: Madhavan ( Run /Anbe Sivam), Meena ( Ivan ), and Vivek ( Run ) were among the top winners for their performances.

2002 was a defining year for Tamil cinema, balancing massive superstar spectacles with groundbreaking experimental films. The year was marked by the high-profile return of , the critical dominance of Mani Ratnam , and the rise of a new generation of stars like Dhanush and Trisha . Top Tamil Movies by Gross in 2002

: The year marked the debut of Dhanush ( Thulluvadho Ilamai ), Trisha ( Mounam Pesiyadhe ), and Priyanka Chopra ( Thamizhan ).

: This social action thriller, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and starring Vijayakanth, was the top-grossing film of the year, earning approximately ₹33 crore.

Several major commercial releases dominated the box office in 2002.