With compelling storytelling and a knack for creativity, South India has successfully carved its niche among the top filmmaking regions on a global scale. From the likes of Baahubali to R, Pushpa, and more, we have witnessed the global reign of some Telugu, and Tamil masterpieces, and movies that have continuously put the region’s name on the global map. From the early 2000s to new productions, this list has 15 of the top most popular South Indian movies of all time.
1. Baahubali 1 & 2
Almost one decade after its release, Baahubali still stands among the top four highest-grossing South Indian movies of all time! Indian movies have always been famous for their global audiences. However, the release of the epic Baahubali movies in 2015 pulled in a different kind of fascination from international viewers. Setting new records for the region, the first part made about $79 million, which is nearly Rs. 586.45 crore in less than three months of its release. The second part of the movie is renowned for being the first ever Indian movie to pass Rs. 1000 in less than two weeks.
2. KGF 1 & 2
Prashanth Neel’s KGF series is a perfect combination of a gripping storyline and an action-packed watch. Following the success of the multipe-award winning KGF: Chapter 1 in 2018, the second part made the record as the most-watched trailer Indian Trailer on YouTube, breaking the existing record held by “Avengers: Endgame”.
3. Kantara
The 2022 “Kantara” movie is one of the best action thrillers India has seen. Featuring an amazing cast with Rishab Shetty in the lead role, the Hindi-dubbed South Indian film made over Rs. 12.7 crore in only two months, breaking a longstanding record of 21 years and bagging the Special Jury Award in 2023.
4. Pushpa
From the exceptional acting from the likes of actor Allu Arjun, exhilarating music composed by Devi Sri Prasad, and excellent cinematography, “Pushpa” had all it took to take the world by storm upon its release in 2021. Alongside landing its record as the highest-grossing Indian movie that year, the production’s earnings of around Rs. 360 make it one of the highest-grossing Telugu movies of all time.
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5. RRR
There is no way we would discuss the top global action movies of 2022 and Netflix’s “RRR” would not make that list. Directed by one of the industry’s bests, S.S. Rajamouli, this pre-independence set movie amassed massive success at home and abroad. With about $170 million in earnings, the iconic production made it to the Oscars and won Best Original Song for its popular ‘Naatu Naatu’ soundtrack.
6. Salaar
Yet another masterpiece directed by Prashath Neel, this Telugu blockbuster was released to huge commercial success in 2023, ending the year as the highest-grossing South Indian movie. The movie, which bagged a Film of the Year award in early 2024 is the first of a two-part series that promises to be as exhilarating as the first. On a global scale, “Salaar” stands out as one of the top-earning Indian films of all time, and its second part is one of the most anticipated films ever.
7. 777 Charlie
“777 Charlie” was one of those movies that made 2022 a heard for the South Indian region. It was a season of massive numbers at the Box office as the movie joined the likes of “KGF 2” to rule the Box Office, making about Rs. 150 crores in earnings. Alongside being one of the South Indian movies to be dubbed in the Thai language, it also won the Best Feature Film from the National Film Awards.
8. Super Deluxe
With 8.2/10 rating on IMDb, “Super Deluxe” is one of those movie productions that leaves a lasting impact long after you watch. Released in 2019, the AACTA-nominated masterpiece proudly holds the position as one of India’s most popular with its positive global reception and amassing accolades within and outside India. Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, the movie’s storyline and delivery remain one of the most appraised by critics, earning it five prestigious awards from the Critics Choice Film Awards, among a host of others.
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9. Magadheera
“Magadheera” from the late 2000s is a perfect example of artistic brilliance, with its compelling storyline and captivating sequence of actions. For a movie from that period, this all-time classic set new standards in South Indian cinema, making over $150,000 in the United States, apart from other earnings in India. The legendary film has been reproduced and dubbed in different languages following its original release.
10. Anniyan
Written and directed by multiple award-winning filmmaker, Shankar Shanmugan, “Anniyan” is one of the best South Indian movies in pan India. Given the time of its release in 2005, it’s safe to regard this movie as a groundbreaking production, setting numerous records from its release, and bagging a national award.
11. Enthiran (Robot)
“Enthiran” is yet another proof of the astoundingly creative minds of Indians. A sci-fi movie released in 2010, “Enthiran (Robot)” was a global success, making over Rs. 300 crores in earnings. Its wide acclaim and positive reception make it one of the best films from South India, setting an exemplary standard with its excellent cinematography and cast. The movie is a recipient of 2 national and 3 Filmfare awards with several nominations.
12. Sivaji: The Boss
If any other movie had taken the “Best Special Effects” awards in 2007, it would have been quite startling. “Sivaji: The Boss” is everything that a cinematic blockbuster should be. Complementing the excellent action and direction of the movie are the groundbreaking visuals, a feat that was not unexpected given its status as the most expensive movie in India at the time. With about Rs. 150 crores in earnings, the movie is one of South India’s highest-grossing masterpieces.
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13. I (2015 Film)
A story of envy, and revenge! “I” did not only make a good watch on the screens, it rolled in huge numbers on box office charts, raking in around Rs. 240 crores in earnings. Starring Vikram in the lead role, the multiple-award-winning movie amassed success across borders, grossing thousands in the international market and receiving positive reviews from global critics.
14. Vikram
Starring the talented Kamal Hassan in the lead role, “Vikram” is among the leading highest-grossing movies in South India, making about Rs. 500 crores in earnings, shattering worldwide box office records. Alongside breaking Baahubali 2 highest-grossing record in the state, the movie also won the award for having the best production crew.
10. 1: Nenokkadine (Ek tha dum)
Talk about giving a stellar performance and leaving no stone unturned in achieving massive success. The production and marketing team should be praised for such great synergy as the one that was witnessed before the release of this award-winning “1:Nenokkadine” film. On its release, the movie earned its place as one of the best openings ever for an Indian production and amassed millions of dollars from its reign at the Box Office.
