The Tamil film industry, commonly referred to as Kollywood is responsible for some of the most incredible and highest-grossing films of all time. Over the years, fans have watched the release of several financially successful and highest-grossing films, all owing to the talented directors and amazing actors in their Industry.
These films not only had huge box office success, but they also left an enduring mark on audience members. Below is the article, we will be discussing the ten highest-grossing Tamil films of all time, followed by a brief description of each of these films, including their respective release year, overall production budget, total gross profit made at the box office, director, cast members, IMDB Rating, where to watch the films, and much more.
All interested users are advised to continue reading the article to get a better understanding of the topic.
List of Top Grossing Tamil Movies
| Movie Name | Release Year | Budget | Total Gross |
| Vikram | 2022 | Rs. 120 crores | Rs. 500 crores |
| Baahubali | 2017 | Rs. 180 crores | Rs. 650 crores |
| Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two | 2023 | Rs 500 crores | Rs 345 crores |
| Ponniyin Selvan | 2022 | Rs. 500 crores | Rs. 500 crores |
| Mersal | 2017 | Rs. 120 crores | Rs. 200-260 crores |
| Enthiran | 2010 | Rs. 150 crores | Rs. 250 – 320 crores |
| Bigil | 2019 | Rs. 180 crores | Rs. 285–305 crores |
| Sarkar | 2018 | Rs. 110 crores | Rs. 243.90–260 crores |
| Kabali | 2016 | Rs. 100 crores | Rs. 286—499 crores |
| 2.0 | 2018 | Rs. 400-600 crores | Rs. 615-800 crores |
Vikram
The plot concentrates on the game of cat and mouse, displaying a thrilling chase between an accomplished police officer (played by Kamal Haasan) and a violent thug (played by Vijay Sethupathi).
The story features the battle of the principles and the complicated relationships between the two primary characters. Not only this, but this movie effortlessly excels at showcasing the skills of renowned Tamil actors, including Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil, all of whom deliver exceptional performances that add to the quality of the viewing experience.
The interesting storyline, well-written screenplay, and dedicated performances keep the audience engaged throughout the film.
Cast: Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Where to watch: Zee5
Also Read: New Tamil Movies on OTT with Release Dates
Baahubali
“Baahubali” takes place in the fictitious realm of Mahishmati and portrays the adventures of two cousins named Amarendra Baahubali (played by Prabhas) and Bhallaladeva (played by Rana Daggubati).
Bhallaladeva was characterized as driven by power and fraud, while Amarendra Baahubali happens to be portrayed as a virtuous and righteous prince. The films concentrate on the relationship that develops between the two distinct characters and their subsequent battle for dominance and righteousness.
What made the movie a whopping success was its vast scale, magnificent graphics, and larger-than-life action moments. As a result of the film’s broad release, it became an incredible commercial success not merely in the Telugu cinema industry as well as in a variety of other languages.
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, and Nassar.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Where to watch: Netflix
Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two
The sequel to Ponniyin Selvan, which was released in 2022, continues to chronicle the continued adventure of Arulmozhi Varman, a prince who is destined to become Emperor Rajaraja I, as well as the rest of his family while they encounter a variety of obstacles and tragedies that threaten the Chola dynasty.
The Pandyan assassins gather a second time to destabilize the Chola dynasty. The strong Chola princes are now forced to fight in combat against the unified forces of the Pandyas, Rashtrakutas, and other Chola dynasty enemies.
On top of that, rumours of Ponniyin Selvan’s demise at sea spread, the significance of Pazhuvettarayar’s betrayal enters the frame, and the awful fate of Aditha Karikalan, whose heart was formerly raged by the vindictive Nandini, contributes further to the narrative’s complication.
Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, and Trisha.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
Director: Mani Ratnam
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Ponniyin Selvan
“Ponniyin Selvan” is a striking and breathtakingly beautiful movie version of the best-selling Tamil, the literary genre’s most beloved historical book. It is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic masterpiece of the same name, and the movie aims to capture the very essence of the wide-ranging narrative while offering an incredible cinematic experience.
Set in the tenth century amid the Chola dynasty’s rule, “Ponniyin Selvan” takes the audience on an adventure through a web of politics, social disputes, and complicated connections. Mani Ratnam’s filmmaking excels in the way he can effortlessly combine multiple stories and personalities to develop an all-encompassing narrative.
Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Sobhita Dhulipala.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
Director: Mani Ratnam
where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Also Read: Upcoming Tamil Movies on OTT
Mersal
“Mersal” is about three brothers, Vetri, Maaran, and Vettri, who become estranged at a young age because of unexpected circumstances. They live independently and start to live separate lives as adults, ignorant of their relationship to one another.
Soon their lives take a drastic turn, and the brother crosses paths with each other, which in turn gives them a chance to better their past differences. The film examines a variety of themes, including vengeance, dishonesty, and other social difficulties.
What distinguishes the picture from others in its genre are the dynamic and appealing performances offered by the film’s lead actors, particularly Vijay, who showcases his ability to adapt by expertly playing the unique characteristics of each of the three protagonists.
Cast: Vijay, S. J. Suryah, Sathyaraj, Vadivelu, Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Hareesh Peradi, Kovai Sarala, and Sathyan.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
Director: Atlee Kumar
Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar
Enthiran
Shankar directed “Enthiran,” that is which is also referred to as “Robot,” happens to be a Tamil-language futuristic science-fiction film that was released in the year 2010.
The star cast of the movie includes a few well-known famous from the Tamil as well as Hindi film industry, including stars Rajinikanth in a dual role opposite Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Danny Denzongpa. The plot concentrates on Dr Vaseegaran (who is played by Rajinikanth), an outstanding scientist who creates an intelligent robot with human features called Chitti (also played by Rajinikanth).
Chitti was specially developed with outstanding intelligence and skill sets, making him an excellent model. However, as Chitti matures in self-awareness, he falls head over heels in love with Dr Vaseegaran’s fiancée Sana (played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), which triggers a chain of events.
Cast: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Danny Denzongpa.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
Director: S. Shankar
Where to watch: Google Play
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Bigil
“Bigil” is a sports action-drama film that amazingly portrays the journey of a previously famous and known football player named Michael Rayappan (who is played by Vijay).
Michael, after going through the untimely passing of his father, chooses to give up his dreams to pursue a career as a professional football player. However, fate has something different planned for him, and his life takes a drastic turn when a close friend encourages him to work as a coach for a women’s football team, providing him with the opportunity to find meaning and forgiveness. The film strongly emphasises important subjects such as female empowerment, resilience, and the power of unity.
Cast: Vijay, Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff, Kathir, and Vivek.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
Director: Atlee Kumar
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Also Read: New Tamil OTT Releases this Week
Sarkar
“Sarkar” serves as a Tamil-language action and thriller film that explores the vivid world of crime and politics; the movie was released in the year 2018 and continues to catch the attention of audiences.
The story of the movie mainly centres around Sundar Ramasamy (played by Vijay), who has been portrayed as a prosperous NRI entrepreneur who returns to India to cast his vote. However, upon his return, Sundar soon realizes that his vote had been cast illegally.
This revelation increases his dedication to opposing the corrosive electoral process and bringing forth political transformation. Not to be disregarded, the film gripped the attention of the audience members with its high-intensity action sequences, compelling dialogue, and Vijay’s magnetic performance.
Cast: Vijay, Keerthy Suresh, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Radha Ravi.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Where to watch: Netflix
Kabali
“Kabali” explores the genre of crime and action; the story of the movie happens to be centred around Kabali, who is portrayed as a former don who receives parole from prison following accomplishing an extended jail term.
Kabali soon finds himself caught up in an intricate network of disputes and deals with the struggles of his earlier days as he goes out to re-establish his fallen empire and seek revenge. The harsh and authentic depiction of the criminal underbelly in the film, in conjunction with the stunning fighting scenes, provides a visually fascinating experience.
Cast: Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte, Winston Chao, Dhansika, and Kishore.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
Director: Pa. Ranjith
Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar
2.0
The film 2.0 is directed by S. Shankar and also serves as the sequel to the tremendously successful “Enthiran” (Robot) and succeeds to measure up to the staggering expectations set forth by the first movie.
The comeback of the legendary hero Chitti, performed by the outstanding Rajinikanth as the humanoid robot. This time around, Chitti is up facing an unforeseen and dangerous rival, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, who depicts a bird researcher seeking vengeance on humanity.
The conflict between the two parties propels the story forward, giving an interesting and action-packed performance.
Cast: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Amy Jackson.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
Director: S. Shankar
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Above, we have mentioned a bunch of the top highest-grossing films of all time belonging to the realm of the Tamil film Industry. These films contain a variety of genres that will not fail to win the hearts of the audiences. Not just this, but even the great performances delivered by some of the top-most faces of the Tamil Film Industry add up a touch of quality and richness to these movies. All the fans who are interested in Tamil Cinema can refer to the above-mentioned list and get to watch some of the most amazingly rich and interesting films of all time.
