1987 Tamil Movies List ~repack~ [NEW]
In 1987, Ilaiyaraaja composed music for . His use of synthesized orchestra (Fairlight CMI) peaked. Every major film— Nayakan , Velaikaran , Manathil Urudhi Vendum —was defined by his background score.
If you are feeling nostalgic or simply curious about the cinematic landscape of the late 80s, here is a curated look at the , highlighting the films that defined the year.
The year 1987 stands as a fascinating chapter in the history of Tamil cinema. It was a time of transition. The industry was moving away from the purely plot-driven narratives of the late 70s and early 80s, inching toward the larger-than-life "mass" entertainers that would define the 90s. It was a year where legends consolidated their power, new stars began to rise, and directorial visionaries like Mani Ratnam were rewriting the grammar of filmmaking. 1987 tamil movies list
| Film | Director | Music Director | Hit Songs | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | S. A. Chandrasekhar | Ilaiyaraaja | "Yennullil Yengo" – classic love duet. | | Mouna Ragam | Mani Ratnam | Ilaiyaraaja | Technically Dec 1986 release, but ran through 1987. Changed urban romance. | | Kalamellam Unn Madiyil | R. Sundarrajan | Ilaiyaraaja | Family melodrama; mother-sentiment blockbuster. |
While the veterans dominated, 1987 also saw the emergence of actor Prabhu as a bankable lead. Velai Kidaichuduchu was a significant hit that helped establish him. It was a feel-good film that appealed to family audiences, showcasing a softer, more relatable side of heroism compared to the action-heavy blockbusters. In 1987, Ilaiyaraaja composed music for
A suspense thriller directed by Fazil, this film is remembered even today for its gripping narrative and the haunting background score. It was later remade in Hindi, but the Tamil original remains a classic example of how to build tension without relying on star power alone.
By 1987, the "Superstar" Rajinikanth had officially usurped the throne from the ailing M. G. Ramachandran. Kamal Haasan was entering his most experimental phase. The year saw a rise in "dual-hero" films, a peak in Ilaiyaraaja’s musical dominance (with over 40 films), and the tragic death of MGR on December 24th, which paralyzed the industry and state for months. Politically, films began subtly shifting from pure Dravidian propaganda to family-centric and caste-based dramas. If you are feeling nostalgic or simply curious
Primary sources for this paper include Ananda Vikatan (1987 reviews), Kalki magazine archives, and the documentary Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography . Box office figures are reconstructed from trade journals, as official data is unavailable.