2025 had been a truly remarkable year for the Tamil industry, widely known as Kollywood. It witnessed a combination of record-breaking box office hits, fresh talents, new genre films, and a pan-Indian audience, showing strong performances in Singapore, UAE, Malaysia, the USA, and Europe.
From Rajnikanth’s Coolie to Ajith’s Good Bad Ugly, here is the list of the top 10 movies (ranked through IMDb) that smashed big openings, becoming the reason why 2025 will go down as one of the greatest years in Tamil cinema.
10. Maaman (₹41.15 crore)
Directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj, Maaman is a small-budget movie that slowly gained its audience. This is a comedy drama starring Raj Kiran, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Swasika Vijay in the lead roles. The movie was wrapped up under ₹10 crores but pulled in over ₹41 crores worldwide, earning a solid “Blockbuster” verdict on IMDb.
The story revolves around an Uncle and his nephew who try to navigate family misunderstandings while learning life lessons. The relatable humor and emotional dialogues felt highly relatable to the audience.
9. Thalaivan Thalaivii — ₹85.40 crore
The strong script, political drama and powerful performances helped Thalaivan Thalaivii climb the charts. Helmed by director R.K Selvamani, this romantic-action starring Vijay Sethupati and Nayanthara collected more than Rs. 85 crore worldwide.
Released on a relatively mid-range budget, the story of the movie revolves around two lovers whose relationship is challenged through political rival, drama and unexpected challenges.
8. Tourist Family — ₹86.25 crore
Tourist family stood as one of the year’s most heartwarming success stories. The movie directed by Abishan Jeevinth is an emotional drama starring Prabhu Deva and Amala Paul. Produced in a low budget of 7 crore, became a massive success in the box office collecting around Rs 86 crore.
The most profitable movie in 2025 follows the story of a Tamil family from Sri Lanka who goes through hardships, cultural adjustment and finally learns the value of hope.
7. Retro (₹97.35 crore)
Helmed by Karthik Subbaraj, Retro is a story of a boy named Paari who is raised by a criminal father. He leaves his adoptive family in search of a peaceful life with his love but his past keeps haunting him.
The film features Suriya, Pooja Hegde and Shriya Saran in the lead roles. With a budget of approximately ₹ 65 crore, the movie earned a worldwide collection of ₹ 97.35 crore. The successful hit is rated as ‘Below average’ on IMDb.
6. Madharasi — ₹99.12 crore
The gritty action-thriler directed by Ashok Kumar, the film features Vikram, Nayanthara, and Samyuktha Hegde. It surpassed 98.75 crore in the box office earning a strong commercial attraction. However, the budget of the movie is not disclosed publically.
The story revolves around a man who confronts a powerful criminal empire. He balnaces his moral dilemmas with powerful sacrifices.
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5. Dude — ₹113.25 crore
Directed by Keerthiswaran, Dude is a youthful romantic comedy drama on a budget of 35 crore. The movie stars Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju that became a great hit collecting 113.98 crore worldwide.
The film is based on a group of friends navigating through their love life, career and personal identity. The film portrays emotional situations with a pinch of humor that shape their journey.
4. VidaaMuyarchi — ₹135.65 crore
Helmed by Vikraman, Vidaamuyarchi is an action thriller starring Simbu and Keerthy Suresh. The high-budget movie collected over 135.89 crore worldwide which was quite less than their investment and that is why it was labelled as a flop movie on the list of IMDb.
The story follows a vigilante who fights systemic corruption, bringing daring action sequences in his mission of justice.
3. Dragon — ₹150.50 crore
This movie was one of the most impressive performers of 2025 under the direction of Ashwath Marimuth. Dragon is an action-drama, starring Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajesh. It received a blockbuster verdict with an estimated earnings of Rs. 150.50 crore worldwide.
The filmm follows the story a young boy who is drawn into a dangerous game of deception and must succeed in order to survive.
2. Good Bad Ugly — ₹248.25 crore
Ajith’s stylish mass entertainer roared at the box office with a huge ₹248.25 crore worldwide gross. The movie is directed by Adhik Ravichandran, starring Ajith Kumar and Trisha Krishnan. The high-budget movie grossed Rs. 248.25 crore in the theatres.
Still, it was one of the biggest theatrical events of 2025, with a massive opening and packed weekend shows. The story revolves around a famous gangster who returns to his past world in order to protect his family.
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1. Coolie — ₹501–518 crore (HIGHEST-GROSSING TAMIL FILM OF 2025)
Rajinikanth once again proved why he is the biggest box-office force in Tamil cinema.
Coolie not only dominated Tamil Nadu but also collected unmatched worldwide gross. The movie earned more than 500 crore which is highest among the film released in 2025.
The story follows Deva, a former coolie who confronts powerful criminal to seek justice for the mysterious murder of his friend.
Written by Supriya