South Indian cinema has continued to surprise us in 2025 — offering a mix of big-scale fantasies, intimate family dramas, and cat and mouse thrillers. Across all the industries, from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, to Kannada, these movies didn’t only register the collections at box office but also became massively popular after their Hindi dubbed version released OTT release for Pan India audience. Here, we have created a list of 15 best South Indian movies of 2025 (released so far). So, what are you waiting for?
1. Tourist Family (Tamil)
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Star Cast: Sasikumar, Simran, Mithun Jai Shankar, Kamalesh Jagan
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Where to Watch: JioCinema / Disney+ Hotstar
Tourist Family is a moving Tamil drama that gently explores themes of migration, belonging, and family ties. The story follows a Sri Lankan Tamil family trying to build a new life in Chennai, finding moments of laughter and struggle along the way. Sasikumar delivers a beautifully restrained performance, while Simran adds depth and grace as a mother determined to hold her family together. The film stands out for its honest storytelling, tender visuals, and soulful music — creating an emotional experience that lingers long after it ends. It’s a simple, heartfelt film that speaks to anyone who’s ever tried to find home away from home.
2. 3BHK (Tamil)
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Star Cast: Siddharth, R. Sarathkumar, Devayani, Meetha Raghunath
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
3BHK paints a vivid picture of the aspirations and struggles of India’s middle class. It revolves around a couple dreaming of owning a home of their own in a city that’s always just out of financial reach. What makes the film endearing is its simplicity — no over-the-top drama, just honest storytelling filled with moments we’ve all lived through. Siddharth plays the ambitious yet weary husband perfectly, while Devayani delivers a heartfelt performance as a supportive wife. The screenplay quietly critiques the pressures of urban life without losing its warmth and humor.
3. Dragon (Tamil)
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Star Cast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, Gautham Vasudev Menon
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Dragon is an ambitious action-drama that blends science fiction with raw human emotion. The film follows a young inventor who accidentally unleashes a technology capable of altering memory, leading to chaos and moral conflict. Pradeep Ranganathan delivers a dynamic performance that balances charm and vulnerability, while Gautham Menon’s cameo adds gravitas. With slick visuals, pulsating background music, and a surprisingly emotional core, Dragon proves Tamil cinema can tackle futuristic storytelling without losing its heart. It’s stylish, fast-paced, and surprisingly thought-provoking.
4. HIT: The Third Case (Telugu)
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Star Cast: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, Rao Ramesh, Adil Pala
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
HIT: The Third Case pushes the popular crime-thriller series into darker and more intense territory. The story follows a brooding investigator, played with quiet power by Nani, as he unravels a string of murders tied to an underground organ-trafficking ring. The writing is sharp, the pace never drags, and the climax delivers a punch that feels both smart and satisfying. Srinidhi Shetty’s Telugu debut brings a fresh energy to the screen, and her chemistry with Nani adds warmth amid the tension. With its gritty atmosphere, believable action, and unpredictable turns, HIT: The Third Case stands tall as one of the most gripping thrillers of 2025.
5. Thudarum (Malayalam)
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Star Cast: Mohanlal, Shobhana, Suraj Venjaramoodu
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Where to Watch: JioCinema / Hotstar
Thudarum is a deeply moving Malayalam drama that blends elements of crime, guilt, and redemption with heartfelt storytelling. Mohanlal delivers a powerful performance as a man haunted by a decades-old crime, seeking closure and justice that life once denied him. Shobhana’s graceful return to the screen adds emotional depth, her presence reminding viewers why she remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most cherished artists. Visually, the film is stunning — every frame carries a quiet poetry while staying rooted in realism. What makes Thudarum stand out is the way it balances suspense with raw human emotion, crafting a story of pain, forgiveness, and second chances that stays with you long after it ends.
6. Choo Mantar (Kannada)
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Star Cast: Sharan, Aditi Prabhudeva, Meghana Gaonkar, Chikkanna
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Where to Watch: Sun NXT
Choo Mantar is a light-hearted fantasy comedy that promises a good time for the whole family. The story follows a kind-hearted man who accidentally acquires magical powers, setting off a series of funny and heartwarming moments. Filled with clever humor, cheerful energy, and a gentle message about using one’s abilities for good, the film keeps you smiling throughout. Sharan shines with his effortless comic timing, while the supporting cast adds just the right amount of charm and mischief. What makes Choo Mantar truly delightful is how it delivers clean, wholesome entertainment — proof that a film can be funny, magical, and meaningful all at once.
7. Maargan (Tamil)
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Star Cast: Vijay Antony, Ajay Dhishan, Pranitha Subhash
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Where to Watch: Zee5
Maargan is a gripping mystery thriller that follows a journalist uncovering a major corporate cover-up, only to find himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, crime, and corruption. Vijay Antony delivers a restrained yet compelling performance that perfectly matches the film’s somber mood. The direction keeps you on edge, revealing just enough to maintain intrigue until the very end, while the background score and visuals add to its dark, immersive atmosphere. Though it isn’t a typical mass entertainer, Maargan stands out for its honesty, depth, and intelligent storytelling. It’s a thoughtful, slow-burning thriller for those who appreciate realism and substance over spectacle.
8. Court: State vs A Nobody (Telugu)
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Star Cast: Malavika Manoj, Lal Arjun Ashokan, Murali Sharma
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Court: State vs A Nobody is a powerful courtroom drama that exposes the cracks within the legal system while keeping viewers deeply engaged. The story follows a young lawyer who takes on a case long abandoned by others — a fight where truth, justice, and social power collide. Malavika Manoj delivers a standout performance, portraying strength and vulnerability with remarkable balance. The screenplay is sharp and socially aware, tackling themes of corruption and class inequality with honesty and restraint. Each courtroom exchange feels raw, tense, and emotionally charged. Court: State vs A Nobody is that rare legal drama that not only keeps you hooked but also makes you reflect on the world beyond the screen.
9. Coolie (Tamil, 2025)
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Coolie brings together two powerhouses — superstar Rajinikanth and director Lokesh Kanagaraj — in a film that lives up to its massive expectations. The story follows a former coolie union leader who uncovers a dangerous crime syndicate while trying to protect a friend’s daughter. What follows is a mix of high-octane action, emotional drama, and classic Rajinikanth charisma. Lokesh’s direction balances mass appeal with substance, giving fans plenty to cheer for while still telling a meaningful story. With its explosive energy, heartfelt moments, and a subtle social message, Coolie stands tall as one of the most talked-about Tamil films of 2025.
10. Gana (Kannada, 2025)
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Star Cast: Prajwal Devaraj, Vedhika Kumar, Yasha Shivakumar, Krishi Thapanda, Sampath Raj
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to Watch: To be announced (expected on Kannada OTT platforms)
Gana is a refreshing science fiction thriller that stands out for its inventive idea and grounded storytelling. The film follows a journalist who begins receiving mysterious phone calls from the past, unraveling a chain of events that link two timelines in unexpected ways. Prajwal Devaraj delivers a gripping performance, capturing both the urgency and emotion of his character, while Vedhika Kumar adds depth and sensitivity to the story. It’s rare to see a regional film handle science fiction with such intelligence and heart, and Gana does it with confidence. Smartly written and emotionally engaging, it’s easily one of the most pleasant surprises of 2025.
11. Rekhachitram (Malayalam, 2025)
Release Date: January 9, 2025.
Star Cast: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to Watch: SonyLiv
Rekhachitram is a treat for investigation thriller lovers. It is a story of an uncovering the murder mystery of ambitious actress Rekha. It is set in 1985 era, where a murder takes place on a film set. Suprising part is the investigation takes place after 40 years when a CI, vivek find a skeleton.
12. Agnyathavasi (Kannada, 2025)
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Star Cast: Rangayana Raghu, Paavana Gowda, Siddu Moolimani, Sharath Lohitashwa
IMDb Rating: Not rated yet
Where to Watch: ZEE5
Agnyathavasi is a moody rural thriller set against the mist-covered hills of Karnataka. The story follows a small-town inspector who delves into a string of mysterious murders, uncovering secrets that expose the darker side of village life. Rangayana Raghu delivers a powerful, grounded performance, while Paavana Gowda adds emotional weight with her subtle and expressive portrayal. The film’s cinematography beautifully captures the haunting charm of the Malenadu region, immersing viewers in its eerie, rain-soaked atmosphere. With its slow-burning tension and emotional undercurrents, Agnyathavasi is a gripping watch for anyone who appreciates layered storytelling and strong performances.
13. Cherasaala (Telugu, 2025)
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Star Cast: Sreejith, Yashvika Nishkala, Shilpa Das, Ramya, Ram Prakash Gunnam
IMDb Rating: Not rated yet
Where to Watch: Theatrical release; OTT release to be announced
Cherasaala is a haunting blend of romance and supernatural mystery that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The film follows a young couple on a road trip who end up stranded in a desolate mansion, only to discover that its walls hide chilling secrets. As tension mounts and emotions spiral, the story unfolds through a series of clever twists that hold your attention till the very end. Yashvika Nishkala makes an impressive debut, bringing freshness and sincerity to her role, while the supporting cast deepens the film’s eerie atmosphere. With its striking visuals and unpredictable storytelling, Cherasaala stands out as one of the most original Telugu thrillers of 2025.
14. Subham (Telugu, 2025)
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Star Cast: Harshith Reddy, Gavireddy Srinivas, Charan Peri, Shriya Kontham, Shravani Lakshmi, Shalini Kondepudi, Vamshidhar Goud
IMDb Rating: Not rated yet
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Subham is a lively horror-comedy that mixes laughs, chaos, and a touch of the supernatural in just the right amounts. Produced by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the film follows a group of friends whose fun vacation quickly turns into a series of eerie — and often hilarious — misadventures. Its strength lies in the sharp, witty dialogues and the chemistry between its vibrant cast, who keep the energy high from start to finish. Subham manages to deliver genuine scares without ever losing its playful spirit, making it a perfect weekend watch for anyone who enjoys feel-good ensemble comedies with a spooky twist.
15. Kantara – A Legend Chapter 1
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Star Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Kantara 1 is a prequel to the 2022 release Kannada movie Kantara. The movie is set into a pre-colonial era which explores the roots of ancient rituals. It has a perfect mix of action in sync with mythological mystery. The movie has gone berserk on box office and have collected over 950 crores worldwide.
Your Turn!
Which is your favourite South indian movie 2025? Let us know in the comments section.
