Indian cinema in 2025 was defined by the rise of regional films that not only captivated audiences in their home states but also achieved massive success across the country and internationally.
Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries delivered some of the year’s biggest blockbusters, proving once again that regional storytelling has become the beating heart of Indian film. As per various sources and data gathered from industry tracker Sacnilk, these are the highest grossing regional movies of the year.
The top regional blockbusters
Kantara: Chapter 1 (Kannada)
This mythological action prequel achieved cultural phenomenon status almost instantaneously. Rishab Shetty returned to tell the intense origin story of the divine spirits and the ancient Bhuta Kola ritual. Its appeal lay in its powerful and visceral storytelling with breath-taking visuals that wowed audiences. The film resonated strongly across India and the globe, turning a Kannada-language saga into the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
Worldwide collection: Rs 850+ crores
Coolie (Tamil)
The massive success of Coolie was driven by the combination of superstar Rajinikanth and celebrated director Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film, which follows a former dockworker and union leader fighting a gold and watch smuggling syndicate, was an adrenaline-pumping mass entertainer. Its record-breaking opening day of over Rs 151 crores worldwide was fueled by immense fan anticipation and Rajinikanth’s unmatched charisma.
Worldwide collection: Rs 518.50 crores
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (Malayalam)
This groundbreaking Malayalam superhero fantasy, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as the titular mysterious woman with superhuman abilities, shattered box office records to become the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 300 crores mark worldwide. Its mythology-infused superhero plot propelled it towards earth-shattering success far beyond Mollywood.
Worldwide collection: Rs 303.86 crores
They Call Him OG (Telugu)
They Call Him OG brought actor-politician Pawan Kalyan back to the big screen in a stylish, powerful avatar. The film follows a feared gangster named Ojas Gambheera, or ‘OG’, who returns from a decade of exile to challenge the city’s new crime lord. The star’s commanding screen presence, sleek action choreography and a thrilling mafia plot ensured the success of this Telugu blockbuster.
Worldwide collection: Rs 293 – 300 crores
L2: Empuraan (Malayalam)
The sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, this political action thriller was one of the most anticipated films of the year. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal as the enigmatic Khureshi Abraam, the film expanded the cinematic universe by detailing the protagonist’s global criminal empire and political machinations. The film was bound to be a hit with the loyalty of the franchise’s fan base and the promise of grand-scale, Hollywood-esque production design.
Worldwide collection: Rs 266.81 crores
Sankranthiki Vasthunam (Telugu)
Released during the Sankranti festival window, This Telugu family entertainer was a major commercial hit, successfully leveraging the high turnout of the holiday. Starring Ram Pothineni, the film’s plot – set against a backdrop of a village festival – appealed perfectly to the mass audience looking for a lighthearted yet engaging cinematic experience.
Worldwide collection: Rs 255.2 crores
Good Bad Ugly (Tamil)
An action-packed entertainer starring Ajith Kumar, this film was a commercial success that rode on the massive star power of its lead actor. The film’s plot explored the moral ambiguity of its protagonist, making it a complex yet satisfying watch. Ajith’s popular anti-hero image and the film’s strong direction ensured its significant draw among Tamil audiences globally.
Worldwide collection: Rs 248.25 crores
Thudarum (Malayalam)
A surprise blockbuster, Thudarum is an action-comedy-drama that achieved its massive numbers through overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth. Starring Sreenath Bhasi, the film’s success came from its grounded yet gripping story of a common man caught in extraordinary circumstances, delivering a powerful story that resonated deeply with the audience.
Worldwide collection: Rs 234.5 crores
Dragon (Tamil)
This ambitious fantasy-action spectacle pushed the boundaries of visual effects in Tamil cinema. In the movie, the warrior Agni, battles an ancient shape-shifting threat that aims to plunge the world into darkness, forcing him to confront his own painful past. Dragon was a major visual effects showcase for Kollywood, relying on ambitious action and fantasy elements to draw audiences.
Worldwide collection: Rs 151.83 crores
Su From So (Kannada)
A massive success relative to its modest budget of Rs 4-6 crores, this Kannada comedy-supernatural drama crossed the coveted Rs 100 crores club. The film’s unique, humorous plot – involving a man possessed by a female spirit – and strong regional appeal, starring Ganesh in a dual-shaded role, turned it into a sleeper hit that demonstrated the box office potential of fresh, rooted concepts.
Worldwide collection: Rs 122.83 crores
2025 proved that regional cinema is no longer “regional” – it is national and global. Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries delivered films that rivalled and even surpassed Bollywood in scale and box office performance. With audiences increasingly embracing diverse stories, the future of Indian cinema looks brighter than ever.