Top 20 South Indian movies

1. Baahubali: The Conclusion

Cost: Approximately ₹250 crores Box Office: Over ₹1,810 crores

Directed by S. S. Rajamouli Baahubali The Conclusion is an epic fantasy film that concludes the two-part Baahubali series. The film continued the story of Amarendra Baahubali exploring his lineage and the conflict with Bhallaladeva. The grandeur visual effects and powerful storytelling contributed to its massive success Top 20 South Indian movies.

2. Baahubali: The Beginning

Cost: Approximately ₹180 crores Box Office: Over ₹650 crores

The first installment in the Baahubali series Baahubali The Beginning introduced the audience to the mythical kingdom of Mahishmati. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, the film follows Shivudu’s quest to rescue the captive princess Devasena and uncovers the mysteries of his own identity.

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3. Kabali

Cost: Approximately ₹150 crores Box Office: Over ₹300 crores

Directed by Pa. Ranjith Kabali features Rajinikanth as Kabali a gangster seeking revenge for the injustice done to him and his family. The film explores themes of identity, justice, and the struggles faced by the Tamil community in Malaysia.

4. Mersal

Cost: Approximately ₹130 crores Box Office: Over ₹250 crores

Directed by Atlee Mersal stars Vijay in a triple role Top 20 South Indian movies addressing social issues and healthcare corruption. The film’s engaging storyline, Vijay’s performances, and A. R. Rahman’s music contributed to its success.

5. 2.0

Cost: Approximately ₹570 crores Box Office: Over ₹800 crores

Directed by S. Shankar 2.0 is a science fiction film featuring Rajinikanth as Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, the robot. The film explores the repercussions of mobile phone radiation on birds and the creation of an advanced humanoid robot to combat a new threat.

6. Sye

Cost: Approximately ₹17 crores Box Office: Over ₹45 crores

Directed by S. S. Rajamouli Sye is a sports action film centered around a college rugby team. The film explores themes of rivalry and friendship, with Prithviraj and Genelia D’Souza in lead roles.

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7. Vikram Vedha

Directed by Pushkar–Gayathri Vikram Vedha is a crime thriller that reimagines the Vikram Betaal folklore. The film follows the encounter between a police officer (Vikram) and a notorious gangster (Vedha) and delves into the shades of morality and justice.

8. Premam

Directed by Alphonse Puthren Premam is a coming-of-age romantic drama that follows the protagonist George through various stages of his life. The film explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth.

9. KGF: Chapter 1

Directed by Prashanth Neel  Top 20 South Indian movies KGF: Chapter 1 is a Kannada-language film that gained pan-Indian success. The story revolves around Rocky a young orphan who rises to power in the ruthless world of gold mining in Kolar Gold Fields.

10. Nayakan

Directed by Mani Ratnam Nayakan is a Tamil gangster film starring Kamal Haasan. The film depicts the journey of Sakthivel Nayakar, a Mumbai-based underworld don, and earned international acclaim for its narrative and performances.

11. Lucia

Directed by Pawan Kumar Lucia is a Kannada film known for its innovative storytelling. The film explores the boundary between dreams and reality, following the life of an insomniac who starts lucid dreaming.

12. Drishyam

Directed by Jeethu Joseph Drishyam starring Mohanlal is a Malayalam thriller film that explores the consequences of a common man’s actions to protect his family. The film was widely acclaimed for its tight screenplay and powerful performances.

13. Vada Chennai

Directed by Vetrimaaran Vada Chennai is a Tamil crime-drama film known for its realistic portrayal of characters and settings. The film revolves around the life of a skilled carrom player caught in the world of crime and politics.

14. Odiyan

Starring Mohanlal Odiyan is a fantasy thriller directed by V. A. Shrikumar Menon. The film explores the life of Odiyan Manikyan, a legendary shape-shifting assassin, and his encounters with the supernatural Top 20 South Indian movies.

15. Aruvi

Directed by Arun Prabhu Purushothaman Aruvi is a Tamil film that received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling. The film follows the life of Aruvi, a young woman who faces societal challenges and expectations.

16. Super Deluxe

Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja Super Deluxe is a Tamil film known for its unconventional narrative and ensemble cast. The film weaves together multiple stories, exploring societal norms and individual struggles.

17. 96

Directed by C. Prem Kumar 96 starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha was a romantic drama that received widespread appreciation. The film explores the nostalgia and emotions of two high school sweethearts who meet after several years.

18. Kannathil Muthamittal

Directed by Mani Ratnam Kannathil Muthamittal is a Tamil drama film that revolves around a young girl’s journey to find her biological mother. The film is known for its emotional depth and impactful storytelling Top 20 South Indian movies.

19. Peranbu

Directed by Ram Peranbu starring Mammootty received international acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a father-daughter relationship. The film addresses themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges faced by a parent of a child with special needs.

20. Ayyappanum Koshiyum

Directed by Sachy Ayyappanum Koshiyum is a Malayalam film starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon. The film explores the conflict between two strong-willed individuals, Ayyappan Nair, and Koshy Kurien, leading to a series of intense events.

The selected films represent the diversity and richness of South Indian cinema, spanning various genres and themes. Baahubali: The Conclusion stands out as a monumental achievement in Indian cinema, setting new benchmarks for visual storytelling and box office success. Its prequel, Baahubali: The Beginning laid the foundation for the epic saga.

Kabali and Mersal showcase the superstar status of Rajinikanth and Vijay, respectively, with their films addressing social issues and resonating with the masses. 2.0 pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema with its high-budget science fiction narrative.

Sye and Vikram Vedha demonstrate the versatility of South Indian cinema by exploring sports drama and crime thriller genres. Premam and 96 delve into coming-of-age and romantic drama, capturing the essence of youthful experiences.

KGF: Chapter 1 exemplifies the rising trend of pan-Indian cinema, with its success reaching beyond Kannada audiences. Nayakan a classic from 1987, remains timeless in its portrayal of the Mumbai underworld Top 20 South Indian movies.

Lucia and Aruvi showcase the innovation and storytelling prowess of Kannada and Tamil cinema, respectively. Drishyam is celebrated for its gripping narrative and brilliant performances, while Vada Chennai offers a raw portrayal of the underworld.

Odiyan delves into fantasy and folklore, showcasing Mohanlal’s ability to embrace diverse roles. Super Deluxe challenges conventional narratives, and Peranbu explores the complexities of a parent’s love for a special-needs child.

Ayyappanum Koshiyum stands out as a recent Malayalam hit, illustrating the industry’s consistent ability to produce compelling narratives.