| Film | Year | Director | Main Cast | Why It’s Notable | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1952 | Krishnan-Panju | Sivaji Ganesan | Launched Sivaji Ganesan; powerful dialogue on social justice. | | Karnan | 1964 | B. R. Panthulu | Sivaji Ganesan, N. T. Rama Rao | Epic mythological drama based on Mahabharata. | | Server Sundaram | 1964 | Krishnan-Panju | Nagesh, K. R. Vijaya | A heartwarming comedy-drama about a struggling waiter. | | Apoorva Raagangal | 1975 | K. Balachander | Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth | Introduced both legends; complex relationships. | | 16 Vayathinile | 1977 | Bharathiraja | Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Sridevi | Landmark rural coming-of-age film. | | Moondram Pirai | 1982 | Balu Mahendra | Kamal Haasan, Sridevi | Beautiful, tragic love story (remade as Sadma in Hindi). | | Nayakan | 1987 | Mani Ratnam | Kamal Haasan | Often called India’s Godfather ; won National Award. | | Mouna Ragam | 1986 | Mani Ratnam | Mohan, Revathi | Trendsetting urban romantic drama. | | Apoorva Sagodharargal | 1989 | Singeetam Srinivasa Rao | Kamal Haasan | Entertaining action-comedy with Kamal in triple role. | | Thevar Magan | 1992 | Bharathan | Kamal Haasan, Sivaji Ganesan | Powerful family drama set in rural Tamil Nadu. |