Kollywood’s call to wander: Movies that are based on travel – F’day Spl. Article by Naveen
Kollywood has a rich history of exploring human emotions, often setting them against the backdrop of compelling journeys. More than just a change of scenery, these “travel movies” or “road films” use movement—whether a road trip, an expedition, or a literal time-loop—as a catalyst for introspection, romance, and transformation. They ignite a serious case of wanderlust in the audience.
Here is a look at some of the most inspiring and memorable travel-centric films from Tamil cinema.
‘Anbe Sivam’:
Directed by Sundar C., this philosophical road film stars Kamal Haasan as Nallasivam and R. Madhavan as Anbarasu, with Kiran Rathod in a supporting role. The film centers on Anbarasu, a cynical and wealthy advertising executive, whose plans are disrupted by a plane crash. He is forced to share a challenging and often comedic road journey from Bhubaneswar to Chennai with the compassionate, idealistic socialist Nallasivam. Their travels—involving buses, trains, and walking—lead to a deep ideological confrontation and eventual understanding, ultimately transforming Anbarasu’s materialistic and shallow worldview into one of empathy and humanism.
‘Aayirathil Oruvan’:
A period-fantasy adventure directed by Selvaraghavan, the movie stars Karthi, Reema Sen, Andrea Jeremiah, and R. Parthiban. The story follows a team of archaeologists and a government officer who embark on a perilous, research-driven expedition to the mysterious and uncharted Andaman Islands to locate a missing archaeological team. This dangerous journey eventually unravels a long-lost and powerful history, revealing the existence of the last surviving prince of the mighty Chola dynasty and confronting ancient legacies of power and rivalry between the Cholas and Pandyas.
‘Paiyaa’:
Directed by N. Lingusamy, this film stars Karthi as Shiva and Tamannaah Bhatia as Charulatha. Shiva, an unemployed but highly skilled driver, reluctantly agrees to drive his new acquaintance, Charulatha, from Bangalore to Mumbai. What begins as a simple favour quickly spirals into a high-stakes, action-packed road trip, as they are pursued relentlessly by powerful gangsters. Their journey across multiple states forces them to confront danger together, form an unbreakable bond of trust, and eventually fall in love against the scenic backdrop of the Indian highway.
‘Nitham Oru Vaanam’:
Directed by Ra. Karthik, the film features Ashok Selvan in the lead role, alongside Ritu Varma, Aparna Balamurali, and Shivathmika Rajashekar. The plot revolves around Arjun, a man plagued by severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety following a difficult breakup. Given a book by his therapist containing real-life love stories, Arjun embarks on a cathartic, introspective journey to find the people featured in the tales, traveling to various picturesque locations. His quest offers him new, broader perspectives on life and relationships, ultimately transforming his own confined and cautious outlook.
‘Vaazhl’:
Directed by Arun Prabu Purushothaman, this movie stars Pradeep Antony as Prakash, with supporting roles by TJ Bhanu and Diva Dhawan. Prakash is a corporate employee trapped in a monotonous and unfulfilling existence. Following a personal tragedy, he finds an unexpected opportunity for escape. A chance encounter with a free-spirited woman and her child leads him on an impromptu and liberating spiritual journey across exotic, remote locations. The film focuses on the beauty of letting go and living a free, adventurous life, finding joy in simple moments of travel and human connection.
’10 Endrathukulla’:
Directed by Vijay Milton, this high-octane action thriller stars Vikram and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Vikram plays a nameless, highly skilled getaway driver who accepts a seemingly simple task: to transport a woman named Shakeela (Samantha) to Mussoorie in under ten days as a delivery for a notorious criminal. The demanding road trip across several Indian states is packed with chases and dangerous assignments, but it takes a sharp turn when the true, dark identity and purpose of the woman he is escorting are revealed, turning their journey into a matter of survival.
‘Maara’:
Directed by Dhilip Kumar, the film stars R. Madhavan as Maara and Shraddha Srinath as Parvathi. Disheartened with her own life, Parvathi flees to a coastal town where she discovers a piece of unique street art that uncannily resembles a fairy tale she heard as a child. This artistic discovery compels her to seek out the enigmatic artist, Maara, a charming and free-spirited vagabond who leaves behind traces of kindness and beautiful art everywhere he travels. Her quest to find him evolves into a beautiful, slow-paced, and romantic journey of self-discovery.
‘Engaeyum Eppothum’:
