From Kantara to Coolie: The top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025
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The Malayalam film industry stood out in 2025 with notable successes such as Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan.
The Indian film industry enjoyed an exceptional year in 2025, delivering everything from grand historical spectacles to heartfelt dramas. Films across languages and genres captivated audiences both in India and internationally. While Bollywood had its share of releases, South Indian cinema emerged as a dominant force at the box office worldwide.
Among all regional industries, Malayalam cinema made a strong impact with standout films like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan, proving once again its strength in storytelling and production quality beyond regional boundaries. Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu industries also contributed major hits that earned both commercial success and critical praise. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025.
Kantara: Chapter 1
Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 was produced on an estimated budget of Rs 125 crore. The film became a massive blockbuster, grossing over Rs 852 crore globally. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, it earned acclaim for its stunning visuals, gripping narrative, and powerful action. The story delves into the origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition and the mythology surrounding divine guardians of the land.
Coolie
Made on a reported budget of Rs 400 crore, Coolie starred Rajinikanth in the lead role. Although expectations were high, the film received a mixed response from audiences. Still, it managed to earn Rs 518 crore worldwide. The storyline follows a former gold smuggler driven by vengeance, with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj playing key roles.
Mahavatar Narsimha
Directed by Ashwin Kumar, Mahavatar Narsimha became a landmark success, emerging as India’s highest-grossing animated film. Produced on a modest budget of Rs 40 crore, the film went on to collect Rs 326.82 crore worldwide. It narrates the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar and the clash between the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his devoted son Prahlada.
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra
This film marked a historic milestone for Malayalam cinema by becoming its first movie to surpass Rs 300 crore globally. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan and featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore. The plot follows a mysterious woman who uncovers her supernatural powers after surviving a near-fatal incident involving a bat bite.
They Call Him OG
With worldwide earnings of Rs 293.65 crore, They Call Him OG also achieved remarkable overseas success, including a record-breaking North American premiere. Starring Pawan Kalyan, the film spans multiple decades and locations, from 1940s Japan to 1990s Mumbai. It centers on Ojas Gambheera, aka OG, who returns after a decade to reclaim his criminal empire and protect his mentor from rival gangster Omi Bhau.
L2: Empuraan
The second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy, L2: Empuraan, starred Mohanlal alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier. Produced with a budget of approximately Rs 175 crore, the film earned Rs 266.81 crore worldwide. The narrative follows crime lord Khureshi Ab’raam as he re-enters Kerala amid political unrest and rising extremist forces led by antagonist Balraj.
Sankrathiki Vastunam
Released in January 2025, this film quickly rose to become one of the year’s biggest South Indian earners, grossing Rs 255.2 crore worldwide. Featuring Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, the story revolves around a retired police officer drawn back into action to rescue a kidnapped tech tycoon, with unexpected comedic twists involving his wife and former lover.
Thudarum
Thudarum reunited iconic actors Mohanlal and Shobana after 15 years. The film tells the story of a humble taxi driver from Pathanamthitta who shares a deep bond with his old Ambassador car. The plot takes a darker turn when the car is confiscated in a drug-related investigation. The film earned over Rs 234.5 crore globally.
Good Bad Ugly
Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly starred Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, and Arjun Das. Ajith portrayed a former gangster striving for a peaceful life, only to be pulled back into violence after his son is falsely accused of a crime. Made on a budget of around Rs 300 crore, the film collected Rs 248.25 crore worldwide.
Su From So
This Kannada horror-comedy emerged as an unexpected breakout hit in 2025. Set in the coastal village of Marlur, the story follows a carefree young man who pretends to be possessed by a ghost named Sulochana to escape trouble. His act spirals into chaos as villagers conduct bizarre exorcisms. The film earned Rs 122.83 crore worldwide, gaining both commercial success and critical praise.