| Movie | Year | IMDb | Critics’ Consensus | |--------|------|------|--------------------| | Maharaja | 2024 | 8.5+ | Vijay Sethupathi’s career-best, non-linear thriller | | Viduthalai Part 1 | 2023 | 8.3 | Vetrimaaran’s political intensity | | Por Thozhil | 2023 | 8.2 | Engrossing serial-killer thriller | | Jai Bhim (2021) | 2021 | 8.7 | Social justice landmark |

| Movie | Release | Worldwide Gross | Key Factor | |--------|---------|----------------|-------------| | Leo (2023) | Oct 2023 | ~₹620 crore | Vijay + Lokesh Kanagaraj | | Jailer (2023) | Aug 2023 | ~₹605 crore | Rajinikanth + Nelson | | Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023) | Apr 2023 | ~₹345 crore | Mani Ratnam epic | | Vikram (2022) | Jun 2022 | ~₹500 crore | Kamal Haasan + LCU |

Leo and Jailer are the hottest by box office metrics. 2. Critical Heat (Highest Rated) Critics define “hottest” as artistic excellence, storytelling, and impact.