These movies promise entertainment and deliver it too. We can all agree that we enjoy a good subbed or dubbed version of a south Indian movie every once in a while. Often when we talk about a south Indian movie, all we can think about is lots of energy, dancing, action, and not to forget the masala! A number of movie industries are producing films intensively in south Indian regional languages. These regional industries are thriving and producing not just money-making films but also critically sound ones. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that every other blockbuster Bollywood movie is a remake of a south Indian movie. So, let’s have a look at some of the best south Indian movies that every movie buff should watch at least once in their lives!
Also read: 14 Best Romantic Tamil Movies of All Time for A Perfect Date Night
1. Asuran
One of the best films of 2019, Asuran is the story of a farmer whose son murders an upper-caste landlord as an act of vengeance. The best thing about this dark and gripping drama is the performance of Dhanush, which even got him the National Award for Best Actor.
2. 3 (Moonu)
A decade ago, the song Kolaveri Di took the internet by storm. This extremely catchy song was from this movie. But this movie offers so much more than just this song. Dhanush gives an excellent performance (some of the scenes still give me goosebumps no matter how many times I watch them) and Shruti Hassan is also phenomenal. This is not just a romantic movie but also an engaging psychological thriller. To say anything more about it would spoil the fun, but trust me, this movie is worth a watch.
3. Bahubali
Just one word to describe this S.S. Rajamouli wonder- grand. A man name Shiva, unaware of his legacy, stumbles upon his past. What follows is pure grandeur- suspense, action, romance, this movie has it all. Bahubali is a movie of epic dimensions. Be it the story, or the performances, or the awe-inducing sequences, this movie is a full package.
4. 96
Two high school sweethearts, Ram and Janu, meet in a school reunion after 22 long years. As they reminisce about their past and struggle with emotions, this movie leaves you praying that they get back together. Do they? You need to watch the movie to know. The best thing about this movie is that it is so real and honest. No overtly sensual songs, no over-the-top display of emotions, just pure art.
5. Dasavathaaram
Kamal Hassan plays 10 different characters in this movie. You read that right. When a bioweapon is let loose in a country with billions of people, a scientist does all that he can to prevent a disaster.
6. Sivaji
It is difficult to write an article on south Indian movies and not include Rajinikanth. Sivaji is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining and iconic movies out there. An NRI philanthropist returns to India with an aim to do good for his own countrymen but his noble efforts are hedged by corrupt politicians.
7. Chandramukhi
One of the most remade South Indian films of the century, Chandramukhi, is a horror-comedy that follows the story of the ghost of a dancer trapped in an old palace. But the hero and heroine don’t really believe in ghosts so they call a psychiatrist (Rajinikanth) to solve the mystery.
8. Magadheera
Another work by S. S. Rajamouli, Magadheera is a fantasy film that connects the present lives of the characters to their 400-year-old past lives. The 2017 Bollywood movie Raabta was a remake of this movie.
9. Arya
Arya is the movie that made Allu Arjun the phenomenon that he is today. Both the movies of this series, the songs and the performances have been hugely popular. The premise for both the movies is a love triangle.
10. Drishyam
How far would a person go in defense of his family? This movie has an extremely clever and original plot. A movie about a simple family turns into a crime drama that would surely draw you to the edge of your seat. The uniqueness of this film has given way to numerous remakes in various languages.
11. Lucifer
This Malayalam movie follows the story of a power struggle between two forces after the death of the Chief Minister of the state. This political thriller starring Mohanlal is a must-watch for all south Indian movie lovers.
12. K.G.F.
Released in 2018, and with a huge fanbase waiting for a sequel, this period drama is one of the most popular South Indian movies out there. A man, in order to fulfill the wish if his dying mother, sets forth to acquire wealth and power.
13. C U Soon
A software engineer struggles to look for the missing fiancee of his cousin. This fast-paced thriller is one of the best movies of 2020. Indeed, a must-watch.
14. Mayanadi
Maathen decided to meet his lover before leaving the country for good after killing a police officer. This turns out to be the second biggest mistake of his life.
15. Ratsasan
This Tamil psychological crime thriller movie follows a police officer who chases after a psychotic serial killer targeting school girls. With an 8.5 IMDB rating, this is one of the best south Indian movies of recent times.
16. Thani Oruvan
This thriller follows a morally upright IPS officer chasing after a corrupt scientist, Siddharth Abhimanyu. The clash between the two is quite engaging and interesting to watch.
17. Vada Chennai
In this movie, Dhanush plays the role of an expert carrom player, who helps settle gangster feuds. But he turns against the same gangsters when they threaten to destroy his locality. With an 8.5 IMDb rating, this is an entertaining watch.
18. Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi
Suni and Kasi set out on a journey to Nagaland to find Kasi’s girlfriend. But this is more than just a movie about a road trip. It subtly soothes your soul and helps you grow as a human, a thing that one might not expect from this movie in the first instance.
19. Pariyerum Perumal
With an IMDb rating of 8.8, this movie is a love story that will leave you spell-bound. Jothi, an upper-caste woman falls in love with Pariyan, a man belonging to a lower caste. What follows is chaos and struggle and the audience is left to ponder upon the evil that still exists in the society.
20. Super Deluxe
The best movie on this list, Super Deluxe is a ride that you don’t want to miss. Saying anything about this movie would just spoil the fun. But yes, the performances are simply brilliant and the story is way too good. Just watch it, already.
With this, we have come to the end of the list of the best south Indian movies. Which of your favourite south Indian movies did we miss out on? Do let us know in the comments section.