1. Dhanush
Dhanush truly owned 2025. In Kuberaa, he went all out to bring a beggar’s role to life — be it dialogue delivery, mannerisms, or physicality. This stands tall as one of his finest performances, even in a career already filled with remarkable work.
He followed it up with a strong showing in Idli Kadai, once again proving his consistency across genres. The maturity he brings to every role he takes up is a testament to his evolution as an actor. Beyond Tamil cinema, Dhanush also drew significant praise in Bollywood for his performance in Tere Ishk Mein.
Simply put, 2025 belonged to Dhanush.
2. Sivakarthikeyan
Sivakarthikeyan scores big with a peculiarly designed role that brings out his dynamic range as a performer. Switching between a psychic persona in one stretch and complete innocence in another, he managed both extremes in a thoroughly believable manner.
In Madharassi, he made the audience deeply empathise with his character, showcasing a fine balance between emotion and entertainment.
3. Arun Vijay – Vanangaan
Arun Vijay shoulders Vanangaan almost single-handedly. Playing a deaf and mute character with no dialogues, and navigating several intense emotional stretches, he keeps the audience gripped throughout.
With only expressions and body language at his disposal, Arun Vijay delivers a performance that is both demanding and deeply affecting.
4. Pradeep Ranganathan
Pradeep Ranganathan comfortably sits between the “boy-next-door” image and an emerging action hero. His attitude, antics, and screen presence elevate both Dragon and Dude.
He is perfectly cast for these roles — to the extent that it’s hard to imagine the films working the same way without him. A clear entertainer who also holds the screen with authority.
5. Dhruv Vikram – Bison
Bison marks the true arrival of Dhruv Vikram. He delivers both emotionally and physically, presenting a performance that feels raw and lived-in.
As Kittan, Dhruv completely immerses himself in the character, maintaining a unique screen identity throughout the film.
6. Dulquer Salmaan – Kaantha
The tagline for Dulquer Salmaan’s character in Kaantha is “Nadippu Chakravarthi,” and his performance fully justifies the title.
Every scene is crafted with nuanced body language and precise dialogue delivery. Once again, Dulquer proves he is tailor-made for period films, displaying his versatility at its finest.
7. Suriya – Retro
Suriya is in fine form in Retro, effortlessly selling mass moments while retaining his trademark intensity. His screen presence ensures that even the most celebratory sequences land with impact.
8. Vikram – Veera Dheera Sooran 2
Vikram delivers in his usual best form. With his experience and command over intense roles, he once again proves why he remains one of Tamil cinema’s most dependable performers.
9. Kaali Venkat – Madras Matinee
Hands down, this is Kaali Venkat’s best work to date. Madras Matinee gives him a powerful, innocent, and deeply relatable character.
It is a full feast for an actor hungry for strong material — close to reality, emotionally rich, and immensely satisfying.
10. Manikandan – Kudumbasthan
An excellent all-round performance by Manikandan. From crazy humour and family sentiment to portraying a responsible worker and a situational liar, he serves a perfect platter.
His effortless transitions between tones make Kudumbasthan a showcase for his growing range.