2023 Wrap: Our Favourite Meme Moments From Kollywood

A meme is more like an inside joke that only those who know the hidden details can understand. It is as simple as how #PrayforNesamani needs no context for Tamil people to crack up, while it left the rest of the world worried and puzzled back in 2019. It is fascinating how we can still relate to a random image of Pasupathy from Sarpatta Parambarai or Simbu from Manmadhan years later. Indeed, memes are the new, uncanny partner of pop culture. So as we draw close to the end of the year, it’s only fitting to look back at some of the hilariously memed moments from Tamil cinema in 2023.

“Asingama pochu” in Good Night

When Manikandan’s Mohan gets rejected by the girl he loves in the office cafeteria, he says, “elaar munnadiyum romba asingama aaidichu”. This should be our timely best friend for all embarrassing stories.

“Onume Puriyala” in Maamannan

Sometimes meme isn’t all that serious. It may convey a hard truth but with a touch of humour, dark comedy perhaps. In Maamannan, this scene might have been heartbreaking to watch but in the social media circle, it is all about the dialogue.

“Avan kedakuraan” in Mark Antony

This bus scene in Mark Antony where SJ Suryah’s subconscious says “Avan Kedakuran” is the meme version of “You do you”. It is also partly this year’s Amar’s “Rules irundhaal, meerapadum” in Vikram. So when in doubt, ignore.

“For My Boy” in Jigarthanda DoubleX

When Ilavarasu’s minister risks his political career to let the world know the story of Alliyus Caesar, he says, “For my boy”, in Jigarthanda DoubleX. This win for cinema is also a favourite meme fodder. 

“Gun work aagala Parthiban” in Leo

From bank servers having low networks to all sudden issues that arise out of nowhere at the most important moment, you are not alone: “Thuppaki vela seyala, Parthiban”. 

Vijay-Mysskin's awkward eye-contact moment in Leo

As Vijay takes the now-favourite chocolate coffee to serve the killer, the latter’s leader (Mysskin) walks past him and they share an iconic stare contest. This Vijay-Mysskin sequence in the cafe in Leo was a thriller that kept you on the edge of your seats, curious to know how Vijay will fight back. But thanks to our meme makers, it gave us a Tamil version of the famous meme. 

And how can we forget Mysskin's ironic "Chocoloate coffee?"

'Heartbreak Laughter' in Jailer

After learning about the true intentions of his dishonest son, Rajinikanth begins to laugh out loud with his teary eyes. This is probably one of the most meme-d sequences this year.

“Fake uh” in Jailer

Jailer joins Leo and Maaveeran in the list of films this year which has no dearth of meme moments. Among many such, one of the most used is the “Fake uh” utterance of the antagonist and the shocked reaction of Rajinikanth’s son.

"Patch work" and "Acha Acha" in Maaveeran

The series of Yogi Babu dialogues in Maaveeran is arguably the most meme-d in 2023. It is all about doing patchwork to move forward in our lives and say “Acha Acha” to all those troubles we ignorantly signed up for. But the most favourite has to be “Indha motha building la eh adhu mattum thaan unaku prechanaya irukula?”

Mindvoice in Maaveeran

Maaveeran gave our unwelcome companion, “our overthinking thoughts and mind voice” a relatable character, voice and loads of memes. 

(What does that voice in your head say now? Mine says, “Idhoda Niruthikalaame”.)

So finally,

"Idhoda Niruthikalaame "in Jailer

While most other moments in Jailer became pop culture favourites after the film’s release, Ramya Krishnan’s dialogue got instant fandom as soon as the trailer was released.

Fine, we heard you.

And, onwards and upwards to 2024…