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FlixFeaturing hard-hitting stories of young girls and women negotiating patriarchal power structures to college students questioning authority with memes, these web series make for a refreshing watch.Screenshot/Zee5Away from conventional television soap operas and mainstream Kollywood films, Tamil filmmakers are increasingly turning to the internet to explore nuanced plotlines and compelling narratives. From hard-hitting stories of young girls and women negotiating patriarchal power structures to college students questioning authority with memes, here are five refreshing Tamil web series you can watch on Ott platforms. Ayali (2023) In a village which believes that a goddess will curse girls who aren’t married off as soon as they get their first period, Tamil (played by Abi Natchatra) is a young girl who aspires to become a doctor. Written and directed by Muthukumar, Ayali explores the regressive idealisations of gender, outlining a realistic depiction of patriarchy that strips girls and women of their power,...

‘Gunehgaar’, ‘The Fame Game’, ‘Mithya’, ‘Suzhal: The Vortex’ and ‘Delhi Crime-2’ were some of the most engrossing slow-burners of the year. Long format, procedural as well dramatic shows and teleplays added to the diverse viewing experience of audiences on the small screen in 2022. They brought along with them ample thrills, chills, and psychological intrigue. Here is our pick of the best, immersive entertainers from this lot.

The Fame Game

You may argue that the series that heralded Madhuri Dixit Nene in the Ott space frittered away its potential at the end but a second season may just redeem it. Yet, for the most part, this show was a perfect blend of drama, emotional heft, mystery, psychological layers, and histrionics with Dixit demonstrating why she is still considered one of the best actors to grace the silver screen. A moving performance by Manav Kaul, strong turns by Sanjay Kapoor, Suhasini Mulay,...

Amazon Prime Video India has set its first Tamil-language long-form scripted original series, “Suzhal – The Vortex,” written and created by Pushkar and Gayatri (“Vikram Vedha”).

The eight-part crime thriller revolves around the investigation of a missing girl that wreaks havoc and disrupts the fabric of a small town in South India. It is produced by Wallwatcher Films and directed by Bramma and Anucharan M. The cast includes Kathir (“Pariyerum Perumal”), Aishwarya Rajesh (“Kanaa”) and Sriya Reddy (“Sometimes”) alongside veteran Radhakrishnan Parthiban (“Single Slipper Size – 7”).

Amazon had debuted in Tamil-language original commissions with anthology “Putham Pudhu Kaalai” (2020).

“Suzhal – The Vortex” was launched at the ongoing International Indian Film Academy Awards (Iifa) Weekend at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, by Aparna Purohit, head of India originals, Amazon Prime Video, the creators, directors and lead cast. It will be available for streaming from June 17.

Purohit said: “When you have a nuanced, suspenseful thriller with a strong emotional core,...

The theatrical rights of director Anucharan Murugaiyan’s upcoming comedy caper ‘Panni Kutty’, featuring comedians Yogi Babu and Karunakaran in the lead, for the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have been acquired by Dr Prabhu Thilak’s 11:11 productions. Lyca Productions, which produced the film, took to Twitter on Thursday to make the announcement. The […]...

Kirumi

Written by Anucharan Murugaiyan & M. Manikandan

Directed by Anucharan Murugaiyan

India, 2015

Director Anucharan Murugaiyan’s feature debut, Kirumi, is a gritty crime/thriller that explores a selfish young man’s attempts to outmaneuver crime and corruption on the streets of Chennai’s. Murugaiyan and co-screenwriter M. Manikandan have come together to produce a solid script that sets the stage for the film’s examination of a modern day anti-hero. Those with an appreciation of gangster flicks, crime films, and even coming of age movies will find a lot to enjoy in Kirumi.

Kirumi is the story of a young man named Kathir (played by Kathir) who lives in the city of Chennai. Kathir is a selfish ne’er-do-well that spends his days shirking his responsibilities in favour of plotting get rich quick schemes. Kathir is smarter than most of the people around him, but his lack of humility often overshadows his brains,...