Why Por Thozhil is the Highest Rated and Most Loved Suspense Thriller Movie of All Time

Introduction

Suspense thrillers heavily depend on gripping narratives, intense performances, and brain-tickling twists to amaze the audience. In this regard, Por Thozhil (2023) is a Tamil-language movie directed by Vignesh Raja, which meets these needs and sets a new definition of the genre.

Praised to be one of the greatest Indian cinema thrillers, this film has received critical applause along with huge appreciation from its massive viewers. With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5/10 as of November 2024, the movie has become a landmark for excellence in storytelling.

Let’s see what makes Por Thozhil the best-rated and most loved thriller suspense movie.

A Refreshing Take on the Thriller Genre

At its core, Por Thozhil is a murder mystery about a serial killer targeting women in Trichy. The story follows two mismatched police officers—SP Loganathan (R. Sarathkumar) and DSP Prakash (Ashok Selvan)—as they unravel the killer’s motives.

What sets the film apart is its approach to familiar genre tropes. While many thrillers rely on shocking twists for impact, Por Thozhil builds suspense gradually, with meticulous attention to detail in its screenplay.

The title, Art of War, speaks for itself by the psychological battles going between the investigators and the killer.

The script has all those emotional depth with investigative power, making it a very comprehensive thriller experience. Not like many other films of this genre, it shies away from unnecessary distractions of love or song sequences and dwells only on the plot.

Great Performances

The movie’s cast has been widely lauded for their gripping performances:

1. R. Sarathkumar as SP Loganathan: A seasoned officer dealing with his own ghosts, Loganathan has a rugged suave to him. This restraint and power in his acting is what holds the movie together, giving the character of the seasoned investigator an authentic feel.

2. Ashok Selvan as DSP Prakash: He depicts growth with subtlety, playing a timid rookie, and his transformation from being a nervous newcomer to becoming a confident officer will be a highlight for any younger audience.

3. Nikhila Vimal as Veena: Though her role is smaller, Vimal’s performance is pivotal to key plot developments. Her presence adds emotional depth, especially during high-stakes moments.

The chemistry between the two leads—Loganathan and Prakash—enhances the narrative, as their contrasting personalities create engaging tension and camaraderie.

A Technically Polished Film

Cinematography

Kalaiselvan Sivaji’s cinematography plays a significant role in crafting the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. The night scenes, which constituted much of the film’s 36-day shoot, are visually striking and essential to the story’s eerie tone.

Editing

Sreejith Sarang’s editing ensures a seamless flow, with a runtime of 2.5 hours that rarely feels stretched. The pacing is tight, maintaining the audience’s engagement throughout the narrative.

Background Score

The haunting background score of Jakes Bejoy builds the tension without overpowering the storyline. The score does fit into the correct spots to build suspense and emotional beats.

Strength of Screenplay

The screenplay, co-written by Vignesh Raja and Alfred Prakash, is where Por Thozhil truly shines.

The narrative cleverly alternates between past and present, exploring the motivations of both the investigators and the killer. Each twist is carefully foreshadowed, rewarding attentive viewers while surprising casual audiences.

Critics have compared it to the earlier Tamil thriller Ratsasan (2018), which was also a notable film in the serial-killer genre.

While Ratsasan largely relied on shock value, Por Thozhil has chosen to be more cerebral, relying more on logic and character development.

Box Office and Critical Reception

The film, released on June 9, 2023, garnered universal acclaim. It is one of the very few Tamil films to have had such an impressive run at the box office despite having a relatively low budget.

Por Thozhil’s success marks a growing interest in Tamil cinema for intelligent, well-crafted thrillers.

On review platforms like IMDb, Por Thozhil maintains one of the highest ratings among Indian thrillers. Viewers praise its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and technical brilliance.

Critics have described it as a “benchmark” for the genre, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

Why Por Thozhil Resonates with Audiences

1. Relatable Themes

The film delves into themes of mentorship, perseverance, and justice, making it relatable to a wide audience. The dynamic between Loganathan and Prakash reflects real-life challenges of teamwork and personal growth.

2. Cultural Nuances

Set in Tamil Nadu, the film incorporates subtle cultural references that add authenticity. This local flavor enhances its universal appeal.

3. Engaging Twists

Unlike thrillers that depend on convoluted subplots, Por Thozhil keeps its twists grounded in the story’s logic. Every twist feels earned, which adds to the film’s re-watch value.

A landmark in Tamil Cinema

Part of this is the growing trend of high-quality thrillers within Tamil cinema over the past decade, starting with films such as Ratsasan and Vikram Vedha, which made this possible, and the continued effort shown by Por Thozhil to stand out in a series that thrives on intelligent, out-of-the-box narratives challenging convention.

In a period when the audience is treated to formulaic thrillers, Por Thozhil stands out as a classic in storytelling. With engaging performances, technical excellence, and a screenplay that has been penned with meticulous care, it has been labeled as one of the greatest suspense thrillers of all times.

Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat mysteries or character-driven dramas, Por Thozhil is a must-watch.

It not only reaffirms the potential of Tamil cinema but also sets a high bar for future entries in the genre. As both a commercial hit and a critical darling, Por Thozhil is destined to be remembered as a landmark in Indian filmmaking.