Nedunchaalai

Tarpaulin Murugan is a feared name on the highway near Periyakulam, as he steals goods from lorries plying on the route. Sparks fly between Masanimuthu, the crooked new cop who has come to the place, and Murugan, and their hostility increases after they cross swords over Manga, a young dhaba owner.

Directed by Obeli N Krishna, Nedunchaalai leans on a strong ensemble — Aari Arjuna, Sshivada, Prashant Narayanan — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2014.