South Indian industry has well outpaced Bollywood in terms of box office statistics in 2022. While Bollywood only had one 400-crore grosser this year, South Indian films had four: RRR, KGF-2, Vikram, and Ponniyin Selvan: Part One.
In this category, we include south Indian films that generated a lot of excitement before their release and then blew up at the box office.
Numerous films on the list were also made available in Hindi dubs, which were warmly accepted by northern fans and eventually outperformed Bollywood heavyweights.
It also includes films that witnessed a rise in earnings thanks to positive word of mouth from the audience.
If you’re tired of your Hindi and English movie watch lists, we’ve got the thing for you.
The Best South Indian movies, according to IMDb, are listed below to watch (the weekend is almost coming, so get the popcorn ready!).
Top 10 Best South Indian Movies for a cinephile
Table of content
1. RRR
A hypothetical tale of two great revolutionaries and their trip away from home before beginning to fight for their nation in the 1920s.
The box office mayhem caused by RRR, the crowning achievement of master director S.S. Rajamouli is famed for having a Midas touch,therefore RRR had to score well at the box office.
It became the highest-grossing Indian picture of 2022, remaining at the top until Yash’s KGF-2 swept the box office. Must-see south Indian film!.
- IMDb rating: 8/10
- Box office collection: 1200 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 24 march 2022
- Star cast: Ajay Devgn, Ram Charan Teja, N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Alia Bhatt
2. KGF 2
Considering how well-liked part 1 was in India, Prashanth Neel’s film generated a lot of excitement before its release.
Sandalwood’s offering was released in many dialects across India and became the top-grossing film in 2022, the all-time second-highest-grosser, and the third-most-grossing Indian film WW.
The Kannada box office sensation divided into two halves is the embodiment of an action-masala-drama movie the Indian public is known to go wild over.
Two installments, starring stunning Yash in the major role, will have you fascinated till the finish.
The visual effects and action will truly astound you! This South Indian film is a fantastic must-see movie. The third installment in the KGF franchise is also in the works.
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
- Box office collection: 1250 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 14 April 2022
- Star cast: Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Srinidhi Shetty, Prakash Raj, and Archana Jois
3. Ponniyin Selvan: Part One (PS1)
Ponniyin Selvan, Mani Ratnam’s long-gestating fantasy project, had its first episode in theaters in September 2022.
Vandiyathevan sets out to enter Chola territory to convey a message from Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan. Meanwhile, Kundavai strives for political stability while vassals and small chieftains conspire against the crown.
It was a box office smash, becoming the all-time second-highest-grossing Tamil film. It set and shattered several box office records.
Part 2 (PS2) will be released in the summer of 2023.
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Box office collection: 483 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 30 September 2022
- Star cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Jayaram
4. Vikram
Kamal Haasan, also known as Ulganayagan, plays the title role in the action film in Tamil entitled “Vikram.” Agent Vikram (Kamal) commands a masked gang with a traumatic background due to a vicious drug cartel.
With the aid of undercover operatives Amar (Fahad Fasil) and Narein, Agent Vikram fights the narcotics gang headed by Santhanam (Vijay Sethupathi) (Bejoy).
The rest of the movie revolves around how agent Vikram successfully defeats Santhanam’s gang. The movie, which was screened throughout India, became the third-highest-grossing Tamil movie. This movie from South India is fantastic.
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
- Box office collection: 430 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 3 June 2022
- Star cast: Fahadh Faasil, Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi
5. Kantara
Kantara, the big success, became a national success in India and overtook KGF2 as the second-highest-grossing Kannada film ever made. Rishab Shetty directed, wrote, and performed in the film.
Rishab Shetty offers a unique story steeped in Indian culture and mythology that is, without a doubt, one of the greatest attempts by an Indian director in recent years.
This stirring movie is one of the greatest popular releases by an Indian director because of the stunning fusion of action, excitement, faith, and mythology.
It is produced by Vijay Kiragandur’s Hombale Films, which previously produced the monster KGF 2. It is also ranked first among the top 250 Indian films on IMDb.
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Box office collection: 407 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 30 September 2022
- Star cast: Rishab Shetty, Kishore Kumar G., Achyuth Kumar
6. Sita Ramam
The period romantic Telugu film Sita Ramam gained critical accolades for its performance, plot, and aesthetics.
Sita Ramam is much more than a love story. Hanu’s narrative, script, and language are based on the premise that humanity is more important than conflict, borders, and religion.
The concept is timely, significantly when talks of ‘them’ versus ‘us’ threaten to dominate the public conversation. Sita Ramam is not quite successful in becoming the timeless love story its creators intended.
Nonetheless, the sincerity with which they seek to tell a touching romantic narrative keeps it all together. Ram, Sita, and Afreen change their names and faith, but the heart of the tale remains the same.
That is where the story’s beauty resides. This South Indian romantic film is an absolute must-see.
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Box office collection: 93 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 5 August 2022
- Star cast: Rashmika Mandanna, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan
7. 777 Charlie
This film is at the top of the list of the finest South Indian movies thanks to Rakshit Shetty’s excellent acting and the genuine attachment he has with the dog.
777 Charlie, directed by Kiranraj K, follows the adventures of a little child named Dharma. Dharma is trapped in a negative habit and lives a lonely existence.
He spends his day wallowing in loneliness and gloom. One day, a puppy named Charlie comes into his life. The dog completely loves him and offers the child a new perspective on life.
This film is a must-see for everyone who likes adventure, drama, and comedy.
- IMDb rating: 8.9/10
- Box office collection: 105 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 10 June 2022
- Star cast: Rakshit Shetty, Charlie, Sangeetha Sringeri
8. Karthikeya 2
Karthikeya 2 is a sequel to the 2014 smash blockbuster Karthikeya. Chandoo Mondeti, wrote and directed this film and it is produced by Abhishek Agarwal, the producer of Kashmir Files.
It became a pan-India success in all translations, particularly Telugu and Hindi. Positive word of mouth propelled the film’s performance at the box office.
A follow-up to the mystic thriller Karthikeya (2014), which explores Karthik’s inner issues and how he overcomes them.
His quest for the truth leads him to discover the strength of the old Indian system and the Tatva of Lord Sri Krishna. Watching this south Indian film is essential.
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Box office collection: 120 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 13 August 2022
- Star cast: Nikhil Siddharth, Srinivasa Reddy, Anupama Parameswaran
9. Don
It is a coming-of-age comedy featuring Doctor fame Sivakarthikeyan. It’s about a hesitant engineering student. Cibi Chakravarthi directed & wrote the film, which was supported by Allirajah Subaskaran and Sivakarthikeyan himself.
Don is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi on his directorial debut. You must see this south Indian film.
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
- Box office collection: 115 crores gross worldwide
- Release date: 13 May 2022
- Star cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Priyanka Arulmohan, S.J. Suryah
Conclusion
Some of the finest best South Indian Movies combine action, drama, passion, and humor – in a nutshell, these films are like gift baskets!
From larger-than-life visuals to highlighting minor joys of life, South Indian movies deliver a wealth of substance to their fans.
These south Indian films are enriched by excellent performance, great plots, and stunning cinematography.
The list above includes some of the most productive south Indian films to receive national acclaim.
South Indian cinema has risen by leaps and bounds in recent decades, with a rich cultural legacy and its unique kind of artistic expression.
This is our assessment of the top 10 south Indian movies (interesting fact: most of these films are also dubbed in Hindi).
The aim is to binge-watch these incredibly enjoyable movies in any language, and translations are always available to help!)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which film is the most popular in South India?
The finest South Indian film is Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. However, some of the finest South Indian films to see are KGF 2, 2.0., and RRR. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is the most costly Indian film ever made.
It has grossed over INR 1,810 crore at the global movie office.
2. What are the 10 most popular movies currently in India?
The top 10 movies in India include RRR, KGF 2, Sita Ramam, Ponniyin selvan: part one (ps1), Kantara, Vikram, 777 Charlie, Major, Don, and karthikeya 2.
3. Which is the best South movie in 2022?
The award for the best South Indian movie of 2022 goes to RRR. It has made a box office collection of more than 1100 crores worldwide.
This South Indian film is an absolute must-see. Apart from this, KGF 2, Vikram, and Sita Ramam are also must-watch movies.
Here are some Best South Indian Movies list:-