In this agrarian drama, Meena played Selvi, a farmer’s daughter. Unlike the glamorous roles of the time, Meena went barefoot, wore simple cotton, and spoke in a thick delta dialect. Her pairing with Rajinikanth was so well-received that they reunited for Muthu later. The song Porkkalam remains an anthem. Vintage Recommendation: Pay attention to the silent arguments between Meena and Rajinikanth—no dialogues, just eyes and expressions. Director: K. S. Ravikumar Co-star: Rajinikanth
Before Vijay became "Thalapathy," he was a charming romantic hero. Poove Unakkaga is a gentle family drama where Meena plays a mute girl (Vasanthi). Her disability doesn't hinder her spirit. Meena used sign language and facial expressions to convey love, jealousy, and sorrow. This film cemented her as the "queen of family audiences." Director: Cheran Co-star: Murali
A remake of Mrs. Doubtfire , this film is a celebration of absurd comedy. Meena plays Janaki, the daughter who befriends Kamal’s disguised male nanny. Her wide-eyed innocence and spontaneous laughter provide the emotional anchor to the chaos. Her chemistry with Kamal (in disguise) is hilarious. Vintage Recommendation: The train sequence where "Avvai" tries to protect her from a goon is a comedy masterpiece. Director: K. Balachander Co-star: Rajinikanth
While Muthu is known as Rajini’s film (and the first Indian film to be dubbed in Japanese), it is Meena’s Rangamma that holds the film together. Her character is the manager of a massive estate who falls for the servant. Her grace in the song Vennilavae Vennilavae and her dignified anger in the second half make this a quintessential vintage watch. Director: Mani Ratnam Co-star: Child artists (Cameo)