Here are 10 must-watch South Indian romantic films (across Tamil, Telugu & Kannada) that stand out for their storytelling, emotion, performances and fresh takes on love. While not all of them are brand new (some are recent classics), they’re all highly recommended viewing in 2025.
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- Sita Ramam (Telugu, 2022)
This film pairs a delicate love story with a period-backdrop: an orphaned soldier finds purpose when he receives a letter from a woman named Sita, and his search for her evolves into something deeper and poignant. It has been widely praised for its narrative and performances.
What makes it special: the visual palette, the stakes of separation and longing, a love story that’s layered, not just simple.
If you like: romantic epics, letters / distance in relationships, emotional catharsis. - Premalu (Malayalam, 2024)
A lighter, more youthful romantic comedy-drama, following a young man navigating love’s unexpected twists. The simplicity and relatability of the characters make it a refreshing watch.
What makes it special: an everyday vibe, believable relationship dynamics, less melodrama.
If you like: rom-coms that feel grounded. - Hi Nanna (Telugu, 2023)
A soothing, heart-felt romance with strong chemistry and an emotional core that lingers. It’s often flagged in OTT lists for romance fans.
What makes it special: a gentle pace, emotional sincerity rather than over-the-top drama.
If you like: slow-burn love stories. - Theera Kaadhal (Tamil, 2023)
An interesting take: two ex-lovers meet again after years, and the film explores what remains, what changes, and how love adapts (or doesn’t).
What makes it special: it’s not strictly “happy forever” — it embraces complexity.
If you like: more mature romance, bittersweet tones. - Bhuvanam Gaganam (Kannada, 2025)
One of the more recent entries (released on Valentine’s Day 2025), this Kannada romantic drama tells parallel stories that converge, dealing with identity, relationships, and emotional growth.
What makes it special: fresh Kannada romance with promise, exploring more than just the meet-cute.
If you like: discovering newer regional gems. - Amara Premi Arun (K flavours of old-school romance in a region-specific setting, with characters revisiting childhood attachments.
What makes it special: regional flavour (Ballari dialect etc.), memory and love intertwined.
If you like: love stories grounded in place and past. - Nidradevi Next Door (Kannada, 2025)
A softer, more introspective film about an insomniac whose life changes when a mysterious woman enters it. Romantic drama with quiet moments.
What makes it special: the mood-driven narrative, subtle rather than flashy.
If you like: atmospheric romance, less dialogue, more feeling. - Elumale (Kannada, 2025)
A romantic thriller-drama: it blends love with suspense, set in a cross-border region (Karnataka–Tamil Nadu) and transcends just “boy meets girl”.
What makes it special: romance with edge, stakes beyond just hearts.
If you like: romance + thriller elements. - Maatonda Heluve (Kannada, 2025)
A romantic comedy released June 2025, centred on a radio host and a vibrant spirit, exploring love from different angles.
What makes it special: fun, breezy, contemporary mindset of relationships.
If you like: rom-coms with humour + charm. - Arasayyana Prema Prasanga (Kannada, 2025)
Released in September 2025, this film portrays a simple man’s search for love and belonging, peppered with humour and rural expectations.
What makes it special: rural setting, relatable characters, less glossy and more real.
If you like: love stories in everyday environments & rooted in culture.
Why this list matters
- The list spans multiple southern languages (Telugu, Tamil, Kannada) — giving you variety.
- It includes both recent releases (2025) and near-recent gems, so you’ll be up to date.
- You’ll find a mix of tones: from breezy rom-coms to reflective dramas, from thrill-inflected romance to nostalgic love letters.
- These films show how South Indian romance cinema is evolving — less formulaic, more regionally rooted, more emotionally nuanced.
Tips for watching
- Choose according to your mood: if you want fun → go for titles like Maatonda Heluve, Premalu. If you want something deep → Theera Kaadhal, Amara Premi Arun.
- Pay attention to soundtracks: many of these films use music & setting to enhance the romance, not just serve as background.
- Be open to subtitles: if you don’t speak the language, the emotion still travels through performances & visuals.
- Discuss afterwards: with friends, ask what resonated (dialogues? setting? chemistry? storyline?). It makes the experience richer.
