Unmissable List of Must Watch South Indian Movies

Dear Diary,

I have never been a fan of South Indian films, primarily because I believe these movies are brimming with exaggerated action and excessive “masala.” However, my perspective changed after watching a few of these films, leading me to see the films in a new light. Consequently, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of must watch South Indian movies. Thankfully, these films are far from typical and can even rival the Hindi Film Industry.

So, let me share my list!

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Which Are the Must Watch South Indian Movies?

Let’s dive in.

1.      Vikram

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve watched this film. Whenever it’s aired on TV, I never miss it. In fact, Vikram is always on my watchlist whenever I’m in the mood for a movie. While Kamal Haasan shines as the protagonist, you’ll be captivated by the antagonist, Vijay Sethupathi. His performance in this film made me a fan, and I’m confident you’ll appreciate his talent, possibly even more than any other character in the movie.

2.      Super Deluxe

After falling in love with Vijay Sethupathi’s performance, I began exploring more of his films and stumbled upon the brilliant ‘Super Deluxe.’ This hyperlink film features a plethora of talented stars. While I admit to being partial towards Sethupathi’s part, the entire cast, including Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Fahadh Faasil, delivers outstanding performances, each playing a crucial role. ‘Super Deluxe’ is undeniably one of the must-watch South Indian movies.

3.      Jai Bhim

Since my childhood, I had been aware of the deep-rooted issue of caste-based atrocities, yet urban life shielded me from witnessing its direct impacts. However, these injustices persist in rural areas, a reality poignantly depicted in the film. It opened my eyes to a real-life incident from 1993, fought in court by Justice K. Chandru.

The film skillfully addresses police bias and state-sanctioned violence against marginalized communities. The performances, particularly by Suriya and Lijomol Jose, are exceptional. Every courtroom scene is so powerful that it’s bound to give you goosebumps. This movie is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles against discrimination and injustice in society.

4.      Captain Miller

I’ve kept an eye on some of Dhanush’s films from the South Indian industry. In comparison, I found his Hindi movies somewhat more appealing, often less action-centric; his South Indian films seemed overrun with exaggerated action, leading me to avoid them generally.

However, everything changed with ‘Captain Miller.’ From start to finish, this film had me completely hooked. Refreshingly free from over-the-top action sequences, it boasts an engaging and relatable storyline. In his role as Captain Miller, Dhanush delivers a fantastic performance that marks a delightful departure from his usual roles.

5.      Kantara

Do I even need to elaborate on this film? It has garnered numerous accolades and captured hearts universally. Every frame is crafted so brilliantly that it kept me glued to my seat. Honestly, I was initially unaware of Rishab Shetty’s remarkable talent until my sibling enlightened me about his popularity, leaving me utterly spellbound. As for the film, the action sequences are a must-see – they’re guaranteed to give you goosebumps. A huge round of applause for Rishab Shetty’s outstanding performance.

6.      Jana Gana Mana

I regret initially associating Prithviraj Sukumaran solely with ‘Aiyyaa,’ a film often considered one of the decade’s worst. My only impression of him was from this movie, where I saw him as just a glamorous figure, leading me to assume he wasn’t a popular or talented actor mistakenly.

However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Prithviraj is, in fact, an actor of immense caliber, as clearly demonstrated in ‘Jana Gana Mana.’ The storyline of this film, with its intriguing twists, will keep you engrossed. Prithviraj’s performance is a treat to watch and showcases his remarkable talent.

7.      Salaar

When I think of Prabhas, ‘Baahubali’ immediately comes to mind. This film franchise undoubtedly became his signature, and following its success, his subsequent films struggled to create the same impact. However, everything changed with the release of ‘Salaar’. Initially, I anticipated a typical South Indian film, replete with over-the-top action and melodrama. To my surprise, it was nothing like this!

‘Salaar’ boasts a compelling storyline and an impressive cast, except Shruti Hassan, whose performance felt a bit forced and her expressions somewhat exaggerated. In contrast, Prabhas delivers a composed performance, maintaining a cool demeanor even in action scenes. The film is further elevated by the presence of Prithviraj Sukumaran, adding a layer of undeniable talent. Watching these power-packed actors come together in such an engaging movie is a treat!

8.      Hi Nanna

If you’re in the mood for a deeply emotional and touching film, this is the one to watch! It beautifully chronicles the heartwarming bond between a father and daughter. The story is so exquisitely woven that it’ll have you saying “aww” at every turn. The chemistry between Mrunal Thakur and Nani is a must-watch, and I’m certain you’ll binge-watch this film. However, the real highlight is the adorable Kiara Khanna, who will absolutely melt your heart with her performance.

9.      Sita Ramam

If you’re tired of clichéd love stories with predictable plots and overdone romantic scenes, “Sita Ramam” is a breath of fresh air. It shatters these conventions, offering a pure, heartwarming love story unlike any I’ve seen in years. The chemistry between Mrunal Thakur and Dulquer Salman is simply beautiful. In fact, my admiration for Dulquer Salman began with this film. For those who cherish romantic movies, “Sita Ramam” is an absolute must-watch.

10.  Ponniyin Selvan

As a fan of historical dramas, I’m quite selective about the films I watch, seeking meaningful and impactful ones. Thankfully, “Ponniyin Selvan” (PS 1 & 2) does not disappoint. Directed by the acclaimed Mani Ratnam, the film excels not just in direction but in every aspect – from stunning cinematography and picturesque locations to powerful acting.

While I haven’t always admired Aishwarya Rai, her performance in this film is commendable. Familiar with only Vikram and Trisha among the cast, I was completely taken aback by the performances of others, particularly Jayam Ravi, Karthi, and Jayaram.

The story is exceptional, offering a glimpse into a fascinating history chapter. Initially, the names of the kings were unfamiliar to me, but the film provided an engaging way to revisit and deepen my understanding of history. I believe this is the true strength of cinema – its ability to educate and leave a lasting impression.

11.  King of Kotha

Having become a fan of Dulquer Salman after watching “Sita Ramam,” I eagerly seized the opportunity to watch “King of Kotha.” This action-packed movie impressively maintains its momentum throughout, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Unlike many action heroes who often resort to exaggerated expressions and excessive howling, Dulquer’s performance is refreshingly subtle and compelling. His portrayal is a visual delight. The movie excels in its execution, boasting an engaging plot filled with intriguing twists.

12.  Trance

Last but certainly not least, I delved into a movie as intriguing as its title suggests. My journey began with “Pushpa,” where Fahadh Faasil’s performance, though limited in screen presence, captivated me and led me to explore his other works. It was a stroke of luck when I stumbled upon this particular film.

As a neo-noir psychological thriller, it perfectly embodies its genre. Fahadh deserves applause for his electrifying acting. But it’s not just him – other cast members like Gautham Vasudev Menon, Dileesh Pothan, and Nazriya Nazim also deliver justice to their roles. This movie hooked me from the start, and I’m confident it will have the same effect on you!

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Over to you…

This concludes my list of must-watch South Indian movies. I’m aware that there are many other films out there that I might have overlooked. My exploration of South Indian cinema is ongoing, and this list will likely grow even longer in the near future.

Significantly, these films have shattered my preconceived notion that South Indian movies are solely about “masala” and exaggerated action sequences. They possess a profound depth in their direction, narration, and depiction, which has been a delightful discovery for me.

Besides, I’m always looking for more recommendations, so please share your favorites with me. I’ll make sure to add them to my watch list!!