Unnale, Idhayam, Kadhal Desam, Kandukondain Kondukondain, Minsara Kanavu and Thullatha Manamum Thullum.
– by Surabhi Krishna and P.S. Arjun
Vaaranam aayiram is the real lovestory