Tovino Thomas is going to take audiences on an amazing cinematic adventure with his upcoming historical drama, ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ or ‘ARM’. The film promises an enthralling combination of historical grandeur and captivating narrative, and it is set to be released on September 12. The action-packed spectacle is set in three separate timeframes. However, ‘ARM’ is only the start for those who like historical dramas. We have compiled a list of South Indian period and fantasy dramas that will take you on a journey through time, each one filled with captivating stories and breathtaking cinematography.
Top 8 South Period Dramas
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
In any discussion of historical plays set in South India, the ‘Baahubali’ tale must inevitably come up. The epic fantasy movie delves into the ancient Mahishmathi kingdom and the struggle for control of its crown. Epic battles, complex political intrigue, and breathtaking vistas elevate ‘Baahubali’ to new heights in Indian cinema.
Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Director: Mani Ratnam
‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ is a magnificient adaption of acclaimed novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Set in the Chola empire of the tenth century, the film stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Jayam Ravi. Rich cinematography and historical intrigue bring 10th-century India to life in this film.
RRR (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
‘RRR’ introduced Indian films to people all over the world. The film chronicles the lives of two real-life heroes—Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju—and their bond as they battled the British Raj. The filmmaker has done an excellent job of evoking the atmosphere of the 1920s when the film takes place. This high-octane film combines mythical aspects with historical events to create an exciting experience, and it stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, and Alia Bhatt.
Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Director: Naganna
The film takes place in the 1800s and is based on the life of Sangolli Rayanna, a brave freedom fighter from Karnataka who rose up in rebellion against the colonial rulers and battled valiantly until his arrest and martyrdom in 1830. Renowned for its powerful language and breathtaking cinematography, this monumental biopic drama brings Rayanna's remarkable narrative to life.
Kantara (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Director: Rishab Shetty
‘Kantara’ takes place in rural Karnataka and is an interesting mashup of mythology and local culture. With a performance that spanned both time and space, Rishab Shetty leads the cast in this riveting story of land, history, and war.
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Director: Surender Reddy
This Telugu film is a biography of the famous freedom warrior Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, and it stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role. With massive scenery and intense action scenes, the film paints a magnificent picture of the Indian resistance to British rule in the nineteenth century.
Mahanati (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Director: Nag Ashwin
Savitri was an iconic figure in Indian film, and this biographical masterpiece pays tribute to her life and work. ‘Mahanati’, which stars Keerthy Suresh, brings to life the glitz and tragedy of Savitri's life and provides a window into the golden era of Telugu film.
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Director: Hariharan
This historical play takes place in 1796 and tells the inspiring tale of the brave king of Pazhassi Palace, Kerala Varma. He took the helm of his army and charged headfirst into combat with the fearsome British East India Company.
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