With the first half of 2025 coming to a close, South Indian cinema has seen an explosive beginning to the year so far. In an unpredictable year, the business offered a range of blockbusters, a few surprise hits, and fine turns by industry veterans and emerging talent.
And, last but not least, Kubera, with Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna and Nagarjuna will be the concluding starry release of this phase in the film trade. But it’s what comes next, in the second half of 2025, that has audiences panting with excitement.
And an equally illustrious line-up is still waiting in the wings, ready to make the latter half of the year even bigger. Here, we bring you the five upcoming South Indian films that we are really excited about.
Coolie (August 15, 2025)
Rajinikanth is back with Coolie, an action-packed-vessel helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. With Vikram and Leo, the expectations are tremendous with this Independence Day release! Thalaivar's magnetism + Lokesh's smooth story peg add to this being the most anticipated South release this year.
Kantara: Chapter One (October 2025)
After the stupendous success of Kantara, Rishab Shetty returns with a prequel, which explores folklore, mysticism and ancestral inheritance even further. There will obviously be a substantially larger canvas and higher stakes, and it’s safe to assume that this movie will be monumental in a cinematic sense.
The Raja Saab (December 2025)
Prabhas comes up with The Raja Saab – a fusion of genres – a romantic horror comedy under Maruti’s direction. Celebrating the success of Kalki 2898 AD, Prabhas says, “I always love to experiment with my characters and I’m glad that my beloved fans always appreciate the multiple endeavours.” It’s great to see him play different characters with fans excited to watch him in a lighter, quirky one.
They Call Him OG
Fans would have a lot to expect from OG (Original Gangster), a dark gangster drama, by setting a mark for the stylish Pawan Kalyan folks. The stylish teaser and Pawan’s new look have already raised expectations sky-high. Touted to hit the screens after Hari Hara Veera Mallu, this film is surely one of his most awaited in the past few years.
Akhanda 2 (September 2025)
The ferocious Aghora returns! Nandamuri Balakrishna is #Akhanda in his 2021 blockbuster sequel, Akhanda 2! With airborne antics and mythological nods, the sequel appears on track to match — if not eclipse — the original’s success.
Other Significant Upcoming Releases:
That’s not the end of the parade. An array of movies in several languages will continue to boost the prospects of the box office:
Kingdom
Madharasi
Ghaati
Hridayapoorvam
Hari Hara Veera Mallu
Vishwambhara (Chiranjeevi)
Idli Kadai
Ilayaraja
Dude
Love Insurance Kompany
Vrusshabha (Mohanlal, Roshan Meka)
Kannappa (Vishnu Manchu)
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The first two quarters of 2025 have already shaped up to be historic for South Indian cinema, aesthetically and commercially. And with headline sensations set to rule the second half too, there’s a bit of everything for fans on offer — be it intense action, mythological epics and emotional dramas. The table is set, and the best could yet be to come.
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