Between the four South Indian film industries, we have had a sizeable number of releases online in 2020 compared to the past. A huge factor was the lockdown, without any doubt. But, barring a few, most was well suited, and some were exclusively made for the platform.
Tamil and Telugu film industries (a bit late to start) were more prolific in this space compared to Kannada and Malayalam. It is why they dominate the list. Here are our top 10 movies across the South Indian film industries on various digital platforms.
10. Halaal Love Story (Amazon Prime Video)
In his second outing director Zakariya Mohammed of Sudani From Nigeria, fame brings another slice of the life tale. It is set in a conservative Muslim community in Kerala. What happens when a few of them decide to make a movie is the plot. The simple story is filled with funny conversations in bizarre situations.
9. Krishna And His Leela (Netflix)
Krishna And His Leela is another predictable outing lifted by neat casting (Siddhu, Shraddha Srinath, Shalini Vadnikatti and Seerat Kapoor) and writing (Ravikanth Perepu and Siddhu). The urban setting, actors and their dialogues make it identifiable to the youth, which the movie targets.
8. Mookuthi Amman (Disney Plus Hotstar)
A satirical comedy on God and Godmen is a very regular theme. It is the writing by RJ Balaji (also sharing directorial credit) and the performances from the ladies that elevate the proceedings. Several blocks present grim situation funnily and raise pertinent questions, as well. Nayanthara and senior actress Urvashi comes up with scene-stealing acts.
7. Andhaghaaram (Netflix)
Andhagaaram is lengthy and demands a lot of patience, but, it delivers in the end, and that is what matters. V Vignarajan delivers a unique suspense thriller that mixes psychological drama with horror elements. The consistent serious tone is a welcome relief from the comedy we usually get. The performances, especially by young Arjun Das, add bite to the narrative.
6. Middle Class Melodies (Amazon Prime Video)
Middle Class Melodies is a quintessential middle of the road movie that is neither wholly commercial nor too raw. It traverses a middle path and delivers an engaging tale with fun and drama rooted in reality.
Anand Devarakonda picked another beautiful script after Dorasani and shows that he has good judgement when it comes to selecting grounded stories. They also suit him. Vinod Ananthoj’ packaging of a simple story with memorable characters and free-flowing natural language of milieu makes it a winner.
5. Colour Photo (Aha Video)
Colour Photo is a perfect example of the combination of a younger guy (written and directed by Sandeep Raj) with a talented senior (Sai Rajesh). If the former made his debut, the latter switched to a serious drama after providing stories (and directing) for two cult spoof flicks. Together they brought a different experience with a cast comprising of known faces but acting against the grain. The climax is sure to well-up one’s eyes.
4. Ka Pae Ranasingam (Zee5Tamil, ZeePlex)
The Aishwarya Rajesh led drama is another fresh subject and story for the audience. While its overall theme of a commoner struggling to get what he/she wants from the establishment might be old, the particular issue it addresses is new. A spirited performance by Aishwarya Rajesh holds things together despite a lengthy narrative by P Virumaandi.
3. Sethum Aayiram Po (Netflix)
Not all films leave us with a lingering emotion long after it is over. Sethum Aayiram Po is one such rare movie transporting us to the world it is set. We travel with the characters and miss them when the story is over. An air of melancholy is felt. Anand Ravichandran’s raw and rustic story achieves that feat without turning crude or exhausting.
2. Putham Pudhu Kaalai (Amazon Prime Video)
When names like Gautham Menon, Sudha Kongra, Karthik Subbaraj, Rajiv Menon, and Suhasini Maniratnam come together you know there is something special in the store. A fantastic cast and technical team further enhance the appeal.
Putham Pudhu Kaalai is an anthology movie made entirely during the lockdown period. Each story offers something fresh, has fun and brings a quirky element into play, making the film a lovely watch.
1. Soorarai Pottru (Amazon Prime Video)
Does it get any more obvious? The Suriya starrer was not only the biggest release online; it is also the most talked about and successful as well. The fact that it finds the place as second most tweeted tag of the year on Twitter (for movies), should make things ample clear.
If you still haven’t seen it, you are missing out on one of the best acts of the year from Suriya and also an inspiring tale. Sudha Kongra directs the movie.
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