Pudhupettai

The story of ‘Kokki’ Kumar, a carefree teenager from a Chennai slum who runs away from home in the wake of his mother’s death, gets recruited into a local gang and quickly evolves into the dreaded, psychotic right-hand man of a dirty politician.

Directed by Selvaraghavan, Pudhupettai leans on a strong ensemble — Dhanush, Sneha, N. Azhagamperumal — 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 action titles of 2006.