9 Top Notch South Indian Movies That Will Give Bollywood Films A Run For Their Money

Looks like this quarantine life is going to last longer than we had initially planned and since we’ve exhausted most of our watch-lists, there’s only so much content left on the online streaming space for us to gorge on. Don’t worry, there’s a plethora of wonderful cinema from down south which is giving Bollywood tough competition when it comes to quality.

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List of Best South Indian Movies of All Time

Here are some must watch South Indian movies we’ve all loved:

1. Vikram Vedha

Starring Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles and inspired by the folklore of ‘Vikram Betaal’, this Tamil movie will change your perspective of good and evil in the most mind-boggling way. An honest police inspector’s pursuit of a dangerous criminal turns into a very thoughtful drama that will evoke a lot of emotions in you.

2. Aruvi

Another Tamil socio-political drama, this female-led storyline is truly a breath of fresh air. It reflects on a young woman’s journey in modern-day capitalist society as she tries to fight its inherent misogyny and consumerist behaviour. It is feminist and a thoughtful tale that is what Gen-Z needs to see.

3. Rangasthalam

This Telugu action-packed movie starring Ramcharan and Samantha Akkineni is simply brilliant! It has garnered the fandom of both critics as well as the box office. The leading couple are not the only ones who are a delight to watch, but the entire cast has done a tremendous job of depicting the story of a village with a corrupt co-operative system.

4. K.G.F

The Kannada box office phenomenon split into two parts is the epitome of an action-masala-drama movie the Indian audience is known to be gaga about. Starring the gorgeous Yash in the lead role, both the instalments will keep you hooked till the end. The visual effects and action will legit blow your mind!

5. C/o Kancharapalem

We really don’t deserve this Telugu masterpiece meant for international film festivals and global accolades. This movie will take you on a journey not extravagant and escapist as we expect out of Indian cinema but into the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Words can’t really summarise how beautiful it is unless you actually watch it. So go ahead, watch it already!

6. Bangalore Days

This Malayalam comedy-drama about three cousins struggling to find themselves will make you nostalgic about your younger days and your bond with family. Them relocating to their dream city and facing the challenges of adapting to their new lives is equal parts charming, moving, and entertaining.

7. ‘96

Wonderful acting and beautiful songs make this 2018 Tamil love story a real feel-good watch. The movie revolves around two high school sweethearts who meet years after they part ways and rekindle their romance. Rom-com lovers are going to swoon over this movie.

8. Ustad Hotel

This Malayalam family drama is most relatable to a millennial generation who has at some point or the other struggled with balancing their own ambitions with their family’s wishes. Dulquer Salman is wonderful to watch on-screen and so is the movie’s smooth screenplay and touching narrative.

9. The Great Indian Kitchen

One of the best movies of 2020, The Great Indian Kitchen revolves around a woman who gets frustrated after she's expected to spend most of her time cooking meals for her family. The movie does a great job of showcasing how women are automatically expected to shoulder the duty of doing household chores. If you have grown up in a patriarchal Indian household, chances are you will relate to the film.

Lead, social, and thumbnail images credit: Dream Warrior Pictures and Madras Enterprises

Vertical image credit: Madras Enterprises

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