The thing about South Indian action movies is that they have received a lot of flak for being unrealistic at times. C’mon, catching a bullet with your teeth. However, it is interesting to note that these unrealistic yet entertaining sequences are what end up making these films so commercially successful. This list will focus not only on the bullet-catching, train-stopping action but also on a realistic action for which these actors have shed sweat and blood. Let’s take a look at some of the best South action movies that will either make you doubt science or worship the sheer skill required to execute these sequences.
Best South action movies:
5. Sivaji: The Boss:
Year of release: 2007
Director: S. Shankar
Language: Tamil
IMDB rating: 7.5/10
OTT platform: Zee5, Amazon Prime Video, Aha, Apple TV.
Storyline: Sivaji is without a doubt one of the most entertaining and iconic films ever made. An NRI philanthropist returns to India with the intention of doing good for his fellow citizens, but his noble efforts are thwarted by corrupt politicians.
2. Bahubali (film series)
Year of release: 2015 & 2017
Director: SS Rajamouli
Language: Telugu
IMDB rating: 8/10
OTT platform: Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, Sony Liv
Storyline: Bahubali is a film of epic proportions. This film is a complete package, whether it’s the story, the performances, or the breathtaking sequences. The battle between Kalakeya’s troops and Mahismati’s army is action at its finest.
3. Asuran
Year of release: 2019
Director: Vetrimaaran
Language: Tamil
IMDB rating: 8.4/10
OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: Asuran tells the story of a farmer whose son murders an upper-caste landlord in retaliation. The action sequences in the film are fantastic. The best part of this dark and gripping drama is Dhanush’s performance, which earned him the National Award for Best Actor.
4. Take Off:
Year of release: 2017
Director: Mahesh Narayanan
Language: Malayalam
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
OTT platform: Jio Cinemas, Disney+ Hotstar
Storyline: The plot revolves around the escape of some Indian nurses who were held hostage by terrorists in Iraq. The plot is consistent, and the script is well-written. This film will not disappoint those looking for action and thrills in their entertainment. On top of that, watch this film for the actors’ heartfelt performances.
5. Enthiran:
Year of release: 2010
Director: S. Shankar
Language: Tamil
IMDB rating: 7.1/10
OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
Storyline: Vaseegaran is a brilliant scientist who creates a robot to aid humanity. Things take a dark turn when the robot is taught to feel human emotions. The robot, Chitti, falls in love with Vaseegaran’s girlfriend and seizes control of the entire city. The action, which is mostly CGI-driven, is amusing and entertaining to watch.
