Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies
by Maivizhi A
Updated Mar 28, 2023
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/best-south-indian-movies-6422b7324fc6325971270-900.webp)
Best South Indian Movies 2023
For the past few years, the South Indian film industry has been experiencing a golden era of Indian cinema, thanks to some of the biggest blockbusters that revolutionized the industry and showcased its potential not only in India but also worldwide. The success of South cinema, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, can be attributed to their content-driven approach, which emphasizes substance over glamour and item songs, unlike Bollywood movies. As a result, even in the Hindi belt, South Indian films like Baahubali, KGF 1 and 2, RRR, and Pushpa: The Rise have been gaining popularity among audiences.
If you're looking for some great South Indian movies to watch in 2023, check out the following list of the year's best releases, which are sure to impress and entertain you.
Top 10 Best South Indian Movies (Released and Upcoming)
Here are the Top 10 Best South Indian Movies. Most movies are not yet released and are awaited for release, and some movies have already been released and won the hearts of many people.
S.No
Best South Indian Movies 2023
Release Date
Star Cast
1
Varisu
January 11, 2023
Vijay, Rashmika Mandanna
2
Thunivu
January 11, 2023
Ajith Kumar, Manju Warrior
3
Waltair Veerayya
January 13, 2023
Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja
4
Veera Simha Reddy
January 12, 2023
Nandamuri Balakrishna, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar,
5
Shaakunthalam
April 14, 2023
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan
6
Jailer
April 14, 2023
Rajinikanth, Shiva Rajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu
7
Agent
April 28, 2023
Mammootty, Akhil Akkineni
8
Ponniyin Selvan II
April 28, 2023
Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Trisha
9
Salaar
September 28, 2023
Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu
10
Pushpa - The Rule- Part 2
August/September 2023
Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Mohanlal (Cameo)
Let us see each movie in detail.
1. Varisu
One of these movies is Varisu, directed and co-written by Vaashi Paidipally, who won a National Award for his work on Telugu films like Munna, Brindavanam, Yevadu, Oopiri, and Maharshi. Rashmika Mandanna and Thalapathy Vijay star in the lead roles, with other notable actors such as Prakash Raj, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Jayasudha, Sangeetha Krish, and Samyuktha Shanmughanathan also appear in the film. The movie's Tamil adaptation is titled Varisu, while the Telugu version is called Vaarasudu. Amazon Prime Video released the film on February 22, 2023.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/varisu-6422b5b77946b19997434-900.webp)
2. Thunivu
K. Vinoth's Tamil film, Thunivu, is a crime action drama that centers around a major bank heist with the motive behind the robbery remaining unknown until the film's climax. The mystery element of the plot kept the audience engaged and captivated. Thunivu has been widely acclaimed as a cinematic masterpiece, and it has won over many viewers. Ajith Kumar's exceptional action sequences and the film's exceptional storytelling, which delivers realistic messages, has made it one of the top-grossing South Indian films of 2023.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/thunivu-6422b5b77946b31119158-900.webp)
3. Waltair Veerayya
Don't miss out on Waltair Veerayya, another blockbuster film that's worth watching. Starring Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, and Shruti Hassan, the film revolves around two friends - a cop and a fisherman - and the latter's involvement in smuggling. This movie marked Chiranjeevi's comeback to the big screen after a long hiatus. With its captivating dialogues and thrilling plot, Waltair Veerayya is considered one of the top South Indian films of 2023.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/waltair-veerayya-6422b5b77946b21589719-900.webp)
4. Veera Simha Reddy
Veera Simha Reddy, a 2023 Telugu-language action drama film, was written and directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. Nandamuri Balakrishna plays a dual role alongside Shruti Haasan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Honey Rose, and Duniya Vijay. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by S. Thaman. The shooting began in February 2022 and concluded in December 2022. On the Sankranthi weekend, Veera Simha Reddy was released on January 12, 2023.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/veera-simha-reddy-6422b5b77946b4654477-900.webp)
5. Shaakunthalam
Shaakuntalam is an upcoming historical drama film in Telugu language, directed and written by Gunasekhar. The movie is produced by Neelima Guna under Gunaa Teamworks and distributed by Sri Venkateswara Creations. Based on the renowned play Abhijnanasakuntalam by Kalidasa, the film stars Samantha as the lead character Shakuntala, and Dev Mohan as Dushyanta, the king of the Puru dynasty, alongside Mohan Babu, Jisshu Sengupta, Madhoo, Gautami, Aditi Balan, and Ananya Nagalla in supporting roles.
The project was announced by Gunasekhar in October 2020, and the production began in February 2021 at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, which ended in August 2021. The film was shot extensively around Hyderabad, including Ramoji Film City, Ananthagiri Hills, and Gandipet Lake. With a budget of 80 crores, the film is set to be released on 14 April 2023 in theaters.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/shaakunthalam-6422b5b77946b23205109-900.webp)
6. Jailer
The upcoming Indian Tamil-language action comedy film, Jailer, is directed and written by Nelson and produced by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures. The film features Rajinikanth, Shiva Rajkumar, Tamannaah, and Ramya Krishnan. The movie was initially announced in February 2022 under the working title Thalaivar 169, marking Rajinikanth's 169th film, and was later officially named Jailer in June. Principal photography began in Chennai in August 2022, and the music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/jailer-6422b5b77946b12748173-900.webp)
7. Agent
The Indian Telugu-language spy action thriller film, Agent, directed by Surender Reddy from a story by Vakkantham Vamsi, features Akhil Akkineni, Mammootty, Sakshi Vaidya, Dino Morea, and Vikramjeet Virk. The project was announced in September 2020 and was filmed in Hyderabad, Budapest, Visakhapatnam, and Manali. However, the film's release was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and production delays. It is now set to hit theaters on April 28, 2023.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/agent-6422b5b77946b89079820-900.webp)
8. Ponniyin Selvan II
Ponniyin Selvan is a work of historical fiction penned in Tamil by Indian author Kalki Krishnamurthy. Serialized in the Tamil magazine, Kalki, between 1950 and 1954, it was later integrated into five volumes in 1955. The novel, spanning 2,210 pages, narrates the story of Chola prince Arulmozhivarman's early life. Kalki visited Sri Lanka thrice for research and inspiration. The celebrated novel is now being adapted into a film by Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam, with the first part, Ponniyin Selvan: I (PS1), having been released on 30 September 2022. The second part, Ponniyin Selvan: II (PS2), is set to hit the theatres on 28 April 2023. The film is being produced by Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran Allirajah and stars Vikram, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, and Trisha.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/ponniyin-selvan-ii-6422b5b77946b75169164-900.webp)
9. Salaar
Prashanth Neel is the writer and director of the upcoming Indian Telugu-language action thriller film called Salaar, produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films. Prabhas is playing the titular character in a dual role, along with Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu. The movie was announced in December 2020, and principal photography began in January 2021 near Godavarikhani, Telangana. Ravi Basrur is composing the music, while Bhuvan Gowda is handling the cinematography. The initial release date of Salaar was set for 14 April 2022, but it was postponed due to production delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Salaar is now scheduled to be released in theaters on 28 September 2023.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/salaar-6422b5b77946b46025073-900.webp)
10. Pushpa- The Rule- Part II
The upcoming film, titled "Pushpa The Rule (Part 2)", will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting in January 2024. The theatrical release of the movie is set for December 2023. The film stars Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, and Rashmika Mandanna, and is directed by Sukumar. It will be released in Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada languages.
![Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies Best South Indian movies 2023 - Top 10 Movies](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/03/pushpa-ii--the-rule-6422b5b77946b27739061-900.webp)
Upcoming South Indian Movies 2023
S.No
Movie
Star Cast
Release Date
1
Dasara
Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Samuthirakani,
30 March 2023
2
Martin
Dhruva Sarja, Addhuri, Bahaddur, Bharjari
2023
3
Untitled Upendra Film
TBA
2023
4
Jailer
Rajinikanth, Aiswhwarya Rai Bachchan
14 April 2023
5
PS-2
Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
28 April 2023
6
Agent
Mammootty, Akhil Akkineni, Sakshi Vaidya, Dino Morea
28 April 2023
7
Adipurush
Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, Saif Ali Khan
16 June 2023
8
Bhola Shankar
Chiranjeevi, Tamanaah, Keerthy Suresh
Summer 2023
9
Hari Hara Veera Mallu
Pawan Kalyan, Niddhi Agerwal, Arjun Rampal, Jacqueline Fernandez
Dussehra 2023
10
Salaar
Prabhas, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu
28 Sept 2023
11
Pushpa 2
Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna
2023
12
Indian 2
Kamal Haasan, Sukanya
2023
13
Thangalaan
Chiyaan Vikram
2023
14
King of Kothaa
Dulquer Salmaan, Gokul Suresh, Aishwarya Lekshmi
24 Aug 2023
15
Empuraan
Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas
TBA
16
Leo
Thalaptahy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha
19 Oct 2023
17
Project-K
Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Amitabh Bachchan
April 2024 (Tentative)
18
Game Changer
Ram Charan, Kiara Advani
N/A
Best South Indian Movies 2022
The below list denotes the Top 10 Best South Indian Movies of 2022. If you have not watched these movies yet, do watch and believe us you will never get disappointed.
S.No
South Indian Movies 2022
1
RRR
2
KGF 2
3
Vikram
4
Ponniyin Selvan 1
5
Kantara
6
Valimai
7
777 Charlie
8
Karthikeya 2
9
Sita Ramam
10
Thiruchitrambalam
Best South Indian Movies 2021
The below table gives you the list of Best South Indian Movies 2021. If you have n’t watched the movies, just give it a try.
S.No
Best South Indian Movies 2021
1
Jai Bhim
2
Drishyam 2
3
Karnan
4
Krack
5
Wild Dog
6
Master
7
Robert
8
Chakra
9
Bhoomi
10
Naandhi
Which is the Best South Indian Movie in 2023? (Released So Far)
Varisu, a Tamil-language action drama film released in January 2023, revolves around a young entrepreneur who is appointed as the chairman of his father's business, causing a rift with his older brothers. The film was directed by Vamshi Paidipally and co-written by Hari and Ashishor Solomon. It was jointly produced by Dil Raju and Sirish under the banners of Sri Venkateswara Creations and PVP Cinema. The star-studded cast includes Vijay, Rashmika Mandanna, R. Sarathkumar, Prabhu, Jayasudha, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shaam, Ganesh Venkatraman, Sangeetha Krish, VTV Ganesh, S.J Suryah and Suman.
Initially titled Thalapathy 66, the film's principal photography was completed between April and December 2022, with most scenes shot in Chennai and Hyderabad, as well as Visakhapatnam, Ballari, and Ladakh. Thaman S composed the music, Karthik Palani handled the cinematography, and Praveen K. L edited the film.
Varisu received mixed reviews from critics upon its release on 11 January 2023, during the Pongal week. However, it has achieved commercial success, grossing around ₹290–310 crore at the box office. It is currently the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the fourth-highest-grossing Tamil film worldwide, and the highest-grossing film in Vijay's career.
Conclusion
The South Indian film industry has seen a golden era in recent years, thanks to its content-driven approach that emphasizes substance over glamour. South Indian films like Baahubali, KGF, RRR, and Pushpa have gained popularity in the Hindi belt as well. The list of the best South Indian movies of 2023 includes Varisu, Thunivu, Waltair Veerayya, Veera Simha Reddy, Shaakunthalam, Jailer, Agent, Ponniyin Selvan II, Salaar, and Pushpa - The Rule- Part 2. These movies have already won the hearts of many or are expected to be blockbusters. The South Indian film industry has proved its potential and is expected to continue to impress audiences with its high-quality content and entertainment.
Best South Indian Movies 2023 - FAQs
Varisu is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Vamshi Paidipally. The movie revolves around a mother-son relationship and has Rashmika Mandanna and Thalapathy Vijay playing the lead roles. The film explores the story of a son who tries to reconnect with his estranged mother after years of being separated.
Ajith Kumar plays the lead role in the 2023 Tamil crime action drama Thunivu. The movie tells the story of a major bank heist and the investigation that follows.
Waltair Veerayya is a 2023 Telugu-language film that revolves around the story of two friends, a cop and a fisherman, and the latter's involvement in smuggling. The movie stars Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, and Shruti Hassan in the lead roles.
Veera Simha Reddy is a 2023 Telugu-language action drama film directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. Nandamuri Balakrishna plays a dual role alongside Shruti Haasan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Honey Rose, and Duniya Vijay.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Dev Mohan are playing the lead roles in the upcoming historical drama film Shaakunthalam. The movie is directed and written by Gunasekhar and produced by Neelima Guna under Gunaa Teamworks.