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Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 14:40 IST
2025 will see many heavyweights come up with distinct films like Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, his first collaboration with Mani Ratnam after a 37-year gap. It also has Vijay’s farewell film.
A list of South films one must not miss in 2025.
The year 2024 was a mixed bag for South Indian cinema, with several high-profile releases that failed to meet audience expectations. Despite Junior NTR’s Devara: Part 1 being a commercial success, it didn’t resonate beyond its regional audience. Further disappointments included notable films such as Prithviraj’s Aadujiveetham, Vijay’s The Greatest of All Time, Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram, and Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, all of which fell short of their anticipated impact.
Nevertheless, fans remain eager for the next big projects featuring their favored stars. The South Indian film industry has an exciting slate ahead, and for those keen on anticipating future releases, here’s a selection of must-watch films:
Game Changer:
Following the success of RRR, Ram Charan is set to make waves with Game Changer, marking his first solo appearance on screen since his collaborations in ensemble films. With the ever-innovative Shankar at the helm, despite the mixed reception of Indian 2, Karthik Subbaraj’s narrative craft provides hope. The film features Ram Charan as a political advisor, and Kiara Advani will be making her debut, backed by a musical score from Thaman.
Raaj Saab:
Prabhas shifts gears with Raaj Saab, a horror-comedy crafted by director Maruti, known for his knack for entertaining films like Pucca Commercial. This film, featuring Niddhi Agerwal and Malavika Mohanan, tells the story within a haunted mansion where Prabhas’s character battles supernatural foes, showcasing a different side of the star.
Thug Life:
A highly anticipated collaboration, Kamal Haasan reunites with Mani Ratnam for Thug Life, 36 years after their iconic film Nayakan. This gangster drama is expected to be a powerful reflection of their joint legacy, featuring a soundtrack by AR Rahman and a cast that includes Silambarasan, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and Nasser, stirring excitement in the industry.
Coolie:
Rajinikanth, defying age norms at 74, continues to defy expectations with Coolie, directed by the dynamic Lokesh Kanagaraj after his earlier venture Vettaiyan. Fans are eager to see Rajinikanth’s rustic avatar alongside a stellar cast that includes Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan, with Aamir Khan appearing in a cameo role—this film promises to be another landmark in his illustrious career, complemented by music from Anirudh Ravichander.
Thalapathy 69:
In what is set to be a historic moment for Tamil cinema, Thalapathy 69 will be Vijay’s last film before he embarks on a political career. Directed by H Vinoth, the film features Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, making it a significant farewell for one of cinema’s most beloved figures.
Vidaamuyarchi:
Ajith’s Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, is finally hitting theaters this January after his previous film, Thunivu, in early 2023. The narrative hints at a thrilling mission for Ajith’s character to rescue his wife from a foreign mafia, featuring talents like Trisha, Arjun, and Regina Cassandra, and a score by Anirudh Ravichander adds to the film’s allure.
Good Bad Ugly:
The anticipated Good Bad Ugly showcases Ajith in a multi-faceted role, generating considerable buzz. Directed by Aadhik Ravichander, celebrated for his dark comedic style, this film promises to explore Ajith’s character in shades of grey, offering a departure from his typical roles.
L2: Empuraan:
Following the phenomenal success of Lucifer, Prithviraj is back with L2: Empuraan, which continues the politically charged narrative that captivated audiences in 2019. With themes of corruption and leadership vying for power, anticipation builds around how it will enrich the story begun in its predecessor.
Dominic And The Ladies Purse:
This Malayalam film is generating excitement beyond regional borders due to its unique direction by Gautham Vasudev Menon, giving audiences a fresh experience. Featuring the charismatic Mammootty and diverging from Menon’s usual style, it presents a promising addition to both the Malayalam and Tamil film landscapes.
Thudaram:
Mohanlal’s Thudaram, directed by Tharun Moorthy, returns him to familial narratives reminiscent of his previous successes, reigniting the magic of on-screen chemistry with Shobana after 15 years. Portraying a taxi driver named Shanmugham, the film is expected to resonate deeply with audiences, marking another milestone in Mohanlal’s storied career.
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