Year Ender 2025: Most talked about South Indian films of the year

Southern cinema finished 2025 stronger than ever, driving the narrative with a powerful slate of films that screamed for global attention. These impactful movies not only ruled the box office but also proved their dominance in the pan-India space, achieving significant buzz throughout the year. From ambitious sagas to massive sequels, here we list the South films that created massive noise and garnered impressive responses from cinema lovers.

Ronth

Set entirely across one intense night, the Malayalam thriller Ronth was a major standout of 2025. The film is about two police officers grappling with both institutional failures and their personal, buried fears, which leads them to expose both the cracks in the justice system and their own hidden demons.

Ponman

Ponman emerged as the heartfelt surprise of Malayalam cinema this year. This warm, character-focused drama explores themes of family struggles. The movie's positive reviews and positive word of mouth made it one of the year’s most loved Malayalam movies.

Thudarum

Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum is a survival thriller that attracted everyone with its gripping storyline. This film is all about what happens when people are pushed to their limits, showing true human instinct in the face of disaster. Thanks to its fast pacing and tense narrative, the film was a standout hit that delivered both thrilling action and real heart.

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra wowed audiences with its daring mix of folklore, cosmic themes, and high-stakes action. The film’s rich world-building, powerful performances and larger-than-life making made it one of the year’s most-discussed releases, leaving audiences eager for what’s next.

Tourist Family

Abishan Jeevinth's debut film, Tourist Family, instantly connected with the audience and became a major crowd-pleaser. Thanks to its refreshing mix of humour, chaos and heartfelt family dynamics, it went on to become a go-to theatrical favourite for all age groups.

Dragon

The action-packed juggernaut Dragon dominated the conversation, emerging as one of the most talked-about movies in South. With Pradeep Ranganathan leading the cast, the movie immediately connected with audiences. Loaded with stylised visuals and an empowering story, Dragon became a definitive commercial blockbuster.

Court

As one of the year’s most powerful legal dramas, Court impressed everyone with its insightful exploration of justice, power and systemic flaws. Critics heaped praise on it for its layered writing and controlled performances for authentically capturing courtroom tension and emotional truth. The movie was acclaimed as both engaging and vital viewing.

Su From So

KFI's Su from So became a celebrated favourite due to its inventive structure and deep heart. This original film uses a quirky cast and unexpected narrative shifts to create a powerful, genre-blending story. Its authentic, heartfelt look at relationships and identity made it one of the year’s most resonant and surprising cinematic triumphs.