If you loved the gripping action and intense drama of 'Vella Raja' (2018), this article is for you. We've curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of crime, power struggles, and high-stakes tension. Whether you're a fan of gritty storytelling or adrenaline-pumping sequences, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Nayakan (1987)
Description: A gritty crime drama that explores the rise of an underworld don, blending intense action with deep emotional and moral conflicts.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the life of Mumbai underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar and was included in Time magazine's 'All-Time 100 Movies' list.


Singam (2010)
Description: A no-nonsense cop battles against a powerful crime syndicate, featuring intense action sequences and a strong moral core.
Fact: The film spawned two successful sequels, making it one of the most popular cop franchises in Tamil cinema.


Mankatha (2011)
Description: A heist film with a morally ambiguous protagonist, filled with twists, betrayals, and a dark, suspenseful narrative.
Fact: This was the 50th film of the lead actor and marked his return to the action genre after a long hiatus.


Thuppakki (2012)
Description: A military officer takes on a terrorist sleeper cell, blending high-stakes action with patriotic themes and strategic warfare.
Fact: The film was a major commercial success and inspired a Bollywood remake titled 'Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty'.


Vedalam (2015)
Description: A high-octane action thriller featuring a protagonist with a dual identity, combining elements of revenge, family drama, and stylized fight sequences.
Fact: The movie's climax was shot in a single take, showcasing a spectacular fight sequence that became a major highlight.


Vikram Vedha (2017)
Description: A cat-and-mouse game between a cop and a gangster, exploring moral ambiguity and the thin line between good and evil.
Fact: The film is inspired by the ancient Indian folktale 'Vikram and Betaal', reimagined in a modern crime setting.


Kaala (2018)
Description: A powerful tale of a gangster turned social activist, set against the backdrop of slum politics and urban struggle.
Fact: The film's color palette predominantly features black and red, symbolizing the protagonist's fierce and rebellious nature.


Asuran (2019)
Description: A raw and violent tale of a father protecting his family from caste-based oppression, blending revenge drama with social commentary.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Vekkai' and won two National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Tamil.


Darbar (2020)
Description: A cop drama with a larger-than-life hero who takes on a ruthless criminal syndicate, featuring high-energy action and emotional stakes.
Fact: The film's soundtrack was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, known for his electrifying background scores.


Annamalai (1992)
Description: A rags-to-riches story of a milkman who becomes a powerful figure, blending action, drama, and themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Fact: The film's iconic dialogue 'Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maadhiri' became a cultural phenomenon.
