2022 was a make-or-break year for Indian Cinema. With the country, and the world as a whole, slowly recovering from the pandemic, and cinema theatres still not operating full throttle, it was a testing time for the entertainment industry to generate any substantial revenue. While there were a lot of requests from the Film fraternity to get one of the big stars to release their movies in the theatres to bring in the masses, not a lot of them were ready to do so. However, a few months in, the theatre restrictions were lifted and what followed was a string of movie releases that not only revived the industry but also showcased, quite possibly, some of the best cinema that we have ever seen. What was even more surprising was that most of the big releases came from the South Indian Movie industry, and while I don't want to segregate based on region, credit must be given where it's due. In this article, I am going to give you all a list of 10 South Indian Movies that rocked 2022, making them a MUST-WATCH.

So, without further ado, let's jump right in!!

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10. Love Mocktail 2

I am an absolute sucker for feel-good romantic movies, and one of the most refreshing films I saw this year, was the Darling Krishna directorial, Love Mocktail 2.

Love Mocktail 2 is a romantic comedy sequel directed by Krishna. The film follows the story of Adi, who is still mourning the death of his wife Nidhi but decides to give marriage a second chance after receiving a letter. Adi meets his crush, Sihi, and must decide between her and his feelings for Nidhi. The film features effective performances from its cast and includes heartwarming moments that explore the experiences of individuals of different ages. The visuals and music are also praised in the film. The film ends on a sweet note and leaves the possibility open for a third instalment.     

If feel-good movies are your thing, you should definitely watch Love Mocktail 2. 

Streaming Now on - Amazon Prime Video

9. Gargi

I have absolutely loved following the career of Sai Pallavi, and while most of her projects have left me with a smile on my face, her latest outing, Gargi, was one that had the most impact on me. 

Gargi is a film that follows the journey of its main character, Gargi (portrayed by Sai Pallavi), as she transforms and grapples with biases within the legal system, society, and herself. The story centres on the trial of Gargi's father, who is accused of a crime. What I love about the film is its realistic portrayal of characters, effective use of slow-motion shots to delve into Gargi's thoughts and emotions, and strong performances from the cast. The film also employs music and sound effects to enhance the atmosphere and convey Gargi's inner turmoil. The script is tailored to focus on Gargi's personal transformation rather than relying on typical tropes, which is a welcome change. Overall, Gargi is a film that you must watch, not just for Sai Pallavi's excellent execution, but also for the themes and values that it addresses.

Streaming Now on - Sony LIV

8. Sita Ramam

Sita Ramam is a film that delves into the themes of humanity, war, boundaries, and religion through the love story of its main characters, Sita and Ram. The story takes place in two different time periods, 1964 and 1984, and follows Afreen, a Pakistan-origin student (played by Rashmika Mandanna) who travels from London to India to deliver a 20-year-old letter written by Ram (Dulquer Salman) to Sita (Mrunal Thakur). The film is highly regarded for its well-developed characters, beautiful landscapes and technical work, and old-fashioned romance. The film also features a surprising twist at the intermission point that changes the direction of the story. Overall, "Sita Ramam" is a thought-provoking exploration of important themes through its romantic narrative.

Streaming Now on - Amazon Prime Video and Hotstar

7. Karthikeya 2

Karthikeya 2 is a Telugu film that follows the journey of Dr. Karthik (played by Nikhil Siddhartha) and Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran) as they seek out a secret anklet of Lord Krishna with the help of Karthik's uncle Sadananda (Srinivasa Reddy) and a Muslim driver (Harsha Chemudu). The anklet is believed to contain the solutions to the world's problems and is coveted by a secret society. The film combines elements of religion and thriller and is set in various locations including Dwaraka, Mathura, and Himachal Pradesh. However, the plot is slowed down by preachy dialogues and the thriller elements are not as strong as they could be. The story does end on a bit of a loose ending, setting it up for a potential Part 3. 

If you love movies based on adventure, mythology and secret societies, then Karthikeya 2 should definitely be on your watchlist.

Streaming Now on - Zee5

6. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1

When I read about this movie and the combination of Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman, I was beyond excited. Mani Ratnam is known for some of the most iconic movies in Indian Cinema and his return after a sizeable hiatus had me absolutely buzzing, so much that I pre-booked tickets and caught the first-day first show.

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 is a historical drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, based on the novel of the same name by Kalki. The film follows Vanthiyathevan (Karthi), a messenger, as he becomes involved in the power struggle over the Chola empire when Emperor Sundara Chola's health begins to fail. The film features an ensemble cast including Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Prakash Raj, Sarath Kumar, Trisha, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. While the scale of the film, the sets and the cinematography are top-notch, where this movie falls short is character development. There are just so many characters heaped into one narrative that it becomes very difficult at times, to keep track of them all. Another disadvantage of this is that there is no real character development, making it difficult to back or hate a particular character. Yes, there is another part coming, that will be the sort of conclusion for the project, and the director could be saving the best for the last, but are the viewers still invested?? I know I am!!

If period films are your thing, you should definitely watch Ponniyin Selvan.

Streaming Now on - Amazon Prime Video

5. Vikram

To be honest, I found out about Vikram, after seeing people talk about it on social media. After the triple barrage of RRR, Pushpa and KGF, my mind was not ready for another high-octane action flick, but when you have actors like the Legendary Kamal Hassan sir, Fahad Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi in one project, you CANNOT ignore it.

Lokesh Kanagaraj's film "Vikram" is a part of a new Cinematic Universe that hints at exciting possibilities, with the film featuring Vikram as the main character. However, the film falls short of its potential due to its reliance on market demands rather than true artistic vision. The story takes place three months after the events of "Kaithi" and follows the character Amar, played by Fahadh Faasil, as he tries to unravel the mystery behind the protagonist Vikram, played by Kamal Haasan. While the film has good elements and a thrilling plot, Kamal Haasan's presence feels unnecessary and forced, and the film could have worked just as well as a standalone with Amar carrying on the legacy of Vikram. The open-ended climax also hints at the possibility of future films in the Cinematic Universe. Despite these shortcomings, there is still much to appreciate in the film, including its action and world-building.

Streaming Now on - Zee5

4. RRR

RRR is a film about the coming-of-age of two freedom fighters in India during the 1920s, Bheem and Ram. The film follows their friendship and their journey to become the leaders they were meant to be. It is filled with stunning visual spectacles and action sequences and features excellent performances from NTR and Ram Charan as Bheem and Ram, respectively. However, the story is buried beneath the visual effects and action, and there is little room for disbelief or conceit as the narrative spells out every detail. Despite this, the emotional depth provided in the latter half helps to anchor the extravagant action pieces and give the film more emotional depth. Overall, RRR is a showcase of S S Rajamouli's showmanship and the talents of its cast and crew.

I was a bit worried about this movie as it was going to try and match the success brought about by the Baahubali franchise, but after watching the project, all I can say is that right now, there is not a lot of wrongs that can come out of SS Rajamouli. 

Be sure to check out this amazing film, you will not be disappointed.

Streaming Now on - Netflix

3. Kantara - A Legend

Kantara is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film that explores the complex relationship between man and nature and the impact of feudalism on the native tribes of coastal Karnataka. The film is set against the backdrop of forest wealth smuggling and follows the story of Shiva, a young man who is fighting to protect the land and culture of his people. Through the use of folklore and native cultural practices, including Yakshagana, Paddana, and Kambala, the film delves deep into the belief systems and sacred customs of the region.

Rishab Shetty does a brilliant job as both the director and lead actor, bringing a sense of authenticity and depth to the film. The supporting cast, including Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Sapthami Gowda, and Pramod Shetty, is equally impressive and helps to round out the story with their nuanced performances. The cinematography and production design are top-notch, with beautifully shot landscapes and elaborate sets that transport the audience to another time and place.

Despite its heavy themes, Kantara manages to strike a perfect balance between drama and levity, and the film is punctuated by several memorable musical sequences that add to its overall appeal. Overall, Kantara is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

There was not a lot of hype surrounding this film, and much of its success is due to positive word of mouth I for one, have already watched the movie thrice in theatres and God knows how many times on OTT. Watch it once, and you will go back for more!!

Streaming Now on - Amazon Prime Video and Netflix (Hindi Version only)

2. Pushpa: The Rise

Allu Arjun has set himself up as one of the biggest superstars in Indian Cinema. Known for his acute sense of style, an inimitable swag, and a penchant for picking some of the most unique movie concepts, Allu Arjun is an actor like no other. When I heard that he was going to reunite with Sukumar for Pushpa, I was absolutely excited as the combination has worked wonders in the past. The wait was a long one, and every little bit of information that was released on social media just amped up the hype and I must say, I was left absolutely stunned by the end of the film.

Pushpa: The Rise follows the story of the titular character, Pushparaj, as he rises from a daily wage worker to a powerful figure in the smuggling syndicate in the Seshachalam forest. The film is set in a time when pagers were popular and mobile phones were a luxury. Director B Sukumar presents the story in a raw and rustic tone, and Allu Arjun does a good job of bringing the character of Pushparaj to life with his performance. The cinematography, music, and background score also help to create an immersive atmosphere in the film, set in the wilderness of the forest. While the film starts off strong, it loses its momentum towards the end and the characterisation of women in the film leaves something to be desired. Overall, Pushpa is an entertaining film that could have benefited from more depth in its storytelling

Streaming Now on - Amazon Prime Video

1. KGF: Chapter 2

My absolute favourite film of the year has got to be KGF: Chapter 2. I have been watching Rocking Star Yash's growth, right from his debut, and his conviction in this project, especially, has been second to none.

KGF: Chapter 2 is an epic and grandiose film that takes the audience on a wild and thrilling ride through the world of KGF. The film is a sequel to the highly successful KGF: Chapter 1, which introduced the character of Rocky Bhai (Yash) and his rise to power in the gold mining industry. In Chapter 2, the story picks up where it left off, with Rocky Bhai now ruling over the KGF empire and facing new challenges and enemies.

The film boasts impressive production values, with stunning visuals and top-notch action sequences. The performances are also top-notch, with Yash delivering a commanding and powerful performance as Rocky Bhai. Sanjay Dutt also shines as Adheera, the main antagonist of the film.

The film is an epic and exciting tale that is sure to keep you engaged from start to finish. With its impressive production values, strong performances, and thrilling action, KGF: Chapter 2 is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impact on whoever watches it.

Streaming Now on - Amazon Prime Video

Be sure to check out these movies, if you haven't already, and let me know in the comments, which movies you liked best, in 2022.