Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 may be dominating the box office, but when it comes to IMDb ratings, Dhanush’s 2018 Tamil hit Vada Chennai has taken the lead. The intense crime thriller directed by Vetrimaaran has an IMDb score of 8.4, surpassing Kantara’s 8.2, making it one of the most critically acclaimed Tamil films in recent years.
While Kantara is winning hearts with its mythological storytelling and grandeur, Vada Chennai stands as a gritty and grounded tale of crime, power, and survival. The film marked another powerful collaboration between actor Dhanush and director Vetrimaaran, known for their raw and realistic approach to filmmaking.
Released in 2018, Vada Chennai features Dhanush alongside Kishore, Daniel Balaji, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Pawan. Set in North Chennai, the film follows the story of Anbu, a gifted carrom player who gets trapped in the dark underworld of gangsters and politics. As his life spirals into chaos, he is forced to choose between loyalty, love, and vengeance.
The film’s gripping storytelling, layered characters, and strong emotional core made it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2018. Despite its raw portrayal of violence and complex narrative, Vada Chennai was praised for its authenticity and brilliant direction.
On IMDb, Vada Chennai continues to hold an 8.4 rating, higher than Kantara’s 8.2 — a reflection of its enduring popularity and critical appreciation. The movie’s realistic depiction of Chennai’s gang culture and Dhanush’s intense performance have earned it cult status among fans of Indian cinema.
The film’s success on IMDb highlights how powerful regional storytelling has become in Indian cinema. Both Kantara and Vada Chennai showcase the strength of rooted narratives that resonate with audiences beyond language and geography.
If you haven’t experienced this masterpiece yet, you can now watch Vada Chennai on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. The film’s availability on OTT makes it accessible to a wider audience eager for gripping crime dramas and stellar performances.
With its raw emotions, compelling script, and unforgettable characters, Vada Chennai remains one of Dhanush’s finest performances and a must-watch for anyone who loves crime thrillers. It continues to remind audiences why Vetrimaaran and Dhanush are considered one of Indian cinema’s most formidable actor-director duos.
