I believe that the first movie I watched where I was 100% satisfied with the female representation was 36 Vayadhinile (At the Age ... 36 Vayadhinile Ponmagal Vandhal

When we talk about the evolution of women in Tamil cinema, the conversation is incomplete without the name . Emerging in the late 1990s and dominating the 2000s, Jyothika (often lovingly called "Jo") didn’t just play the heroine; she became the hero of her own stories. While she continues to act today with grace and power, her vintage filmography holds a special place in the hearts of millennials.

based on a specific genre like thrillers or romantic comedies? Jyothika - Wikipedia

Why it’s vintage: Jyothika’s debut Tamil film opposite Ajith Kumar remains a cult classic. She plays a mute woman caught between twin brothers (both Ajith). Her expressive eyes and restrained performance, sans dialogue, announced a major talent. The film’s sensuous yet tragic tone makes it a must-watch from her early catalog.

(2006) : Described by The Times of India as a classic romantic film that "will never get old," it explores the complexities of marriage and past love. A Lasting Impact