April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases

March 17, 2025, 01:16 PM
by Kawser Md Sayem

UNB News
Publish- March 17, 2025, 01:16 PM
Kawser Md Sayem
Update- March 17, 2025, 02:20 PM

April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases

Must-watch South Indian Film Releasing in April 2025

South Indian cinema is poised for a spectacular April 2025, where Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries converge in a cinematic symphony. This month’s premieres are a bold mix of crime, action, fantasy, and laugh riots. These films are powered by stellar casts, igniting fan fervor. Let’s unravel the 12 must-watch titles ready to make waves across audiences.

12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies Debuting this April

Ghaati / Telugu Crime / April 18, 2025

Starring Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu, this crime drama excels with Krish Jagarlamudi as director and Chintakindi Srinivas Rao as writer.

A victim-turned-criminal rises to legendary status in this gripping tale of survival. An empowered woman, driven by circumstance, finds herself entangled in the perilous world of the weed trade.

The background score and songs come from Nagavelli Vidya Sagar.

Credit for producing the action movie goes to Yeduguru Rajeev Reddy and Saibabu Jagarlamudi under First Frame Entertainments.

The Telugu film is gearing up for a grand theatrical debut, accompanied by dubbed versions in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.

Chaurya Paatam / Telugu Crime / April 18, 2025

Helmed by Nikhil Gollamari, this heist movie thrives under the creative writing of Karthik Gattamneni, who also oversees its cinematography.

The storyline follows four reckless men who set their sights on looting Dhanapaali, India's most peaceful, crime-free village. But as their heist unravels, they stumble upon the village’s hidden dark side.

Indhra Ram embodies the lead roles, while Payal Radhakrishna, Rajeev Kanakala, Mast Ali, Anji Valguman, Supriya Aysola, and Edward Stevenson Pereji portray the other characters.

Featuring music composed by Davzand, the comedy movie boasts V Chudamani and NVSS Suresh as co-producers and Trinadha Rao Nakkina as the producer.

Kannappa / Telugu Historical Drama / April 25, 2025

Bankrolled by Mohan Babu, the action movie Kannappa is shaped by the direction of Mukesh Kumar Singh. Besides scripting for the film, Vishnu Manchu crafts its screenplay while also starring in the titular role.

This fantasy epic brings to life the legend of Kannappa, the devoted follower of Shiva, rooted in Hindu mythology.

Mohan Babu, Arpit Ranka, R. Sarathkumar, Kaushal Manda, Devaraj, Rahul Madhav, Brahmanandam, Mukesh Rishi, Raghu Babu, Madhoo, and Preity Mukhundhan headline the supporting cast. Akshay Kumar (his Telugu film debut), Kajal Aggarwal, Prabhas, and Mohanlal appear in important cameo roles.

With Stephen Devassy composing the music, this historical epic is brought to life by AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory.

Apart from the Telugu version, the film will also be available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam dubs.

Test / Tamil Sports / April 4, 2025

During a historic international cricket test match in Chennai, the lives of three individuals intersect. It forces them into a web of choices that will alter their fates forever.

With this plot, ‘Test’ stars Nayanthara, R. Madhavan, Meera Jasmine, and Siddharth, along with Nassar and Kaali Venkat. It marks Jasmine's return to Tamil cinema after a 10-year hiatus.

In this sports drama, S. Sashikanth makes his directorial debut, while co-writing the script with Suman Kumar. Shakthisree Gopalan takes charge of the musical score.

The production credit goes to Sashikanth and Chakravarthy Ramachandra under YNOT Studios.

The Tamil movie is slated for Netflix with dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Good Bad Ugly / Tamil Thriller / April 10, 2025

Scored by G. V. Prakash Kumar, the action film Good Bad Ugly thrives with the director Adhik Ravichandran, who also wrote it with Ravi Kandasamy and Harish Manikandan.

The narrative follows a feared don who seeks to leave behind his violent past for a peaceful life with his family. However, the shadows of his ruthless history refuse to let go, pulling him back into the world he longs to escape.

Ajith Kumar assumes the protagonist’s role, while Prabhu, Trisha Krishnan, Prasanna, Sunil, Arjun Das, Rahul Dev, Shine Tom Chacko, and Yogi Babu play the supporting roles.

Marked as the first Tamil-language production of Mythri and T-Series, this comedy film is slated for a theatrical rollout in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Idly Kadai / Tamil Drama / April 10, 2025

The writer, director, and producer of the drama film Idly Kadai is none other than Dhanush, who also plays the central character. Nithya Menen stars as the female lead with the additional cast of Arun Vijay, Rajkiran, Prakash Raj, and Shalini Pandey.

The story follows a man from a catering background who unexpectedly gets the opportunity to coach a boxer. As he navigates this new path, he shapes the journey in his own unique way.

The film is produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films and co-produced by Aakash Baskaran’s Dawn Pictures. It is enriched by the music of G. V. Prakash Kumar.

Must-see South Indian Film Releasing in April 2025

Lovely / Malayalam Live-action / April 4, 2025

Appearing as Malayalam's first hybrid live-action 3D and animation, this film Lovely boasts Dileesh Nair as its director and writer.

The narrative centers on a young man who befriends a talking housefly, setting the stage for a whimsical adventure filled with humor and fantasy.

The fantasy film stars Mathew Thomas, with Unnimaya Prasad voicing the animated character, Fly. The cast also includes Ashwathy Manoharan, Manoj K Jayan, KPAC Leela, Prashanth Murali, and Ganga Meera, among others.

Riswan Resheed is behind the visual effects, and Vishnu Vijay handled the musical composition.

The live-action film makes its way to theaters courtesy of production houses Neni Entertainments and Western Ghats Productions.

Bazooka / Malayalam Thriller / April 10, 2025

Starring Mammootty and Gautham Vasudev Menon, the action thriller Bazooka is brought to fruition by writer and director Deeno Dennis in his directorial debut.

The additional cast comprises Babu Antony, Neeta Pillai, Gayathiri Iyer, Sharaf U Dheen, Jagadish, Sidharth Bharathan, Iswarya Menon, Shine Tom Chacko, Mime Gopi, and George Maryan.

‘Bazooka’ unites a cop and a businessman in a high-stakes mission to capture a serial killer, using intricate mind games as their ultimate trap.

The grandeur of action meets Saeed Abbas’s compositions in this film, backed by Yoodlee Films and Theatre of Dreams.

The Pet Detective / Malayalam Comedy / April 25, 2025

Featuring music by Rajesh Murugesan, this comedy movie is bankrolled by Sharafudheen, who also plays its protagonist role. Led by Anupama Parameswaran, the supporting cast includes Vinay Forrt and Joemon Jyothir, among others.

Besides directing the film, Praneesh Vijayan co-wrote it with Jai Vishnu, who also serves as the executive producer.

With details yet to be unwrapped, the plot reportedly revolves around a dog.

Karavali / Kannada Action / April 10, 2025

Against the vibrant backdrop of Kambala, a child and a calf in a humble shed were born. As the child grows, an obsession with the ‘chair of prestige’ begins to take hold.

With this story, ‘Karavali’ is directed by Gurudatha Ganiga, who also collaborated on the writing with Chandrashekar Bandiyappa, H.R. Tejovrusha, and Ravi Sriram.

It features Prajwal Devaraj, Mithra, K.S. Sridhar, Niranjan, Ramesh Indira, and Sampada Hulivana in different key roles. The action movie is powered by Sachin Basrur’s music.

Gurudatha Ganiga Films and VK Films have jointly produced this cinematic work.

Vaamana / Kannada Action / April 10, 2025

Directed and written by Shankar Raman S., this action drama, Vaamana, centers on Guna, a relentless hero seeking vengeance. Haunted by his past, he battles forces that shape both his present and future.

Achyuth Kumar, Sampath Raj, Adithya Menon, Avinash, and Thara round out the cast.

Scored by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, this Kannada film flourishes with Chethan Gowda as producer and Roopa Chethan as co-producer.

Agnyathavasi / Kannada Mystery / April 11, 2025

Backed by Hemanth M. Rao under Dakshayani Talkies, the movie Agnyathavasi stars Rangayana Raghu, Sharath Lohitashwa, Paavana Gowda, Siddu Moolimani, and Ravishankar Gowda.

The storyline of this Kannada film is inspired by a haunting murder that occurred in the Malenadu region in 1997.

Janardhan Chikkanna steers the mystery movie, enhanced by the music of Charan Raj, with his directing and writing prowess.

Bottom Line

This April 2025 South Indian movie lineup unites Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema into one exciting package.

‘Ghaati’ and ‘Bazooka’ deliver gripping crime thrillers, and ‘Agnyathavasi’ unravels an enigmatic mystery. Blending action with compelling narratives, ‘Kannappa,’, ‘Karavali,’, and ‘Vaamana’ promise an adrenaline-fueled ride. While ‘Test’ brings the energy of sports drama to the forefront, ‘Idly Kadai’ paints a heartfelt portrait of life’s triumphs. Laughter meets intrigue as ‘Chaurya Paatam,’, ‘Good Bad Ugly,’, ‘Lovely,’, and ‘The Pet Detective’ infuse humor into crime, adventure, and mystery.

With a compelling mix of genres and star power, these films reaffirm the enduring appeal of Pan-Indian cinema.