South Indian cinema is closing the year on a high, with an exciting slate of theatrical releases across Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada industries. From star-driven entertainers and emotional family dramas to horror thrillers and high-octane action, this week’s lineup offers something for every kind of moviegoer.
If you’re planning a trip to the cinema and wondering which film to pick, here’s a curated look at seven South Indian films releasing in theatres this week, complete with genres, story highlights, and why each one deserves attention.
1. Bha. Bha. Ba. (Malayalam)
Cast: Dileep, Mohanlal (extended cameo), Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan
Director: Dhananjay Shankar
Genre: Comedy Action Thriller
Runtime: 2h 45m
Release Date: December 18, 2025
One of the most talked-about Malayalam releases of the week, Bha. Bha. Ba. marks Dileep’s return in a full-fledged commercial entertainer. Directed by debutant Dhananjay Shankar, the film follows three interconnected individuals—one of them a clever conman who has never been caught.
The title stands for Bhayam (Fear), Bhakthi (Devotion), and Bahumanam (Respect)—themes that drive the narrative forward. Adding to the buzz is an extended cameo by Mohanlal and several pop-culture references, including nods to Thalapathy Vijay’s Ghilli. The film promises humour, twists, and fast-paced action designed for festive audiences.
2. Sahakutumbaanaam (Telugu)
Cast: Raam Kiran, Megha Akash, Rajendra Prasad, Brahmanandam
Director: Uday Sharma
Genre: Comedy Drama
Runtime: 2h 15m
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Sahakutumbaanaam blends humour with emotional complexity. The story centres on Kalyan, a seemingly ideal software engineer with a picture-perfect family life. However, the arrival of Siri, an orphan girl living nearby, exposes cracks beneath the surface.
As Siri digs deeper, secrets unravel, revealing why Kalyan has constructed a life built on appearances. With comedy legends like Rajendra Prasad and Brahmanandam onboard, the film balances laughter with introspection and family drama.
3. Jinn (Kannada)
Cast: Prakash Thuminad, Bala Rajwadi, Ravi Bhat
Director: Chinmay Ram
Genre: Horror Thriller
Release Date: December 19, 2025
For horror fans, Jinn offers a chilling cinematic experience. The Kannada thriller follows four friends whose journey to an exam takes a terrifying turn after an accident near a mysterious pond leaves them in a coma.
Suspicion grows when one of their uncles seeks the help of a Maulavi to uncover the supernatural force keeping the boys trapped between life and death. Atmospheric storytelling and folklore-driven horror are key attractions here.
4. Missterious (Telugu)
Cast: Rohit Sahni, Meghna Rajput
Director: Komati Reddy Mahipal Reddy
Genre: Mystery Romantic Thriller
Runtime: 2h 12m
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Missterious follows a police officer investigating the disappearance of a sub-inspector. As the inquiry deepens, a tangled web involving a wealthy couple and a shadowy figure comes to light.
The narrative shifts between perspectives, gradually connecting past secrets and present consequences. With romance layered into the mystery, the film aims to keep audiences guessing until the final reveal.
5. Avatar: Fire and Ash (Dubbed Versions)
Director: James Cameron
Genre: Epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Action
Runtime: 3h 17m
Release Date: December 19, 2025
While not a South Indian production, Avatar: Fire and Ash makes its presence felt with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. The film continues James Cameron’s expansive saga, set a year after The Way of Water.
As Jake Sully and Neytiri encounter the aggressive Mangkwan clan—aligned with old enemy Quaritch—Pandora faces unprecedented turmoil. With visual spectacle and emotional stakes, the film is expected to draw large crowds across South Indian theatres.
6. Failure Boys (Telugu)
Cast: Arjun Ambati, Suparna Malakar, Nassar
Director: Venkata Reddy Vusirika
Genre: Romantic Drama
Runtime: 2h 7m
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Failure Boys tells an emotionally grounded story of three men struggling with heartbreak and setbacks. Their lives take a turn when they save a young woman, Koyal, from attempting suicide.
As they uncover the truth behind her despair—a falsely accused lover—the trio bands together to seek justice. The film explores themes of friendship, redemption, and healing, offering a heartfelt alternative to action-heavy releases.
7. Kombuseevi (Tamil)
Cast: Shanmuga Pandian, R. Sarathkumar
Director: Ponram
Genre: Gangster Action Crime Drama
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Kombuseevi stars Shanmuga Pandian, son of late actor Vijayakanth, in a gritty action drama inspired by true events. The film revolves around two men with violent pasts who are determined to protect their village from threats involving explosives and gang warfare.
With R. Sarathkumar as the co-lead, the film promises intense performances, rooted storytelling, and mass-action appeal.
Final Take
From the star power of Bha. Bha. Ba. to the raw intensity of Kombuseevi and the spectacle of Avatar: Fire and Ash, South Indian cinema offers a diverse theatrical lineup this week. Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, thrills, emotional drama, or large-scale action, there’s no shortage of choices on the big screen.
