Step into a world where heroes rise, emotions run deep, and stories unfold with unmatched intensity. South Indian cinema has delivered some of the most memorable moments in film history, and in this first part of our series, we bring you ten movies that epitomize the magic of storytelling. Whether you crave edge-of-your-seat action, poignant romance, or thought-provoking drama, these films promise to leave you spellbound from start to finish. Join us as we unravel the cinematic treasures that define the essence of South Indian cinema.
1: Nenokkadine (2014)
Starring
Mahesh Babu, Kriti Sanon, Kelli Dorji
Synopsis
“1: Nenokkadine,” directed by Sukumar, stars Mahesh Babu as Gautham, a rock star haunted by his traumatic past. Kriti Sanon plays Sameera, a journalist who helps him uncover the truth about his parents’ murder. The film is a psychological thriller that takes the audience on a journey through Gautham’s troubled mind as he tries to solve the mystery of his past.
Is 1: Nenokkadine worth watching?
Yes, especially for fans of psychological thrillers and Mahesh Babu’s acting.
Baahubali – The Beginning (2015)
Starring
Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj
Synopsis
Set in the kingdom of Mahishmati, “Baahubali” follows two brothers, Baahubali (Prabhas) and Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), competing for the throne. Baahubali, hidden from Bhallaladeva’s tyranny as Shiva, discovers his true identity after meeting Avantika (Tamannaah), a warrior seeking to rescue their captive queen, Devasena (Anushka Shetty). The film culminates in epic battles and heroic feats as Baahubali confronts Bhallaladeva to reclaim his rightful place as king.
Is Baahubali – The Beginning worth watching?
Yes, “Baahubali: The Beginning” is worth watching for its stunning visuals, gripping story, strong performances, and thrilling action scenes.
24 (2016)
Starring
Suriya, Nithya Menen, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ajay
Synopsis
“24” explores the invention of a time-traveling watch by Dr. Sethuraman, which sparks a deadly pursuit by his malevolent twin brother Athreya. The narrative spans generations as it delves into the consequences of manipulating time and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
Is 24 worth watching?
Yes, “24” is worth watching for its unique time-travel storyline, engaging performances, impressive visual effects, and innovative direction by Vikram Kumar.
Sarrainodu (2016)
Starring
Allu Arjun, Rakul Pareet, Aadhi Pinisetty, Catherine Tresa, Srikanth
Synopsis
“Sarrainodu,” directed by Boyapati Sreenu and produced by Geetha Arts, is a 2016 Telugu action-drama featuring Allu Arjun in the lead role. The film promises a high-octane mass entertainer experience with intense action sequences, emotional drama, and vibrant performances.
Is Sarrainodu worth watching?
Yes, “Sarrainodu” is worth watching for its high-octane action sequences, engaging performances by Allu Arjun, and entertaining mass appeal.
Vikram Vedha (2017)
Starring
Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi, Shraddha Srinath
Synopsis
“Vikram Vedha” is a Tamil crime thriller directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, featuring R. Madhavan as an encounter specialist, Vikram, and Vijay Sethupathi as a notorious gangster, Vedha. The film unfolds through a series of encounters where Vedha surrenders and narrates moral stories, challenging Vikram’s black-and-white perception of justice.
Is Vikram Vedha worth watching ?
Yes, “Vikram Vedha” is worth watching for its gripping storyline, brilliant performances by Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi, and its unique blend of action and moral complexity.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Starring
Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj,
Synopsis
“Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” directed by S.S. Rajamouli, is the grand continuation of the epic saga that began with “Baahubali: The Beginning.” This film unravels the mysteries and resolves the cliffhangers left by its predecessor, particularly focusing on the pivotal question: Why did Katappa kill Baahubali? With a blend of breathtaking visuals, compelling storytelling, and powerful performances, “Baahubali 2” offers an immersive experience in the mythological kingdom of Mahishmati.
Is Baahubali 2 worth watching?
Yes, “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” is definitely worth watching for its epic scale, captivating storyline conclusion, breathtaking visuals, and outstanding performances. It’s a cinematic experience that lives up to the grandeur of its predecessor.
Ratsasan (2018)
Starring
Vishnu Vishal, Amala Paul, Radha Ravi
Synopsis
Ratsasan (2018), directed by Ram Kumar, is a Tamil-language psychological thriller that delves into the life of Arun Kumar, an aspiring filmmaker whose dreams are shattered by personal tragedy. Transitioning into a police officer, Arun finds himself drawn into a series of grisly murders that mirror the storyline of his abandoned screenplay. As he investigates, he discovers disturbing connections that lead him into a psychological battle with a relentless killer.
Is Ratsasan worth watching?
Yes, “Ratsasan” is worth watching for its intense and gripping thriller plot, excellent performances, particularly by Vishnu Vishal and Amala Paul, and its suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat narrative.
96 (2018)
Starring
Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan, Gouri G. Kishan, Varsha Bollama
Synopsis
“96,” directed by C. Prem Kumar, is a wistful romantic drama that explores the enduring impact of first love. The film follows Ram (Vijay Sethupathi), a travel photographer, whose visit to his hometown rekindles memories of his school days and his first love, Janaki Devi, known as Janu (Trisha Krishnan). A reunion with old school friends brings Janu back into Ram’s life after 22 years, leading to a night of conversations that delve into their past and unfulfilled love.
Is the 96 movie worth watching?
Yes, “96” is worth watching for its heartfelt and nostalgic love story, outstanding performances by Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, beautiful music, and emotional depth.
Saaho (2019)
Starring
Prabhas, Shraddha Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mandira Bedi, Jackie Shroff, Arun Vijay
Synopsis
“Saaho” thrusts viewers into the tumultuous world of Waaji city, where a powerful crime syndicate operates under the shadow of a mysterious black box. Following the demise of their leader, Roy (Jackie Shroff), the syndicate’s members scheme to seize control and unlock the box’s immense wealth. Simultaneously, in India, a team of determined cops, led by Ashok (Prabhas) and Amrita (Shraddha Kapoor), investigates a massive robbery linked to Waaji city, uncovering a web of deceit and danger.
Is Saaho worth watching?
“Saaho” is worth watching for its impressive action sequences and visuals, but the complex plot and uneven pacing may not appeal to everyone.
Bigil (2019)
Starring
Vijay, Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff, Amritha Aiyer, Reba Monica John
Synopsis
Directed by Atlee and starring Vijay in dual roles, Bigil explores the journey of Michael Rayappan, a former footballer with a troubled past. Michael, known by his alias Bigil, reluctantly steps into the role of coach for a women’s football team after his friend and coach Kathir is critically injured. This responsibility not only challenges Michael personally but also aligns with his father Rayappan’s vision of using sports as a tool for social upliftment. The narrative unfolds as Michael navigates the complexities of coaching a team of underprivileged women, confronting his own demons while striving to fulfill his father’s legacy.
Is Bigil worth watching?
Yes, “Bigil” is worth watching for its compelling storyline, Vijay’s powerful dual-role performance, and its blend of sports drama and social message.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the must-watch South Indian movies, it’s evident that these films not only entertain but also enrich our cinematic experience. From the grandeur of “Baahubali” to the intensity of “Ratsasan” and the emotional depth of “96,” each movie on this list has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Whether you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or innovative storytelling, South Indian cinema offers a treasure trove of gems waiting to be explored. These movies exemplify the best of regional cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity that continue to redefine storytelling on the silver screen.
We hope this list inspires you to delve deeper into South Indian cinema and discover more cinematic wonders. Grab your popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in these unforgettable cinematic journeys.
Which of these movies will you watch next?
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we uncover even more cinematic treasures that showcase the diversity and brilliance of South Indian cinema.