Online Desk: South Indian cinema, encompassing the vibrant worlds of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, stands with its distinctive storytelling and technical prowess. Together, they are contributing significantly to the ever-developing world-class filmmaking landscape in Pan India. Now, let’s look ahead to May 2024, and explore the exciting South-Indian movies slated for release, promising a mix of genres and star power.

12 Must-see South Indian Movies Premiering This May 

Aranmanai 4 / Tamil / May 3, 2024

This comedy-horror film is directed by Sundar C., who co-wrote it alongside Venkatt Ragavan and S. B. Ramadass. It serves as the fourth installment in the Aranmanai film series.

The film features Sundar C. in a leading role, supported by an ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, Santhosh Prathap, Yogi Babu, Ramachandra Raju, Kovai Sarala, Jayaprakash, VTV Ganesh, Rajendran, K. S. Ravikumar, Singampuli, and Delhi Ganesh.

In Aranmanai 4, a lawyer seeks to uncover the truth behind his sister’s mysterious death, only to find himself ensnared by a dangerous demon named Baak. The movie is set to release alongside its Telugu version titled ‘Baak’.

The Proof / Tamil / May 3, 2024

Directed and written by I Radhika, this film stars Sai Dhanshika and offers a blend of action and courtroom drama.

The plot centers on the trial of a girl’s brutal murder, which uncovers a covert drug trafficking scandal and its subsequent cover-up. Despite the trial concluding in favor of the culprits, a resilient young woman strives to expose the hidden truth against all odds.

The cast also includes Ashok, Indraja, Riythvika, Raja Simhan, Rudhveer Varadhan, Marimuthu, Mime Gopi, and Ashmitha. In addition to its Tamil release, the film will be dubbed in Hindi and Telugu.

Quotation Gang / Tamil / May 2024

This crime thriller, written and directed by Vivek K Kannan, stars Jackie Shroff, Sunny Leone, and Priyamani in pivotal roles.

‘Quotation Gang’ unfurls a gripping tale of brutal murders portrayed with intensity. The narrative centers on a fearless female contract killer who challenges the crime syndicate and vies for power. A life-altering incident turns her world upside down.

This film also features Jayaprakash, Sara Arjun, and Ashraf Mallissery in supporting roles. Besides its Tamil release, ‘Quotation Gang’ is slated to hit screens in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.

Aa Okkati Adakku / Telugu / May 3, 2024

Comedy maestro Allari Naresh is poised to charm audiences in this family entertainer helmed by Malli Ankam. Faria Abdullah plays the female lead opposite Allari Naresh, with Vennela Kishore, Harsha Chemudu, Jamie Lever, and Ariyana Glory in supporting roles.

The story revolves around the arrival of an eccentric new tenant in a residential community, causing upheaval in the lives of a close-knit group of family and friends and triggering a significant shift in their dynamics.

Prasanna Vadanam / Telugu / May 9, 2024

Directed by debutant Arjun YK, this film starring Suhas delves into a dark thriller with a unique concept, underscored by black humor. The story follows a man grappling with face blindness- a rare medical condition- as he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a world of crime and violence.

‘Prasanna Vadanam’ also features Rashi Singh Nandu, Payal Radhakrishna, Viva Harsha Chemudu, Kushalini, Nitin Prasanna, and Sai Swetha in supporting roles.

Gangs of Godavari / Telugu / May 17, 2024

Vishwak Sen takes on an action-packed role in this film directed and written by Krishna Chaitanya. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the movie chronicles a man’s journey from poverty to prosperity, driven by sheer grit and determination, in the Eluru and Godavari coastal regions of India.

The drama also stars Neha Shetty, Nassar, P. Sai Kumar, and Anjali, with Ayesha Khan making a special appearance in the song ‘Motha’.

Nadikar / Malayalam / May 3, 2024

Directed by Lal Jr., this black comedy boasts an ensemble cast featuring Soubin Shahir, Tovino Thomas, Bhavana, Ranjith Balakrishnan, Balu Varghese, Indrans, and Suresh Krishna.

The film chronicles the life of superstar David, who, amidst a rough patch, embarks on a tumultuous hero’s journey. Blinded by his complex psychology, David overestimates his acting prowess, leading to a series of ill-advised decisions fueled by fame and haunted by his past, jeopardizing his career.

Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil / Malayalam / May 16, 2024

Helmed by Vipin Das, this comedy film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Nikhila Vimal, Yogi Babu, Anaswara Rajan, Jagadish, Basil Joseph, and Rekha Harris. Notably, it marks Yogi Babu’s debut in Malayalam cinema.

This movie revolves around a wedding theme, with a young man on the brink of matrimony. However, a series of unfortunate events and circumstances lead him to marry a woman who despises him, setting the stage for comedic chaos and marital mayhem.

Mandakini / Malayalam / May 24, 2024

Helmed by Vinod Leela, this comedy entertainer stars Althaf Salim and Anarkali Marikar in the lead roles. The story revolves around Aromal and Ambili, a newlywed couple filled with excitement about their new life together. However, a surprising incident on their wedding night throws their family into a complex and humorous situation.

The ensemble cast of ‘Mandakini’ boasts names like Ganapathi, Lal Jose, Ajai Vasudev, Jeo Baby, Saritha Kukku, Jude Anthany Joseph, Jaffer Idukki, Vineeth Thattil, and Ashwathy Sreekanth.

Switch Case N / Kannada / May 3, 2024

Chethan Shetty, a professional IT (Information Technology) professional, ventures into filmmaking with his debut feature ‘Switch Case N’. Not only does he direct the film, but he also pens the story, screenplay, and dialogues.

The movie offers a glimpse into life within the IT industry, drawing from Shetty’s personal experiences and observations. It explores the multifaceted lives of those working in this dynamic sector.

The film features an ensemble cast with Shwetha Vijaykumar, Prithvi Raj, Vijay Siddaraj, and Karthik Vaibhav in pivotal roles.

Ramana Avatara / Kannada / May 10, 2024

Directed by Vikas Pampapathi and Vinay Pampapathi, this film stars Manish Rishi, Pranitha Subhash, and Shubra Aiyappa in the lead roles, with Arun Sagar and Vikas Pampapathi in supporting roles.

The narrative of ‘Ramana Avatara’ revolves around Rama Krishna’s aspiration to become a local political leader. As he navigates through a series of unpredictable situations, he learns valuable life lessons that transform him into a true leader.

Kaadaadi / Kannada / May 24, 2024

Helmed and penned by Satheesh Malempati, this drama features Aditya Shashikumar, Lavannya Sahukara, Krishna Murali Posani, Chandini Tamilarasan, and Ravi Kale.

The story follows a talented female athlete driven by her dreams as she encounters various individuals, including the protagonist, on her journey towards winning a gold medal in a prestigious sports event. However, clashes of interest between the protagonist and the athlete lead to dramatic turns of events.

This Kannada action thriller is also set to premiere in Telugu and Tamil languages.

Summing Up

Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada collectively enrich this May 2024 South Indian movie lineup with their best offerings across genres.

‘Aranmanai 4’, ‘Nadikar’, ‘Aa Okkati Adakku’, ‘Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil’, and ‘Mandakini’ deliver well-blended comedies spanning five distinct genres. ‘The Proof’, ‘Gangs of Godavari’, and ‘Kaadaadi’ will rock the silver screen with breathtaking action. Meanwhile, ‘Quotation Gang’ and ‘Prasanna Vadanam’ offer viewers intriguing psychological experiences. Lastly, ‘Switch Case N’ and ‘Ramana Avatara’ round off the list with engaging slice-of-life dramas.