Dhanush is one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. He has created a unique identity for himself through his outstanding performances and versatile script selections. Apart from acting, Dhanush is also a critically acclaimed singer, lyricist, director, and producer. Despite handling multiple responsibilities, he continues to deliver memorable performances, making him one of the most talented personalities in Indian cinema. Dhanush’s filmography reflects his willingness to experiment across genres while balancing commercial entertainers and content-driven films.
However, over the last few years, none of his films have emerged as major commercial successes, and he is currently looking to make a strong comeback. Even so, many Kollywood audiences believe he will once again dominate the industry with his powerful performances and unique choice of scripts. Looking at Dhanush’s hits and flops, it is clear that he has repeatedly bounced back from difficult phases in his career, giving fans hope that another successful chapter is just around the corner.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Dhanush’s hits and flops and explore how each film shaped his career. We’ll also revisit Dhanush’s filmography to understand the highs, the setbacks, and the evolution of one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors.
1. Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002)
Dhanush made his debut as a lead actor in the Kollywood industry with the film Thulluvadho Ilamai under the direction of his father, Kasthuri Raja. Since it was his debut film, there were only limited expectations among the audience. However, the film received positive responses upon its release, and Dhanush’s natural acting performance won the hearts of the audience. Consequently, the film performed well at the box office and gave Dhanush a solid start to his acting career. At the same time, Dhanush also faced severe trolling and was body-shamed by many people for his physical appearance.
Verdict: Hit
2. Kadhal Kondein (2003)
Following the success of his debut film, Dhanush joined hands with his brother Selvaraghavan for Kadhal Kondein. This psychological romantic thriller received overwhelmingly positive responses from the audience, and Dhanush’s intense acting performance surprised the entire Kollywood industry. Kadhal Kondein performed well at the box office and became a commercial success.
Verdict: Hit
3. Thiruda Thirudi (2003)
Following the success of Kadhal Kondein, Dhanush collaborated with director Subramaniam Siva for the commercial entertainer Thiruda Thirudi. This film was a huge success, and the song Manmadha Raasa, composed by Dhina, became a viral hit and a huge sensation at the time. Because of the viral success of Manmadha Raasa, Thiruda Thirudi enjoyed a massive opening. Also, this film helped Dhanush reach B and C centre audiences.
Verdict: Blockbuster
4. Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan (2004)
After delivering three consecutive successful films, Dhanush collaborated with director Stanley for Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan. Since Dhanush’s previous films had made a huge impact, many people believed that Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan would also be a solid film and that Dhanush would deliver something new. However, although the storyline was unique, the film didn’t land well due to its poor screenplay and resulted in Dhanush’s first failure.
Verdict: Flop
5. Sullan (2004)
With the intention of making a comeback after the failure of Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan, Dhanush collaborated with director Ramana for the mass commercial film Sullan. Since Dhanush was enjoying a successful phase, the film carried decent expectations among the audience. However, due to mixed reviews, the film failed to perform as expected and ended up as an average performer at the box office.
Verdict: Average
6. Dreams (2004)
Dreams marked Dhanush’s second collaboration with his father, Kasthuri Raja. Despite carrying decent expectations because of the success of their previous film, Thulluvadho Ilamai, the film received negative responses from both audiences and critics for its weak screenplay. Consequently, it failed to create an impact at the box office and ended up as a commercial failure.
Verdict: Flop
7. Devathaiyai Kanden (2005)
After the failure of Dreams, Dhanush joined hands with director Boopathy Pandian for Devathaiyai Kanden. This romantic drama received positive responses from the audience, especially family audiences, and Dhanush’s performance was appreciated by many. Devathaiyai Kanden emerged as a commercial success at the box office and put an end to Dhanush’s failure streak at that time.
Verdict: Hit
8. Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005)
Following the success of Devathaiyai Kanden, Dhanush collaborated with the legendary director Balu Mahendra for Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam. Although Dhanush received appreciation from critics for his performance in the film, it failed to satisfy the expectations of the general audience and ended up as a failure at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
9. Pudhupettai (2006)
After the setback of Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, Dhanush once again collaborated with his brother Selvaraghavan for Pudhupettai. This gangster drama received positive responses from critics, and Dhanush’s acting performance was highly appreciated. However, the film failed to perform well commercially during its theatrical run and ended up as a box office disappointment. Today, however, the film has a cult following and is recognised as one of the iconic films in Dhanush’s career.
Verdict: Flop
10. Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam (2006)
Due to the back-to-back failures, Dhanush took a break from experimental attempts and joined hands with director Boopathy Pandian once again for Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam. This romantic comedy entertainer received highly positive responses from the audience, and the chemistry between Dhanush and Shriya Saran was widely appreciated. Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam became a commercial success and marked Dhanush’s comeback at the box office.
Verdict: Super Hit
11. Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram (2007)
Dhanush then collaborated with director Suresh Krishna for Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram, a remake of the successful Kannada film Jogi. Since the original film was a blockbuster success, the film carried decent expectations among the audience. However, due to its weak screenplay and execution, it received negative responses and failed to create an impact at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
12. Polladhavan (2007)
With the intention of bouncing back from the disappointment of Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram, Dhanush joined hands with debutant director Vetrimaaran for Polladhavan. This action thriller received overwhelmingly positive responses from both audiences and critics, while Dhanush’s performance earned widespread appreciation. Consequently, the film became a blockbuster success and marked the beginning of one of Kollywood’s most successful actor-director collaborations.
Verdict: Blockbuster
13. Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008)
After the blockbuster success of Polladhavan, Dhanush returned with Yaaradi Nee Mohini under the direction of Mithran Jawahar. The romantic comedy entertainer opened to highly positive responses, and the chemistry between Dhanush and Nayanthara was widely appreciated by the audience. Yaaradi Nee Mohini became a successful venture at the box office and helped Dhanush earn a large family audience.
Verdict: Blockbuster
14. Kuselan (2008)
Meanwhile, Dhanush made a special appearance in Kuselan, directed by P. Vasu and starring Rajinikanth in the lead role. Since it was one of the most anticipated films of the year, expectations were high among the audience. However, the film received mixed responses upon its release and failed to create an impact at the box office. Also, Dhanush’s cameo appearance in the film went unnoticed.
Verdict: Average
15. Padikkadavan (2009)
With the intention of continuing his successful run, Dhanush joined hands with director Suraj for another mass commercial entertainer, Padikkadavan. This film received positive responses from the audience, particularly in the B and C centres, and the comedy and action sequences worked well. Consequently, the film performed well at the box office and emerged as a commercial success.
Verdict: Hit
16. Kutty (2010)
Dhanush then reunited with director Mithran Jawahar for Kutty, the Tamil remake of the blockbuster Telugu film Arya. Although the film received decent responses from family audiences, it failed to create the expected impact among the general audience and ended its theatrical run as an average performer at the box office.
Verdict: Average
17. Uthamaputhiran (2010)
Once again, Dhanush collaborated with director Mithran Jawahar for Uthamaputhiran, another remake of a successful Telugu film. This family entertainer received positive responses from both audiences and critics, especially for Dhanush’s comedy portions with Vivek, which worked really well. Consequently, it emerged as a commercial success at the box office.
Verdict: Hit
18. Aadukalam (2011)
Aadukalam marked Dhanush’s second collaboration with director Vetrimaaran. This rural sports drama received unanimously positive responses from audiences and critics. Dhanush’s remarkable acting performance in the film earned widespread appreciation and won him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. Aadukalam became a huge commercial success and ended up as one of the iconic films in Dhanush’s career.
Verdict: Blockbuster
19. Mappillai (2011)
After the blockbuster success of Aadukalam, Dhanush joined hands with director Suraj once again for Mappillai, a remake of Rajinikanth’s classic film of the same name. Since the film carried a popular title, it enjoyed a good opening at the box office. However, it failed to live up to expectations and ended up as a failure at the box office.
Verdict: Average
20. Venghai (2011)
Immediately after Mappillai, Dhanush collaborated with commercial director Hari for the out-and-out mass masala film Venghai. It received mixed responses upon its release, but the commercial elements and family sentiment helped the film attract a mass audience. Venghai performed well at the box office and emerged as a commercial success.
Verdict: Hit
21. Mayakkam Enna (2011)
Mayakkam Enna was Dhanush’s fourth release in 2011, and it marked the third collaboration between Dhanush and his brother Selvaraghavan. This film received highly positive responses from critics, while Dhanush’s emotionally intense performance was appreciated by both audiences and reviewers. Although the film was an experimental attempt, it picked up gradually after its first weekend and ended its theatrical run as a successful venture.
Verdict: Hit
22. 3 (2012)
Following the back-to-back successes, Dhanush collaborated with his ex-wife, Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, for the romantic film 3. Since the song Why This Kolaveri Di became a nationwide sensation before the film’s release, expectations for the film were sky-high. However, the film couldn’t live up to those expectations despite Dhanush’s solid acting performance. As a result, it ended its theatrical run as an average performer at the box office. Music composer Anirudh Ravichander made his debut in the Kollywood industry with this film, and it marked the debut of the iconic DNA combo. Although the film didn’t emerge as a commercial success, 3 still has a cult following among audiences.
Verdict: Average
23. Maryan (2013)
After the failure of 3, Dhanush joined hands with director Bharat Bala for Maryan. This survival drama opened to positive reviews from critics, and Dhanush’s realistic acting performance earned widespread appreciation. Despite the positive response, the film failed to connect with the general audience due to its slow-paced narration. Consequently, it ended its theatrical run with an average status.
Verdict: Average
24. Naiyaandi (2013)
Due to the back-to-back disappointments, Dhanush collaborated with director A. Sarkunam for the commercial entertainer Naiyaandi. It carried decent expectations before its release, but it received negative responses from both audiences and critics for its weak screenplay and comedy. Hence, the film failed to create an impact at the box office and ended up as a commercial failure.
Verdict: Flop
25. Raanjhanaa (2013)
Dhanush made his Bollywood debut as a lead actor with Raanjhanaa under the direction of Aanand L. Rai. Although many had doubts about his entry into Hindi cinema, the film received overwhelmingly positive responses, and Dhanush’s remarkable acting performance won the hearts of audiences across the country. Raanjhanaa emerged as a commercial success and established Dhanush as a promising actor in Bollywood.
Verdict: Super Hit
26. Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014)
Returning to Tamil cinema after the success of Raanjhanaa, Dhanush joined hands with debutant director Velraj for Velaiilla Pattadhari. This film connected strongly with youngsters and family audiences alike, and Dhanush’s performance as Raghuvaran won the hearts of the audience. With the overwhelming response from the audience, the film turned out to be a blockbuster success and became one of the biggest hits of his career, marking his milestone 25th film as a lead actor.
Verdict: Blockbuster
27. Shamitabh (2015)
Continuing his journey in Bollywood, Dhanush collaborated with director R. Balki for Shamitabh and acted alongside Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Shamitabh opened to positive reviews from critics, particularly for the performances of the lead actors. However, it failed to connect with the general audience during its theatrical run. Consequently, the film ended up as an average performer at the box office.
Verdict: Average
28. Anegan (2015)
Once again, Dhanush returned with an experimental subject through Anegan, directed by K. V. Anand. This romantic action thriller earned positive responses from the audience, and Dhanush’s performance in multiple roles was appreciated by many. Anegan performed well commercially and emerged as a successful venture at the box office.
Verdict: Hit
29. Vai Raja Vai (2015)
Vai Raja Vai was Dhanush’s ex-wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth‘s second directorial film, starring Gautham Karthik and Priya Anand in the lead roles. Dhanush appeared in a cameo role in the film as Kokki Kumar, an iconic character he had played in Pudhupettai. Vai Raja Vai was a commercial success, and Dhanush’s cameo appearance became a huge sensation at the time of its release.
Verdict: Hit
30. Maari (2015)
After back-to-back experimental films, Dhanush made a complete shift and acted in the mass commercial entertainer Maari, helmed by Balaji Mohan. Although Maari received mixed responses from critics, Dhanush’s energetic portrayal of Maari and Anirudh’s music became huge sensations at the time. However, due to mixed word of mouth, Maari ended its theatrical run with an average status.
Verdict: Average
31. Thanga Magan (2015)
Following Maari, Dhanush reunited with director Velraj for the family drama Thanga Magan. Since the musical album composed by Anirudh became a viral hit, Thanga Magan enjoyed a solid opening. However, the film received mixed responses from the audience and ended up as a disappointment at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
32. Thodari (2016)
Dhanush then collaborated with director Prabhu Solomon for Thodari, which was set against the backdrop of a moving train. The film generated decent expectations before its release due to its unique premise. Unfortunately, it received mixed responses from audiences and critics, and ended up as a commercial failure at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
33. Kodi (2016)
Following the back-to-back failures of Thanga Magan and Thodari, Dhanush joined hands with director R. S. Durai Senthilkumar for Kodi with the intention of making a comeback. This political action thriller marked the actor’s first dual role, and his performance in both characters received appreciation from audiences and critics. Even though the film opened to positive reviews, it failed to connect well with the general audience due to its slow narration. Consequently, the film ended its theatrical run as an average performer at the box office.
Verdict: Average
34. Pa Paandi (2017)
Pa Paandi, aka Power Paandi, was Dhanush’s directorial debut, and he also appeared in an extended cameo role in it. This emotional family drama received positive responses from both audiences and critics, particularly for its heartwarming screenplay. With positive word of mouth, the film turned out to be a successful venture at the box office, marking a solid debut for Dhanush as a director.
Verdict: Hit
35. Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (2017)
After the blockbuster success of Velaiilla Pattadhari, Dhanush returned with its sequel, Velaiilla Pattadhari 2, directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth. Since the original film was a massive success, expectations for the sequel were sky-high among the audience. However, Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 received mixed responses after its release and, due to average word of mouth, ended its theatrical run as an average performer.
Verdict: Average
36. The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2018)
Dhanush made his international debut with The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, directed by Ken Scott. The comedy-drama received positive reviews from critics, and Dhanush’s performance was appreciated by international audiences. Although the film performed well overseas, it couldn’t create a notable commercial impact in India.
Verdict: Average
37. Vada Chennai (2018)
Following a streak of average films, Dhanush joined hands with director Vetrimaaran for Vada Chennai with the intention of making a comeback. Since the duo had already delivered two iconic films, Vada Chennai carried huge expectations among the audience and became one of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year. Vada Chennai opened to overwhelmingly positive responses, and Dhanush’s captivating performance earned widespread appreciation. With strong word of mouth, the film became a huge commercial success and still has a cult following.
Verdict: Blockbuster
38. Maari 2 (2018)
Dhanush then reunited with director Balaji Mohan for Maari 2. Since the original film was a huge sensation, Maari 2 enjoyed a solid opening. However, the film received mixed responses from the audience and became a failure at the box office. However, the song Rowdy Baby became a viral hit and has garnered more than 1.5 billion views on YouTube.
Verdict: Flop
39. Asuran (2019)
Asuran marked the fourth successful collaboration between Vetrimaaran and Dhanush. Since the duo had already delivered three solid films, Asuran enjoyed massive expectations. The film received unanimous positive responses from audiences and critics, and Dhanush’s extraordinary performance won widespread acclaim and several awards. Consequently, the film became a blockbuster success and is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances of his career. Also, Dhanush earned his second National Film Award for Best Actor for this film.
Verdict: Blockbuster
40. Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2019)
Meanwhile, Dhanush’s long-delayed film Enai Noki Paayum Thota, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, finally hit the screens after many postponements following Asuran. Although the film carried decent expectations, it received mixed responses upon its release. Due to mixed word of mouth, the film failed to create an impact at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
41. Pattas (2020)
Dhanush then collaborated once again with director R. S. Durai Senthilkumar for Pattas, an action entertainer based on the traditional martial art Adimurai. The film opened to mixed reviews from audiences and critics. Consequently, it ended its theatrical run as an average performer at the box office.
Verdict: Average
42. Jagame Thandhiram (2021)
Following back-to-back failures, Dhanush collaborated with director Karthik Subbaraj for the mass commercial film Jagame Thandhiram. Since the trailer and teaser became viral hits, Jagame Thandhiram carried huge expectations among the audience. However, because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the film was released directly on an OTT platform. It received mixed responses from the audience and failed to create an impact.
Verdict: Not Applicable
43. Karnan (2021)
Looking to make a strong comeback, Dhanush joined hands with director Mari Selvaraj for Karnan. This rural action drama received overwhelmingly positive responses from both audiences and critics, and Dhanush’s powerful acting performance as Karnan won widespread appreciation. With exceptional word of mouth, the film enjoyed a solid first weekend. However, due to COVID lockdown restrictions, it didn’t have a free theatrical run. The opening day collection of Karnan was Dhanush’s career best at the time of its release.
Verdict: Super Hit
44. Atrangi Re (2021)
Following Karnan, Dhanush collaborated with director Aanand L. Rai for the third time for Atrangi Re. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Atrangi Re premiered directly on the JioHotstar OTT platform. This romantic drama earned positive responses from critics, and Dhanush’s performance was appreciated by both audiences and reviewers. Consequently, the film became one of the most talked-about OTT releases of the year.
Verdict: Hit
45. Maaran (2022)
Maaran was Dhanush’s third direct OTT release because of the COVID lockdown. He collaborated with young director Karthick Naren for this film. Maaran enjoyed decent expectations before its release, but it opened to mixed-to-negative responses due to its weak screenplay. As a result, the film failed to create the expected impact after its direct OTT release.
Verdict: Not Applicable
46. The Gray Man (2022)
The Gray Man was Dhanush’s second international film, directed by the Russo Brothers. Although Dhanush only appeared in an extended cameo role, he represented the film throughout India, and many Kollywood audiences felt proud of him for acting alongside Hollywood stars like Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling. The Gray Man was released directly on the Netflix OTT platform and received mixed responses from the audience.
Verdict: Not Applicable
47. Thiruchitrambalam (2022)
Following the back-to-back OTT releases, Dhanush returned to theatres with the emotional film Thiruchitrambalam, directed by Mithran Jawahar. Thiruchitrambalam opened to overwhelmingly positive responses, and Dhanush’s effortless performance and chemistry with Nithya Menen won the hearts of the audience. With strong positive word of mouth, the film turned out to be a blockbuster success at the box office.
Verdict: Blockbuster
48. Naane Varuvean (2022)
Once again, Dhanush collaborated with his brother Selvaraghavan for Naane Varuvean. The psychological action thriller received mixed responses upon its release, although Dhanush’s dual-role performance earned appreciation from both audiences and critics. Consequently, the film ended up as a disappointment at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
49. Vaathi / Sir (2023)
Marking his debut as a lead actor in Telugu cinema, Dhanush joined hands with director Venky Atluri for the bilingual film Vaathi (released as Sir in Telugu). Vaathi opened to positive responses, and the film’s social message was appreciated by many. Thereby, the film emerged as a commercial success in both Tamil and Telugu.
Verdict: Hit
50. Captain Miller (2024)
Returning to the action genre, Dhanush collaborated with director Arun Matheswaran for Captain Miller. Since the teaser and promotional materials created huge expectations among the audience, the film enjoyed a strong opening at the box office. Even though it received positive responses from critics, the collections slowed down in the later weeks, and it ended its theatrical run as an average performer.
Verdict: Average
51. Raayan (2024)
Raayan was Dhanush‘s milestone 50th film as a lead actor, which also marked his second directorial venture after Pa Paandi. The gangster action drama opened to mixed responses from both audiences and critics, but Dhanush’s direction and intense acting performance received widespread appreciation. However, because of the hype surrounding it being Dhanush’s 50th film, it performed exceptionally well at the box office and emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of his career.
Verdict: Blockbuster
52. Kuberaa (2025)
Looking to continue the momentum he gained in the Telugu market through the massive success of Vaathi, Dhanush joined hands with critically acclaimed director Sekhar Kammula for Kuberaa, alongside Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna. Since the film marked the first collaboration between Dhanush and Sekhar Kammula, it carried huge expectations among the audience. The film opened to positive responses upon its release, and with strong word of mouth, it emerged as a commercial success at the box office.
Verdict: Hit
53. Idli Kadai (2025)
Idli Kadai was Dhanush’s fourth directorial venture. Since it was a rooted, light-hearted entertainer, it didn’t land well among the general audience. However, critics highly praised the film, and Dhanush’s acting performance won the hearts of the audience. Because it was released alongside the Kantara storm, it couldn’t sustain itself in theatres and ended up as an average performer at the box office.
Verdict: Average
54. Tere Ishk Mein (2025)
Tere Ishk Mein was Dhanush’s fourth Bollywood film and his third successful association with director Aanand L. Rai. Since Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re from this combo have a huge fan following, their reunion generated huge expectations before the release. After its release, the film received positive responses from the audience and collected more than 175 crores worldwide. Tere Ishk Mein remains the highest-grossing film of Dhanush’s career.
Verdict: Hit
55. Kara (2026)
Kara was Dhanush’s latest theatrical release, directed by Vignesh Raja. Since Vignesh Raja’s debut film Por Thozhil was a huge success, Kara carried huge expectations among the audience. However, because of its slow-paced narration and draggy screenplay, the film ended up as a terrible disappointment. Consequently, Kara failed to create an impact at the box office.
Verdict: Flop
Final Word:
Dhanush’s filmography is entering one of its most important phases. Currently, he is one of the busiest actors in Kollywood, with an exciting line-up of films. He will next be seen in the spy action thriller Om, directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy. Following that, he has a commercial entertainer with Tamizharasan Pachamuthu, a historical film with Rajkumar Periyasamy, and the recently announced Tamizh Murugan with Vetrimaaran.
Despite being one of Kollywood’s biggest stars, Dhanush’s last few Tamil films have failed to make the desired impact at the box office. As a result, he now finds himself under pressure to deliver a major commercial success in his home market. Looking at Dhanush’s hits and flops, one thing stands out: he has repeatedly overcome difficult phases and reinvented himself through strong performances and smart script choices.
The next few years could define the next chapter of Dhanush’s filmography. If his upcoming films click both critically and commercially, they could firmly restore his dominance in Tamil cinema. Until then, Dhanush’s hits and flops remain a fascinating journey of extraordinary talent, bold experimentation, remarkable comebacks, and the constant pursuit of cinematic excellence.
