Since making her acting debut in the 2002 Tamil film 'Samurai,' Sriya Reddy has consistently impressed audiences with her dynamic performances. Renowned for her ability to take on diverse roles with remarkable ease, the actress has recently been in the spotlight for her work in the ZEE5 series 'Thalaimai Seyalagam.' Over the past two decades, Sriya has built an impressive repertoire, effortlessly transitioning between intense dramas, psychological thrillers, and high-octane action films in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Her recent role as a political journalist and advisor to the state chief minister in ‘Thalaimai Seyalagam’ has earned her a new wave of fans. Here are five standout films that highlight her versatility, solidifying her status as one of the most talented and multifaceted performers in Indian cinema today.

1. Thalaimai Seyalagam [ZEE5]

Streaming on ZEE5, 'Thalaimai Seyalagam' is a Tamil-language political thriller series written and directed by Vasanthabalan that delves into the ruthless world of Tamil Nadu politics. The series begins with a gripping scene set 15 years ago in Jharkhand, where a woman, subjected to brutal torture, defiantly strikes her tormentor with a small axe, setting the narrative's intense tone. It then transitions to a present-day courtroom drama before immersing viewers in the complex political landscape of Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Arunachalam, portrayed as a virtuous leader amidst a web of familial ambition, finds himself ensnared in a corruption scandal. His daughter, Amudha, and son-in-law, Hariharan, each vying to succeed him, engaging in manipulation and scheming, which crafts a tense and captivating political narrative.

2. Thimiru [SunNXT]

In the 2006 Tamil action thriller 'Thimiru,' Sriya Reddy captivated audiences with her compelling portrayal of Easwari, a brash and domineering character with a dark side. The former VJ-turned-actor garnered widespread acclaim for her role as an arrogant 'kattapanchayat' woman who lends money at exorbitant rates and mercilessly pursues those who fail to repay. Easwari's obsessive infatuation with the protagonist Ganesh (played by Vishal) after admiring his bravery, her ruthless kidnapping of his parents, and the tragic unravelling of events highlighted Sriya's ability to embody a complex, morally ambiguous character. Her performance in 'Thimiru' solidified her reputation as a versatile actress unafraid of tackling challenging roles.

3. Kanchivaram [ZEE5]

'Kanchivaram,' directed by Priyadarshan in 2008, stars Prakash Raj and Sriya Reddy. This period drama delves into the lives of silk saree weavers in Kanchipuram, telling the story of Vengadam (Prakash Raj), who is committed to his promise of gifting his daughter a Kanchivaram silk saree for her wedding. Despite his dedication and political activism, his dream remains elusive. Sriya Reddy plays Annam, Vengadam's wife, in this poignant film that captures the weavers' challenges and hopes. The movie received critical acclaim, with Prakash Raj winning a National Film Award for his exceptional performance.

4. Sila Samayangalil [ Netflix]

Priyadarshan's captivating psychological drama, "Sila Samayangalil," available on Netflix, centres around seven strangers, including Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, Ashok Selvan, and others, who find themselves anxiously awaiting their HIV test results at a clinic. Fueled by curiosity and desperation, they resort to bribery to expedite the process, only to discover that one of them has tested positive for HIV. What ensues is a tense and emotionally charged exploration of the varied circumstances that have brought these individuals together, each grappling with fear, stigma, and the potentially life-altering consequences of the diagnosis.

5. Suzhal: The Vortex [Amazon Prime Video]

‘Suzhal: The Vortex’ is a gripping crime thriller series crafted by the renowned duo Pushkar-Gayathri. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including R. Parthiban, Kathir, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Sriya Reddy, the series unfolds over eight episodes, centred on a series of enigmatic murders shaking a small village in India. Initially thought to be a simple case of a missing young girl, the investigation soon unravels into a labyrinthine criminal puzzle, challenging the village's deep-rooted cultural and societal norms. Sriya Reddy delivers a commanding performance, infusing the narrative with depth and intensity, making it an engrossing and masterfully executed investigative thriller.

If you are a fan of Sriya Reddy, you definitely can’t miss these shows and movies streaming now on OTT!