One could say that 2011 was one of the best years for Tamil cinema. Quite a few films impressed both critics and audiences alike. Tamil cinema is passing through one of its best phases with many more good films, actors and film makers surfacing in recent years.

Interestingly, those who are behind some of the best films of 2011 are all young and raring to go. Their presence definitely gives hope that Tamil cinema is headed for a great future.

Here is our pick of the best five Tamil films made this year.

Film: Mayakkam Enna

Director: Selvaraghavan

Cast: Dhanush, Richa Gangopadhyay

Mayakkam Enna is a brilliantly made multi-layered film directed by one of the brightest young film-makers in Tamil. It has stunning visuals and outstanding performances by last year's National Award winner Dhanush, ably supported by Richa.

But it is the screenplay and characterisation that stand out in this film. Director Selvaraghavan has been able to take the audience deep into the soul of the characters and that is the highlight of this wonderfully crafted film.

Mayakkam Enna is an experience that will not leave you for a long time.

Director: M Saravanan

Cast: Sharwanand, Jai, Anjali and Ananya

Conveying a subtle message through a shocking incident without making it stick out, that is the most interesting aspect of M Saravanan's debut film.

The screenplay of the film that intertwines the lives of four people involved in an accident is one of the best this year. Though the story goes back and forth and from one couple to another, plus a bus journey, it never for a moment loses the viewer's attention.

Kudos to the director for writing such a screenplay and making such an exciting film.

Director: Vetrimaran

Cast: Dhanush, Tapsee

Aadukalam won Vetrimaran the 2010 National Award for best director and best screenplay and won Dhanush the best actor award even though it released on January 14, 2011.

Like Mayakkam Enna, this is Dhanush's film all the way. Equally important is Vetrimaran's taut and lively screenplay and deft direction.

Director: Thiagarajan Kumararaja

Cast: Jackie Shroff, Ravi Krishna, Sampath

Aaranya Kaandam produced by S P B Charan and directed by newcomer Thiagarajan Kumararaja was in the news, first for getting the Grand Jury award at the South Asian Film Festival in New York, and later, for the 52 cuts demanded by the Indian Censor Board. Charan had to take the film to the Central Tribunal in Delhi.

This gangster film is one of the most daring films made in Tamil, perhaps in India too. Its characters are real, the dialogues, though shocking, are true to life and the direction is daring.

Director: Suseendran

Cast: Appukutty, Saranya Mohan

Suseendran stole the hearts of film lovers with his finely crafted Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu. With Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai, he reaffirmed the fact that he is a brilliant film maker.

This is one film that broke all rules. How many would have the courage to make a film with an unconventional hero and a horse?

Suseendran did just that -- and pulled it off!