The South Indian film industry is known for producing some of the best movies in the country. The industry comprises four major languages – Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. These movies are known for their unique storytelling, brilliant acting, and stunning visuals. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best South Indian movies that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Amazing South Indian Movies to Watch
Baahubali (2015)
Baahubali is a two-part movie directed by S.S. Rajamouli and stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and Tamannaah Bhatia in lead roles. The superhit South Indian movie is a period drama that tells the story of two brothers fighting for the throne of a fictional kingdom called Mahishmati. The movie is known for its breathtaking visuals, larger-than-life action sequences, and stunning special effects. Baahubali broke several box office records and is considered one of the best South Indian movies of all time.
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018)
KGF: Chapter 1 is a Kannada-language movie directed by Prashanth Neel and stars Yash in the lead role. This compelling South Indian movie is set in the 1970s and tells the story of a young man named Rocky who rises from poverty to become the most feared gangster in Mumbai. Stunning visuals, gripping storyline, and brilliant performances make this movie a fun watch for people of all ages. KGF: Chapter 1 was a massive box office success and has become one of the most-watched South Indian movies on various streaming platforms. The South Indian film’s much-awaited sequel was also greatly appreciated by the audiences.
Vikram Vedha (2017)
Directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, Vikram Vedha is a Tamil-language movie starring R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles. It is a modern-day adaptation of the ancient Indian folktale of Vikram Betaal and tells the story of a police officer who is on the hunt for a notorious gangster. Its gripping storyline, brilliant performances, and unexpected plot twists make it one of the best South Indian movies to watch this weekend. Vikram Vedha was a critical and commercial success and has been widely praised for its unique storytelling. The Hind remake of this film featured Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan in the lead roles.
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Drishyam (2013)
No list of best South Indian movies is complete without the mention of Drishyam. It is a Malayalam-language movie directed by Jeethu Joseph and stars Mohanlal, Meena, and Ansiba Hassan in lead roles. The movie is a thriller that tells the story of a man who tries to cover up a crime committed by his family. It is undeniably one of the best thriller movies of recent times. Drishyam was a massive Box Office success and has been remade in several Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada.
Arjun Reddy (2017)
If you are seeking the best South Indian movies about love and romance, then this is a great pick. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Vijay Deverakonda and Shalini Pandey in lead roles, Arjun Reddy is a Telugu-language romantic drama that tells the story of a young medical student who falls in love with a girl from a different caste. The movie is known for its brilliant performances, realistic portrayal of relationships, and bold storytelling. Arjun Reddy was a commercial success and has been remade in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada.
Bangalore Days (2014)
A coming-of-age drama that tells the story of three cousins who move to Bangalore to pursue their dreams, Bangalore Days is a Malayalam film directed by Anjali Menon. It stars Dulquer Salmaan, Nazriya Nazim, and Nivin Pauly in lead roles. It explores the complex dynamics between family members, friends, and lovers, and how these relationships evolve over time.
Mahanati (2018)
Mahanati is a Telugu-language biographical movie directed by Nag Ashwin that tells the story of the legendary actress Savitri. This South Indian movie stars Keerthy Suresh in the lead role, and features an ensemble cast that includes Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Akkineni, and Vijay Deverakonda. Mahanati is a beautifully crafted movie that pays tribute to the life and legacy of Savitri. The movie delves into the various phases of Savitri’s life, from her early struggles to her meteoric rise as a superstar, and ultimately, her tragic downfall. Mahanati is a poignant and heartfelt movie that celebrates the spirit of one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema.
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Lucia (2013)
Lucia is a Kannada-language psychological thriller movie directed by Pawan Kumar. The movie stars Sathish Ninasam and Sruthi Hariharan in the lead roles, and is known for its unique narrative style and unconventional storyline. The movie tells the story of a man who uses a lucid dream machine to escape the harsh realities of his life. However, he soon finds himself caught in a web of illusions and begins to lose his grip on reality. Lucia is a thought-provoking and engaging movie that explores themes such as the nature of reality, the power of dreams, and the human mind’s ability to create its own reality.
Oopiri (2016)
Seldom you will come across a comedy-drama as compelling and captivating as Oopiri. This Telugu movie directed by Vamshi Paidipally stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Karthi, and Tamannaah in lead roles and is a remake of the French movie, The Intouchables. The movie tells the story of a quadriplegic millionaire and his unlikely friendship with his ex-convict caretaker. Oopiri is a heartwarming and inspiring movie that celebrates the beauty of human relationships and the power of friendship. The brilliant performances from the lead actors make this a must-watch and one of the best South Indian movies of all time. The movie will leave you with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart.
Ustad Hotel (2012)
Ustad Hotel is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Anwar Rasheed and written by Anjali Menon. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan, Thilakan, Siddique, and Nithya Menen in lead roles. It tells the story of Faizal (Dulquer Salmaan), a young man who dreams of becoming a chef, but his father wants him to join the family business. Faizal leaves his home in Kerala and goes to Mumbai to pursue his passion for cooking. There he meets his grandfather’s friend Kareem Ikka (Thilakan), who runs a small restaurant named Ustad Hotel. Faizal starts working there and learns valuable lessons about life and relationships. The film received critical acclaim for its story, direction, and performances, and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. It also became a commercial success and has since gained a cult following.
You can watch the full movie on YouTube.
While these are our picks for the best South Indian movies, some others worth mentioning are 777 Charlie, Praana, Peranbu, Soorarai, Visaaranai, Drishyam 2, Ratsasan, and Eega (Makkhi).