South Indian cinema has long been known for its unique storytelling, vibrant visuals, and talented actors. Over the years, several South Indian movies have gained critical acclaim and have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 South Indian Movies according to IMDB ratings.
These films have received widespread recognition for their exceptional storytelling, innovative cinematography, and outstanding performances by their cast. From the epic action-adventure “Baahubali” to the emotional drama “Kaala,” these Top 10 South Indian Movies are a testament to the creative excellence of the South Indian film industry. So, join us as we take a closer look at these must-watch films and discover what makes them some of the most acclaimed movies in South Indian cinema.
Top South Indian Movies According to IMDB Ratings
1. Baahubali: The Beginning
One of the best South Indian movies is Baahubali: The Beginning.S. S. Rajamouli co-wrote and directed the 2015 Indian epic action movie Baahubali: The Beginning. The plot for the movie was created by Rajamouli’s father, V. Vijayendra Prasad, who intrigued him by telling him a story of Kattappa and Sivagami, two women who cross rivers while holding babies in their arms.
His interest in the narrative was further stoked by his obsession with the Mahabharata as well as the stories from Amar Chitra Katha and Chandamama.
IMDB Rating- 8.0
2. Premam
Alphonse Puthren wrote, directed, and edited Premam, an Indian Malayalam-language coming-of-age romance movie, which translates to “Love.” The movie, which cost only 4 crores to produce, made 60 crores in revenue.
The movie eventually developed a cult following after being named one of The Hindu’s top 25 Malayalam films of the decade. The film received recognition for its directing, screenplay, Nivin, and Pallavi’s acting, soundtrack, cinematography, and editing, as well as awards and nominations in a number of categories.
IMDB Rating- 8.3
3. Drishyam 2
The 2021 Indian Malayalam crime thriller film Drishyam 2: The Resumption, often known as Drishyam 2, was written and directed by Jeethu Joseph and was made by Antony Perumbavoor through the business Aashirvad Cinemas. The movie’s plot has a relationship to the original.
Jose George, a man wanted by the state for the 2013 August 3rd night slaying of his brother-in-law, is on the lam. He observes Georgekutty leaving the partially completed police station while he is hiding behind it. He makes an attempt to apologize to his wife afterwards but is instead taken into custody by the police.
IMDB Rating- 8.4
4. Ustad Hotel
Anwar Rasheed, Anjali Menon, and Listin Stephen’s 2012 Indian drama film Ustad Hotel were written and produced in Malayalam. In the narrative, a young man by the name of Faizal, also known as Faizi (Dulquer), goes against his father’s wishes to study to become a chef in Switzerland. (Siddique).
His father snatches away his passport when this problem comes to light in order to keep him from starting his new work in the UK. As the relationship between his father and son deteriorates, Faizi is compelled to work as a cook in a restaurant owned by his grandpa Karim (Thilakan) in Kozhikode or Calicut until he can come up with a different solution.
IMDB Rating- 8.2
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5. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
The 2017 Indian epic action film Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was directed by S. S. Rajamouli, who also co-wrote the script with V. Vijayendra Prasad. Under the name Arka Media Works, Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni produced it. The movie was made at Tollywood, the hub of Telugu movies in India.
In barely ten days, it became the first Indian movie to ever earn over 1,000 crores. It broke numerous box office records in India, topping Telugu and Tamil as well as Hindi to become the most successful movie ever. It is currently the highest-grossing Indian movie and the second-highest-grossing Indian movie globally.
IMDB Rating- 8.2
6. Meishinte Prathikaaram
Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a 2016 Indian comedy-drama film in the Malayalam language, which was produced by Aashiq Abu and directed by Dileesh Pothan on his feature film debut. Photographer and studio owner Mahesh gets into a brawl but loses. He ultimately seeks revenge, which causes him to come to some life-changing realizations.
IMDB Rating- 8.3
7. Ratsasan
Ram Kumar is the director of the 2018 Indian Tamil slasher psychological thriller Ratsasan. Ghibran composed the music and background score for the movie, P. V. Shankar shot it, and San Lokesh edited it. After his father passes away, the movie’s protagonist, an aspiring director of pictures, enlists in the police and sets out to find a serial killer.
On October 5, 2018, the movie was released to mostly favourable reviews from critics. It was recreated in Hindi as Cuttputlli and Telugu as Rakshasudu.
IMDB Rating- 8.3
8. Mahanati
A 2018 Indian Telugu biographical drama film called Mahanati is based on the life of the actress Savitri. The story recounts Savitri’s life, showing her tumultuous climb to fame, marriage to Ganesan, and eventual fall from grace. Samantha and Deverakonda respectively portray the journalist and photographer in the story.
IMDB Rating-8.4
9. Jersey
The 2019 sports drama Jersey was written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, and it was made by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the banner of Sithara Entertainments.
The plot is about Arjun (Nani), a gifted but unsuccessful cricketer who chooses to pick up the sport again in his mid-thirties in order to represent the Indian cricket team and grant his son’s demand for a jersey. The movie’s main photography started on October 18, 2018, and it ended in late March 2019.
IMDB Rating-8.5
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10. Kumbalangi Nights
One of the best South Indian movies is Kumbalangi Nights. Madhu C. Narayanan is the director of the 2019 drama film Kumbalangi Nights, which is in the Malayalam language. Pushkaran’s inspiration for the movie comes from his experience in the village when he was in his twenties.
It earned overwhelmingly positive reviews and has been recognized as one of the top Malayalam movies of the ten years in many magazines. In addition, the movie was a huge financial success at the box office, earning $39 million globally against a $6.5 million budget, and it developed cult status.
IMDB Rating-8.5