In fact, she had better roles in Tamil and Malayalam cinema (and perhaps in Telugu) than most of her Hindi movies. Though clearly she did more Telugu film - her mother tongue - but they were more fun, commercial films than serious fare to showcase her infinite talents.
Hindi films may have given her national recognition, pan-Indian fame, and fortune, but the actor was born—or shall we rephrase that as, the born actress was nurtured in Tamil and Telugu films (not to forget her roles in Malayalam cinema early on too).
We asked fans of Sridevi online, “What are Sridevi’s best Tamil films?” The knowledgeable, lifelong fans responded with the following titles for us to view:
1. Padinaru Vayadinilai (aka 16 Vayathinile) (1977)
The original version of
Solva Sawan (with Amol Palekar)
16 Vayathinile was a huge hit. The Hindi version was a huge flop. Clearly, something got lost in translation. In a rural village, 16-year-old Mayil (Sridevi), an ambitious schoolgirl dreaming of becoming a teacher, is loved by the kind but disabled orphan Chappani (Kamal Haasan). She falls for a charming urban veterinarian (Rajinikanth), who seduces and abandons her. The film explores her heartbreak, resilience, and eventual growth.
2. Moondru Mudichu (1977)
The story revolves around Selvi (Sridevi), an 18-year-old college student, and two roommates—Balaji (Kamal Haasan) and Prasath (Rajinikanth)—who both fall in love with her. It becomes a romantic thriller as hidden motives, jealousy, and manipulation surface among the trio. The memes online have given away the surprise ending... which has mostly been ruined by meme culture today.
3. Gayathri (1977)
Directed by R. Pattabhiraman and starring Rajinikanth and Sridevi in lead roles, the film has a twisted thriller plot with a distinctly adult theme. Rajinikanth plays a cruel husband to Sridevi, a rich bon vivant who lives with his sister (Rajasulochana) and a young housemaid in Chennai. Under an arranged marriage, the simple girl from Trichy moves to the city. Upon arriving at her husband’s house, Sridevi is shocked to discover the nefarious life of the duo.
With numerous plot twists and tragedies, a young Sridevi acts well beyond her years as a troubled housewife. Based on the story “Gayathri” by Sujatha Rangarajan, the melodrama remains a huge ratings hit even when screened today.
4. Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)
Kamal Haasan plays Dileep, a seemingly respectable industrialist who harbors a dark secret: he seduces women, kills them, and buries them in his garden (where red roses bloom over the graves). Sridevi plays Sarada, the woman he genuinely falls for, leading to intense psychological drama and suspense.
5. Kalyanaraman (1979)
The film follows Kalyanam (Kamal Haasan), son of a tea estate owner, who is duped and murdered by a gang seeking the property. He returns as a ghost to protect his family and loved ones, blending comedy, romance, and supernatural elements.
6. Varumayin Niram Sigappu (1980)
It revolves around three educated but unemployed young men in Delhi struggling with poverty. Kamal Haasan plays the idealistic Rangan, who refuses to compromise his principles. He meets and falls for Devi (Sridevi), a stage actress from a struggling family, in this socially conscious drama about integrity and hardship.
7. Johnny (1980)
Rajinikanth plays a dual role as Johnny, a con artist trying to pay off his father’s debts, and his lookalike Vidyasagar. Sridevi is Archana, a popular singer who falls for Johnny. When the lookalike commits a crime, Johnny is implicated, leading to a gripping crime thriller.
8. Guru (1980)
The story centers on a philanthropist (Kamal Haasan) who secretly operates as a vigilante. He falls in love with Sujatha (Sridevi), the niece of a top police official, while balancing his dual life of social good and justice.
9. Meendum Kokila (1981)
Sridevi won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for this Tamil film in 1982. Kokila (Sridevi), a devoted wife and mother, fights to win back her husband Subramaniam (Kamal Haasan) after he becomes infatuated with a film actress (Deepa). It is a poignant drama about love, jealousy, and reconciliation. Fun fact, originally the film actress was played by Rekha - who walked out of the film after shooting for a few days. Furious Kamal Haasan never worked the actress after that incident.
10. Pokkiri Raja (1982)
Rajinikanth plays Ramesh, a hardworking man framed for murder. In prison, he encounters his lookalike, and together they work to uncover the real killers and clear his name. Sridevi as a morally steadfast girl shines in the dramatic scenes and monologue about right and wrong.
11. Thanikkattu Raja (1982)
A young mechanic (Rajinikanth) falls in love with a rich girl (Sridevi). Their relationship faces opposition and turmoil due to class differences and family interference, testing their bond through dramatic events.
12. Moondram Pirai (1982)
The original version of Sadma with the same cast and crew. Yet another film where Sridevi deserved to win multiple awards but lost out to her contemporaries. The Crescent Moon Comes on the Third Day [literaly translation of the title!] was written and directed by Balu Mahendra, starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Young collegiate Sridevi on holiday meets with an accident and looses all memory. She's found in a brothel and rescued by Kamal Haasan who runs away with her to Ooty and takes care of her. When she recovers by the end, her retroactive amnesia is forgotten, and she forgets the existence of Kamal. The ending will haunt you for years.
Ilaiyaraaja composed the music. Kamal Haasan won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role as Srinivas. Balu Mahendra also handled cinematography and won the National Film Award for it. It was a blockbuster that completed a 329-day run at the box office. Sridevi and Kamal Haasan are incredible - Sridevi shot the film when she was 18 and is staggeringly great. How a simple storyline can influence the hearts of millions is the beauty of this movie.
13. Vazhve Maayam (1982)
Raja (Kamal Haasan), a rich and spoiled young man, relentlessly pursues and falls in love with air hostess Devi (Sridevi). After winning her over, complications arise when he learns he has a terminal illness and hides it from her, leading to emotional drama and misunderstandings.
14. Adutha Vaarisu (1983)
A conniving relative seeks to control family wealth after the heiress goes missing. A bounty hunter (Rajinikanth) is hired to find a girl (Sridevi) to impersonate the lost heiress, sparking drama, romance, and intrigue in this masala entertainer. Sridevi's fiesty performance in the beginning and sheer elegance in the second act provides ample scope for her vast range.
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