9 South Indian movies releasing in January 2025
The year 2024 is ending and 2025 is ready to welcome movie enthusiasts with an exciting lineup of South Indian films hitting theaters in January. From thrilling action dramas to heartwarming comedies here are the nine most anticipated releases:
1. Game Changer (Telugu)
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Anjali, Prakash Raj
Director: Shankar
Genre: Political Action Thriller
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Ram Charan returns with Game Changer, a political thriller set to release for Sankranti. Directed by Shankar, the story focuses on an IAS officer’s fight against corruption. The film, written by Karthik Subbaraj boasts an impressive cast and promises high-octane action.
2. Identity (Malayalam)
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Trisha Krishnan
Directors: Akhil Paul, Anas Khan
Genre: Action Thriller
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Tovino Thomas stars as a sketch artist in Identity, teaming up with the makers of Forensic. This gripping thriller also marks Trisha’s return to Malayalam cinema after Hey Jude.
3. Vanangaan (Tamil)
Cast: Arun Vijay, Samuthirakani
Director: Bala
Genre: Action Drama
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Initially planned with Suriya in the lead, Vanangaan now stars Arun Vijay. The film underwent significant changes, with the recast ensuring a fresh narrative for fans of Tamil cinema.
4. Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu (Kannada)
Cast: Dileep Raj, Shilpa Manjunath
Director: Keshav Moorthy
Genre: Drama Thriller
Release Date: January 10, 2025
This Kannada film explores how human insecurities are tied to possessions. The title, translating to “You are responsible for your belongings,” reflects its unique and introspective theme.
5. Sankranthiki Vasthunam (Telugu)
Cast: Venkatesh Daggubati, Meenakshi Chaudhary
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Venkatesh reunites with director Anil Ravipudi for a fun-filled romantic comedy. The story revolves around a love triangle involving a crime, promising a mix of humor and suspense.
6. Vidaamuyarchi (Tamil)
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Genre: Action Thriller
Release Date: Pongal 2025 (Exact Date TBD)
Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi is a slick action thriller releasing during Pongal. The film features Trisha Krishnan as his wife, adding depth to the narrative.
7. Ennu Swantham Punyalan (Malayalam)
Cast: Arjun Ashokan, Anaswara Rajan
Director: Mahesh Madhu
Genre: Fantasy Comedy
Release Date: January 10, 2025
This fantasy comedy follows Thomas, a reluctant priest whose peaceful life is disrupted by unexpected visitors—a young woman seeking refuge and a cunning thief.
8. Daaku Maharaaj (Telugu)
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bobby Deol
Director: Bobby Kolli
Genre: Action Drama
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Set in a period backdrop, Daaku Maharaaj tells the tale of a daring robber striving to establish his territory. Balakrishna’s performance, combined with a gripping storyline, is set to enthrall audiences.
9. Thudarum (Malayalam)
Cast: Mohanlal, Shobana
Director: Tharun Moorthy
Genre: Comedy Drama
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Mohanlal stars as a taxi driver in Thudarum, alongside Shobana. The film promises a blend of humor and drama, making it a perfect end to the month’s releases.
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