The best of South cinema at IFFI 2024: Movies you can’t miss

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024, taking place from November 20 to 28 in Goa, promises an exciting lineup of South Indian films. These films represent a range of genres and highlight the diverse talent of the region. Here are some of the must-watch movies at the festival.

1. Aadujeevitham (Malayalam)

Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aadujeevitham is a survival drama based on the book The Goat Life. The film follows the story of Najeeb, an Indian worker in Saudi Arabia who is deceived and forced into slavery, herding goats in a desert. The plot explores his struggles and ultimate escape. The movie is inspired by real-life events, showcasing the hardships faced by migrant workers.

2. Jigarthanda DoubleX (Tamil)

This Tamil action thriller is a prequel to the 2014 hit Jigarthanda. Set in the 1970s, the movie stars Raghava Lawrence and SJ Suryah. It tells the story of a wannabe policeman wrongfully imprisoned, who gets a chance for redemption by posing as a film director to bring down a gangster. The gripping plot revolves around his mission and whether he succeeds.

3. Bramayugam (Malayalam)

Bramayugam is a folk horror film set in the 17th century in Malabar, featuring Mammootty in the lead role. The story follows a folk singer who stumbles upon a traditional mansion while escaping the Portuguese slave trade. Soon, he realizes that the mansion harbors a dark secret, trapping him in a terrifying supernatural struggle.

4. 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu (Telugu)

This emotional drama revolves around a young mother’s efforts to help her son pass his school exams. Despite his consistent failures, the film focuses on the family’s determination and unity in the face of adversity. The story portrays the emotional bond between mother and child while emphasizing the importance of persistence.

5. Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)

This survival thriller is based on a real-life event that occurred in 2006. A group of friends embarks on a vacation to Kodaikanal, but things take a dangerous turn when one of them gets trapped in the infamous Guna Caves. The rest of the story revolves around their efforts to save their friend, testing their friendship and courage.

6. Kerebete (Kannada)

Kerebete is a romantic drama set around an annual fishing event in a village in Karnataka. The event brings people together, but the focus of the story is on a controversial relationship that emerges, leading to dramatic consequences. With strong performances and a captivating storyline, this film promises to engage audiences.

7. Level Cross (Malayalam)

This suspense-filled movie features Asif Ali and Amala Paul. It follows the life of Raghu, a railway gatekeeper who meets a mysterious girl as she disembarks midway from a train. Their contrasting personalities and the suspense that builds around their relationship form the heart of the story, offering unexpected twists and turns.

8. Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu)

Kalki 2898 AD is a sci-fi epic inspired by Hindu mythology, starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows a new world leader and the prophesied return of Lord Vishnu’s 10th avatar, Kalki. The film is part of the Kalki Cinematic Universe and explores themes of hope, survival, and prophecy in an apocalyptic world.

The best of South cinema at IFFI 2024: Movies you can’t miss