20 Best Arya Movies and Where to Watch Them
Arya might not match the supreme status of other Tamil superstars like Vijay, Vikram, or Suriya, but the Sarpatta Parambarai and Raja Rani actor has carved his own niche in the film industry.
Arya’s movies at a glance
Born Jamshad Cethirakath in Kerala, Arya made a promising start in Tamil cinema with his Filmfare-winning debut in 2005, Vishnuvardhan’s Arindhum Ariyamalum. The complex crime drama starred Arya in a supporting role as a dreaded gangster’s hot-headed adopted son. Sharing screen space with an already-experienced thespian like Prakash Raj as his father figure, Arya’s debut opened up avenues to play more rogue supporting characters.
A quick example in succession was the 2006 crime thriller Pattiyal that explored the world of underworld dons and contract killers, with Arya playing one such morally-conflicted assassin.
Arya drew further critical acclaim in 2009’s Naan Kadavul. The drama followed him as a man estranged from his family to the point of becoming an unorthodox ascetic. But when he reunites with his brethren, fitting into society becomes a Herculean task with Arya effortlessly capturing the social transformation of his protagonist.
But it was only from the 2010s onwards that Arya began to prove his commercial prowess with hits like the colonial-era period romance Madrasapattinam (2010), the comedy film Boss Engira Baskaran (2010), family action film Vettai (2012) and Atlee's family film Raja Rani (2013). The latter was, in fact, substantial in exploring Arya’s comic timing as he and Nayanthara aced the portrayal of a mismatched couple brought together by personal tragedy.
His funny side was touched upon again in the dark crime caper Settai, the Tamil remake of Hindi cult favourite Delhi Belly (2013). In the same year, he reunited with Arunthum Ariyamalum filmmaker Vishnuvardhan for the action thriller Arrambam and starred as a mathematician and fantasy world hero in the surreal romance Irandam Ulagam.
Hits followed in the years to come albeit with mixed reviews from the critics’ front. But a watershed moment in Arya’s career was marked after the pandemic, with Arya fronting Prime Video’s 2021 release Sarpatta Parambarai. Helmed by Pa Ranjith, the ‘80s-set boxing drama found Arya displaying impeccable boxer physique and channeling a morally gray brand of heroism. Post-Sarpatta, Arya continued improving his credentials as an action hero with offerings like the Predator-like military-vs-alien adventure Captain and the social gangster drama Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam.
Why is Sarpatta Parambarai Arya’s best movie to watch?
Director Pa Ranjith has proven he’s a master storyteller throughout the years and Sarpatta Parambarai finds him addressing his quintessential commentary on caste issues but within the guise of an underdog boxing drama. Arya shines as a village boxer who aims to make his mark in the ring not just for a championship title but also for his self-respect in the midst of two rival clans’ clash. Rocky-inspired boxing tropes like a training montage and a full-fledged comeback are aptly adapted in a local milieu and an ‘80s period setting with Arya delivering a career-best performance as the moustachioed heavyweight fighter Kabilan.
Below you can find the latest streaming information for Arya’s best movies in order.
