South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup

April 23, 2025, 11:23 PM
by Kawser Md Sayem

UNB News
Publish- April 23, 2025, 11:23 PM
Kawser Md Sayem
Update- April 23, 2025, 11:53 PM

South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup

Most hyped with South Indian movies releasing in May 2025

The South Indian film industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada—continue to hold their place as cultural powerhouses on the silver screen. Adding to their dynamic legacy, the May 2025 slate introduces a fresh wave of thrillers, mysteries, comedies, horrors, action, and fantasy. Teasers have already ignited a wave of excitement, with sharp dialogues and high-octane sequences raising expectations. Let’s check out this May’s most anticipated with South Indian movies promising cinematic diversity on every frame.

Top 12 South Indian Movies Being Released This May

HIT: The Third Case | Telugu Thriller | May 1, 2025

The third movie in the HIT franchise, continuing the saga from HIT: The Second Case (2022), this action film flourishes with Sailesh Kolanu as writer and director.

The plot follows Arjun Sarkaar, a HIT Special Police officer from Visakhapatnam, assigned to track a ruthless group of serial killers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinidhi Shetty and Nani assume the lead roles, while Surya Srinivas, Adil Pala, Brahmaji, Maganti Srinath, and Rao Ramesh round out the supporting cast.

Prashanti Tipirneni and Nani helm the production, bringing together Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 | Telugu Historical Action | May 9, 2025

Headlined by Pawan Kalyan, this period drama unfolds in the 17th-century Mughal Empire. It chronicles the daring exploits of Veera Mallu, an outlaw tasked with stealing the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Besides directing the action movie with A. M. Jyothi Krishna, Krish Jagarlamudi crafts its screenplay with Sai Madhav Burra.

Appearing in the crucial roles are Bobby Deol, Dalip Tahil, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, Nidhhi Agerwal, Sachin Khedekar, and Jisshu Sengupta.

Produced by Mega Surya Production, this historical saga is enhanced by the music of Oscar-winning M. M. Keeravani.

Eleven | Tamil-Telugu Bilingual Thriller | May 16, 2025

This AR Entertainment production features Naveen Chandra in the lead role, along with Reyaa Hari, who also produces the movie in association with Ajmal Khan. The supporting cast also includes Abhirami, Shashank, Dileepan, Aadukalam Naren, and Riythvika.

Lokkesh Ajls’ direction and writing elevate the Tamil-Telugu bilingual movie.

The narrative revolves around a fearless officer whose unmatched investigative skills have cracked the department’s most complex cases. He now faces his toughest challenge yet, a chilling serial murder investigation.

Retro | Tamil Romantic Action | May 1, 2025

Backed by 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench Creations, this romantic movie boasts Karthik Subbaraj as its writer and director.

The story traces Parivel Kannan’s journey to reclaim his lost love, Rukmini, as he confronts emotional trials and unforeseen hurdles along the way.

Pooja Hegde and Suriya embody the lead characters, with the additional cast of Joju George, Jayaram, Nassar, and Prakash Raj.

The soundtrack is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, who also makes a cameo in the track “Kanimaa,” while Shriya Saran appears in a special sequence for another song.

Tourist Family | Tamil Drama | May 1, 2025

Helmed and written by Abishan Jeevinth, this family drama features Simran, M. Sasikumar, Kamalesh, and Mithun Jai Sankar in central roles. M. S. Bhaskar, Yogi Babu, Ramesh Thilak, Elango Kumaravel, Bagavathi Perumal, and Sreeja Ravi portray the other key roles.

Set in post-COVID Sri Lanka, the film portrays a Tamil family’s desperate quest for safety and stability as they risk everything to escape deepening economic despair.

The produced credit goes to Magesh Raj Pasilian, Nazerath Pasilian, and Yuvaraj Ganesan under MRP Entertainment and Million Dollar Studios.

DD Next Level | Tamil Comedy Horror | May 16, 2025

Subtitled as Devil's Double Next Level, the horror movie thrives with the writer and director S. Prem Anand at the helm. Bankrolled by Niharika Entertainment and The Show People, the film marks the fourth chapter in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, serving as a sequel to “DD Returns” (2023).

While the plot remains under wraps, early glimpses hint at a narrative woven around crime, action, and an unsettling, shadowy world.

Led by Santhanam, the ensemble cast includes Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Geethika Tiwary, Kasthuri Shankar, Yashika Aannand, Rajendran, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Maaran.

Most anticipated with South Indian movies coming in May 2025

Lovely | Malayalam Comedy Drama | May 2, 2025

Previously slated for April 4, 2025, this live-action feature is now scheduled to hit screens on May 2. Marking Malayalam cinema’s first hybrid of live-action in 3D and animation, this movie is shaped by the direction and writing of Dileesh Nair.

This fantasy tale follows a young man whose life takes a whimsical turn after forging an unlikely bond with a talking housefly.

Young actor Mathew Thomas portrays the protagonist role, with Unnimaya Prasad lending her voice to Fly, the animated character. The cast also comprises Ganga Meera, Manoj K Jayan, KPAC Leela, Ashwathy Manoharan, and Prashanth Murali.

Riswan Resheed and Saharsh S drive the visual effects, with production spearheaded by Neni Entertainments and Western Ghats Productions.

Prince and Family | Malayalam Family Drama | May 9, 2025

Bankrolled by Listin Stephen through Magic Frames, this drama highlights the direction of Binto Stephen and the writing of Sharis Muhammed.

Led by Dileep, Dhyan Sreenivasan, and Siddique, the cast members are Urvashi, Manju Pillai, and Mahima Nambiar.

The narrative revolves around Prince, an introverted bridal boutique owner and the town’s most sought-after bachelor. His marriage to his vibrant opposite sparks a cascade of comedic chaos in rural Kerala.

Detective Ujjwalan | Malayalam Mystery | May 16, 2025

In the quiet village of Plaachikkaavu, detective Ujjwalan faces a cunning adversary, where survival hinges on wit and skill in a high-stakes game of minds.

With this plot, “Detective Ujjwalan” marks the directorial debuts of Rahul G. and Indraneel GK, who also serve as its writers.

Sophia Paul steers the production under the banner of Weekend Blockbusters. With “Ujjwalan”, the film introduces a fresh face to the Weekend Cinematic Universe (WCU) franchise. It began with the 2021 acclaimed movie Minnal Murali.

Featuring Dhyan Sreenivasan in the titular role, this mystery film boasts a supporting cast including Seema G Nair, Kottayam Nazeer, Ronnie David, Nirmal Palazhi, and Nihal Nizam.

Sunday Special | Kannada Family Drama | May 9, 2025

Originally titled “Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa,” this coming-of-age drama bears the production imprint of Excel with Plan A Films.

Abhilash Shetty takes the director’s seat along with Akshay Kumar Shetty, who also plays a pivotal role in the film. It serves as a spin-off to the 2021 film Koli Taal, another directorial venture by Abhilash.

The story is set on Gandhi Jayanti, a day when meat sales are banned across the country. An 11-year-old girl embarks on a whimsical quest for a forbidden bowl of chicken curry.

The family drama stars Samrudhi Kundapura, Sanidhya Acharya, Prabhakar Kunder, Radha Ramachandra, Supreetha K S, Shridhar M, Chandravathi, and Ganesh Mogaveera.

Suthradaari | Kannada Thriller | May 9, 2025

Backed by Navarasan Productions, this thriller marks the directorial debut of Kiran Kumar.

This suspense thriller unravels a chilling chain of kidnappings, where high-profile victims are released within two days, only to take their own lives hours later. A fearless officer is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the sinister pattern.

The film marks the acting debut of rapper-turned-artist Chandan Shetty, with Apurva playing the female lead alongside him. “Suthradaari” features a special appearance by Sanjana Anand in a vibrant song sequence.

Producer Navarasan also plays a key character with a supporting cast comprising Tabala Nani, Sanjay Gowda, R.S. Ganesh Narayanan, and Prashanth Natana.

Vicky | Kannada Comedy | Second Week of May

Directed and scripted by Deepak S. Avandkar, this comedy movie emerges under the production helm of Navaneetha Lakshmi under Kesarinadana Cini Creations.

The movie stars Raju Talikoti, Bharath Talikoti, Vindhya Hegade, Srinidhi Gowda, Manju, and Ravi Shetty.

“Vicky” paints a light-hearted yet intriguing portrait of a middle-class youngster’s dreams, blending humour with a subtle dash of mystery.

Wrapping Up

May 2025's South Indian lineup shapes up as an attractive package, drawing from the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam industries.

“HIT: The Third Case,” “Eleven,” and “Suthradaari” lead the thriller lineup, each promising tightly-woven plots. While “DD Next Level” dives into the horror zone, “Detective Ujjwalan” sharpens its narrative around a mysterious battle of wits. “Lovely” and “Vicky” bring light-hearted comedy to the screen, while “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” and “Retro” channel action-driven storytelling. Family bonds take centre stage as “Prince and Family,” “Tourist Family,” and “Sunday Special” unfold heartwarming narratives.

Together, these films further accelerate the growing appeal of Pan-Indian cinema, breaking linguistic boundaries and uniting diverse audiences.