Aadukalam

Aadukalam, directed by Vetrimaaran, is a Tamil film set in the Madurai region centered on cockfighting, starring Dhanush as Karuppu, the apprentice of an experienced cockfighting handler. Karuppu's rising popularity draws jealousy and a plot against him from the mentor who trained him. The film won six awards at the 58th National Film Awards, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Choreography, making it the year's most awarded film. The film also marks Taapsee Pannu's debut in Tamil cinema. Who it's for: anyone curious about an apprentice facing his mentor's jealousy within the brutal hierarchy of cockfighting, a Tamil film that swept a record number of National Film Awards in its year. Who it's not for: viewers who'd be disturbed by scenes of animal fighting, since the film is built directly around this traditional but controversial practice.