From 2018 To Jailer: South Films That Stole The Show In 2023
This year, discussions about the box office are not just limited to dedicated movie buffs but they are also attracting the interest of a wider audience.
In the realm of South Indian cinema, this year has presented a captivating blend of blockbuster hits and heartwarming low-budget gems. The cinematic landscape has witnessed the rise of several South Indian actors, directors, and technicians making a mark in pan-Indian films, contributing to the industry's growing influence. Unlike the previous year, which was marked by the impact of the post-Covid situation, this year has witnessed the resonance of numerous South Indian movies with audiences across regions. The success of these films can be attributed to a combination of factors, including original storylines, high production quality, the star power of actors, and collaborative efforts that fostered a multicultural appeal.
Interestingly, the box office has not only become a topic of conversation among dedicated movie buffs this year but has also captured the attention of a broader audience, emphasizing its significant impact and reach.
Here are the top 10 South Indian Films as per the box office report, according to IMDB:
1. Leo
Star cast: Joseph Vijay, Trisha, Priya Anand, Gautam Vasudev Menon, Sanjay Dutt, Anurag Kashyap
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Genre: Action, crime, drama
Once more, Lokesh Kanagaraj showcases his prowess by delivering a blockbuster that resonates with his consistent theme of advocating for a drug-free society. The storyline centers around Parthiban (played by Vijay), a mild-mannered cafe owner and animal rescuer residing in Kashmir with his wife Sathya (portrayed by Trisha), son Siddharth, and daughter Mathi. Parthiban's tranquil life takes a sudden and dramatic turn as he finds himself thwarting a gang of murderous thugs, thereby attracting the attention of a perilous drug cartel. The cartel, alleging his past association with them, introduces an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative.
2. Jailer
Cast: Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, Jackie Shroff, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan
Director: Nelson Dilipkumar
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Despite facing challenges with his dark comedy in the previous film, Nelson Dilipkumar makes a triumphant return with "Jailer." Skillfully incorporating Rajinikanth's mass appeal, Nelson adeptly unfolds a multilayered narrative. In this film, Rajinikanth embraces his age, marking a departure from his usual roles.
The storyline follows a retired jailer on a quest to track down his son's killers. However, the journey takes an unexpected turn, leading him to a familiar yet darker territory.
3. Adipurush
Stars: Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, Saif Ali Khan, Devdutta Nage
Director: Om Raut
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
"Adipurush," an Indian mythological action film, ranks among the most expensive Indian productions to date. Filmed in Telugu, Hindi, and 3D, the movie presents a modern adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana. It narrates the journey of exiled prince Raghav as he endeavors to rescue his wife Janaki from the demon king Lankesh.
Upon its release on June 16, 2023, "Adipurush" received negative reviews from critics. The film faced criticism for its screenplay, dialogues, and visuals, ultimately resulting in a box office disaster, according to movie buffs.
4. Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two
Stars: Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Director: Mani Ratnam
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Maniratnam's magnum opus is an adaptation of 'Kalki' Krishnamurthy's five-part novel, with past attempts by various actors and directors to bring this epic tale to the screen proving unsuccessful. Originally conceived as a single film with Rs 500 budget, Maniratnam's team eventually opted to split it into two parts.
The second part of the film revolves around a nefarious murder plot targeting the king and two princes of the Chola dynasty on the same fateful day. The Cholas find themselves besieged on all fronts, encountering opposition from various quarters, including the Pandiya rebels led by the vengeful Nandhini, as they strive to retain the throne.
Upon its release, the film enjoyed remarkable success, emerging as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films worldwide.
5. Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
Stars: Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu
Director: Prashanth Neel
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Prashant Neil's recent venture into the realm of action cinema serves as a testament to his mastery of the craft. The film unfolds as an intense action drama, showcasing a stellar performance by Prabhas.
Immersed in the fictional dystopian city-state of Khansaar, the film delves into the camaraderie between Deva (Prabhas), a tribesman, and Varadha (Prithviraj), the prince of Khansaar. In the midst of a coup d'état schemed by his father's ministers and relatives, Varadha turns to Deva for aid in securing his position as the unquestionable ruler of Khansaar.
Upon its release, "Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire" received a blend of positive and mixed reviews from critics.
6. Varisu
Stars: Joseph Vijay, Rashmika Mandanna, Shaam, Prabhu
Director: Vamshi Paidipally
Genre: Action, Drama
After a gap, actor Vijay returned to his former glory, delivering smiles with his trademark one-liners, punches, sentiments, and intense fight sequences. The film, presented in Tamil and Telugu, is a complete package. The storyline centers around the prodigal son of a business tycoon who reluctantly agrees to assume control of the family business. The film explores around whether the son can prove himself as a worthy successor.
7. Waltair Veerayya
Stars: Shruti Haasan, Ravi Teja, Chiranjeevi, Urvashi Rautela
Director: K.S. Ravindra
Genre: Action, Drama
Chiranjeevi marks his ‘actual’ return to the screen after a hiatus since 2017, and his enduring charm enhances this somewhat predictable revenge drama. Filmmaker Bobby Kolli adeptly fulfills audience expectations, delivering a project that not only provides comprehensive entertainment but also showcases the best of Chiranjeevi. The story begins with a smuggler-fisherman engaged in illicit activities who reluctantly agrees to a plea from a disheveled police officer, setting the stage for a narrative that unfolds with intriguing twists and turns.
8. Thunivu
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Manju Warrier, Samuthirakani, John Kokken
Director: H. Vinoth
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Anticipated for its good intentions, H Vinoth's 'Thunivu' showcases Ajith Kumar's charismatic performance at the forefront. The film centers on a plot involving a mysterious mastermind, Daredevil, and his team planning a bank heist. However, upon execution, they realize that another enigmatic figure had already taken control of the bank. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that corporate entities have looted people's money.
9. 2018
Stars: Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
This film stands as a testament to those unfamiliar with the gravity of the floods experienced in southern parts of India and the remarkable volunteer efforts undertaken by youngsters to restore their regions to their former glory. A survival drama based on real-life incidents, the movie focuses on the devastating floods that struck Kerala in 2018. Despite being produced on a minimal budget, the film not only portrays the resilience of the affected regions but also achieves a record-breaking performance at the box office.
The film delves into individuals from diverse backgrounds confronting catastrophic consequences in the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2018. The people of Kerala unite, pooling efforts to navigate and endure the calamity.
10. Veera Simha Reddy
Stars: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shruti Haasan, Honey Rose, Duniya Vijay
Director: Gopichand Malineni
Genre: Action, Drama
Veera Simha Reddy is a commendable action entertainer, incorporating all the essential commercial elements to captivate Balakrishna's fan base.
The narrative unfolds around Veera Simha Reddy, a revered individual in a village, witnessing his son Jai Simha Reddy moving to the USA. Tragedy befalls when Veera Simha Reddy succumbs to village politics. In retaliation, Jai Simha returns to India, driven by the quest for vengeance against those accountable for his father's demise.
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