2002 was instrumental in shaping the careers of actors like Suriya (via Mounam Pesiyadhe ) and launching the career of Trisha Krishnan, who would go on to become the "Queen of South India."
: Though it received critical acclaim and had a high worldwide gross, R. Madhavan noted that it had a slow start at the Tamil Nadu box office. Major Releases by Month
The Ultimate Guide to 2002 Tamil Movies: Box Office Hits, Cult Classics, and Cinematic Milestones 2002 tamil movies list
Directed by Mani Ratnam, this masterpiece focuses on a young adopted girl who wishes to meet her biological mother amidst the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War. Starring Madhavan, Simran, and P.S. Keerthana, the film won six National Film Awards and remains one of the finest political dramas in Indian cinema.
: Another hilarious collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Crazy Mohan, this film paired Kamal with Simran. It delivered non-stop laughter through its eccentric characters and sharp linguistic wordplay. 2002 was instrumental in shaping the careers of
The final quarter saw Silambarasan's debut as a lead actor, a sequel to the popular Mounam series, and several family dramas. The biggest commercial hits of this quarter included Mounam , King , and Style .
: Directed by AR Murugadoss and starring Vijayakanth, this social thriller against corruption became a landmark film. Mounam Pesiyadhe Starring Madhavan, Simran, and P
Romance and family drama remained central themes, but filmmakers applied different tones. Some romances adhered to glossy escapism with picturesque songs and idealized love, while others opted for grounded portrayals of relationships tested by social pressures and personal flaws. Family dramas revisited conventions—sibling duty, generational conflict, and honor—yet occasionally incorporated sharper social commentary about class and urban change.