Apart from a slew of sequels like Allu Arjun-starrer Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2, Kamal Haasan-starrer Indian 2 and Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2, the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam film industries will witness new releases by massive stars like Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Upendra, Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Trisha and Kajal Aggarwal next year. Here’s our list of the 10 most-anticipated movies from the South in 2023.
Varisu (Tamil)
This upcoming Tamil-language action drama film directed by Vamshi Paidipally and backed by Sri Venkateswara Creations is headlined by Thalapathy Vijay. Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead in the film, which also features Shaam, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles. Varisu is scheduled to hit the theatres on January 12 during Pongal.
Thunivu (Tamil)
After the huge success of 2022’s Valimai, Ajith Kumar is returning to the silver screen with his Tamil-language film Thunivu in 2023. Helmed by H. Vinoth and produced by Boney Kapoor, the movie also stars Manju Warrier, John Kokken, Samuthirakani, Mamathi Chari, Veera, Prem Kumar and Mahanadi Shankar. Thunivu is scheduled to release theatrically on January 12.
Jailer (Tamil)
Tamil action comedy film Jailer marks 169th film of Rajinikanth. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film, produced by Kalanithi Maran under the banner of Sun Pictures, features Shiva Rajkumar, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu, Ramya Krishnan and Vinayakan in supporting roles. Jailer is scheduled to hit the theatres on April 14.
Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2 (Telugu)
Allu Arjun’s action crime drama Pusha: The Rule is one of the long-awaited sequels of 2023. The film features Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Sunil, Rao Ramesh and Dhananjaya. Directed by Sukumar and bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers, Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2 will continue to follow the life of Pushpa Raj, tracing his rise in the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate.
Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (Tamil)
Filmmaker Mani Ratnam will be back in 2023 with the second part of his epic historical drama Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (PS2). Based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s iconic novel Ponniyin Selvan, the film stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala and Prakash Raj. The two-part series chronicles the political turmoil that led to the Chola dynasty becoming one of the most powerful empires in southern India during the 10th century.
Indian 2 (Tamil)
Kamal Haasan will return to the screen with the sequel of his 1996 blockbuster Indian. Directed by S. Shankar, the Tamil-language vigilante action film features an ensemble cast of Kajal Aggarwal, Gulshan Grover, Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Samuthirakani, Bobby Simha, Guru Somasundaram, Delhi Ganesh, Jayaprakash and Vennela Kishore. In Indian 2, Kamal’s character reportedly helps a young man who has been exposing corrupt politicians.
Kabzaa (Kannada)
After the huge success of KGF 2 and Kantara in 2022, the Kannada industry will hope to continue its run in 2023 with Upendra-starrer period action film Kabzaa. Directed by R. Chandru, the film also stars Sudeepa, Shriya Saran, Kabir Duhan Singh and Kota Srinivasa Rao in key roles. The plot revolves around the son of a renowned freedom fighter who becomes the king of the underworld in pre-independence India from 1960 through 1984.
L2: Empuraan (Malayalam)
The sequel of 2019’s Malayalam-language political thriller Lucifer, starring Mohanlal, is the most anticipated Malayalam film of 2023. Helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film also features Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film will follow the exploits of a Kerala politician who also happens to be an international mafia lord.
Suriya 42 (Tamil)
Suriya’s upcoming Tamil-language film, tentatively titled Suriya 42, promises to present a unique visual experience. Helmed by Siva, the fantasy action adventure film also stars Bollywood actress Disha Patani. The film’s visuals have piqued the interest of the viewers as it promises a grand spectacle. Suriya 42 is being made in 3D and will be released in 10 languages.
Captain Miller (Tamil)
This stylised Tamil-language period action thriller, starring Dhanush in the lead role, is helmed by Arun Matheswaran, who is known for directing Rocky and Saani Kaayidham. It also stars Priyanka Arulmohan, John Kokken and Shivarajkumar in lead roles. Captain Miller will be released simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
