Veppam

In the slums of Chennai, Karthik, a young engineering student, falls in love with Revathy, his childhood friend. However, their lives are entangled with the dark underbelly of the city, where Karthik's father, Jyothi, a drunkard and drug peddler, has abandoned them. Karthik's friend Vishnu, who owns a mechanic shop, gets embroiled in Jyothi's illegal dealings, leading to a chain of events that puts their lives in danger. As Karthik and Revathy navigate their love amidst the chaos, they must confront the harsh realities of their world, including crime, betrayal, and loss. Ultimately, Karthik must make a choice between his love for Revathy and his need for revenge against his father, who is responsible for the death of his friend Vishnu.

Directed by Anjana Ali Khan, Veppam leans on a strong ensemble — Nani, Nithya Menen, Karthik Kumar — 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 2011.