As the Diwali festive season approaches, South Indian cinema is ready to set the big screen ablaze with a diverse lineup of releases. Following the phenomenal success of Kantara: Chapter 1, this week brings a mix of action, romance, comedy, and drama across multiple languages.
Here’s a complete list of the 13 South Indian films releasing in theaters this week, featuring big stars like Dhruv Vikram, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, and Pradeep Ranganathan.
1. Theatre: The Myth of Reality (Malayalam)
Cast: Rima Kallingal, Dain Davis, Pramod Veliyanad
Director: Sajin Baabu
Genre: Mystery Drama
Release Date: October 16, 2025
Runtime: 2h 18m
This mystery drama delves into women’s identity, sexuality, and social freedom through folklore storytelling. Theatre: The Myth of Reality beautifully blurs the line between myth and modern reality, rooted deeply in Kerala’s cultural heritage.
2. The Pet Detective (Malayalam)
Cast: Sharaf U Dheen, Anupama Parameswaran, Vinay Forrt
Director: Praneesh Vijayan
Genre: Action Comedy
Release Date: October 16, 2025
Runtime: 2h 10m
In this action-comedy, a quirky young man starts off solving missing animal cases but ends up entangled in a dangerous kidnapping plot. Filled with humor and suspense, The Pet Detective promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
3. Bison (Tamil)
Cast: Dhruv Vikram, Anupama Parameswaran, Lal, Pasupathy
Director: Mari Selvaraj
Genre: Sports Drama
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 48m
Set in the 1990s, Bison (also known as Bison: Kaalamaadan) follows a young boy from a small Tamil Nadu village who dreams of becoming a Kabaddi player. Overcoming poverty, discrimination, and political struggles, he fights his way toward success in this inspiring sports drama.
4. Carmeni Selvam (Tamil)
Cast: Samuthirakani, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli
Director: Ram Chakri
Genre: Family Comedy Drama
Release Date: October 17, 2025
This Tamil family entertainer follows a man whose obsession with money disrupts his peaceful life. As he learns the real meaning of happiness and security, Carmeni Selvam delivers an emotional yet humorous message.
5. K-Ramp (Telugu)
Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Yukti Thareja, Vennela Kishore
Director: Jains Nani
Genre: Romantic Action
Release Date: October 18, 2025
Runtime: 2h 20m
K-Ramp combines love, sports, and action, focusing on an athlete who must overcome emotional challenges to win his true love. The film promises energy-packed sequences and festive entertainment.
6. Mithra Mandali (Telugu)
Cast: Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Niharika NM, Vennela Kishore
Director: Vijayender Sattu
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: October 16, 2025
Runtime: 2h 30m
Mithra Mandali is a comedy of chaos involving a group of friends caught in a political feud. Expect hilarious twists and witty humor as their lives spiral out of control.
7. Premigala Gamanakke (Kannada)
Cast: Shashi Kumar BS, Chirashree Anchan
Director: Vincent Inbaraj
Genre: Romantic Drama
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 12m
Set during the COVID-19 lockdown, Premigala Gamanakke explores modern relationships and cohabitation through the lives of two unmarried couples navigating love and societal judgment.
8. Diesel (Tamil)
Cast: Harish Kalyan, Athulya Ravi, Vinay Rai
Director: Shanmugam Muthusamy
Genre: Action Thriller
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 24m
Diesel delves into Chennai’s underground fuel mafia, revolving around a daring heist worth ₹2 crore. With betrayal and greed at its core, the film offers a fast-paced, gripping experience.
9. Telusu Kada (Telugu)
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashii Khanna, Srinidhi Shetty
Director: Neeraja Kona
Genre: Romantic Drama
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 16m
A modern love story with a twist, Telusu Kada revolves around a man caught between two women and proposes a polyamorous relationship. The film explores the complexities of love and emotional maturity in today’s generation.
10. Dude (Tamil)
Cast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Mamitha Baiju, Neha Shetty
Director: Keerthiswaran
Genre: Romantic Action Comedy
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 19m
Dude follows Agan, a young man dealing with unspoken love and friendship. His emotional journey with his childhood companion forms the heart of this romantic action comedy.
11. Kambi Katna Kathai (Tamil)
Cast: Natty, Aarthi Shaalini, Mukesh Ravi
Director: Rajanathan Periyasamy
Genre: Crime Comedy Drama
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 19m
This Tamil crime-comedy revolves around a con artist who pretends to be a spiritual guru and accidentally becomes part of a jewel heist. The film promises laughter and chaos in equal measure.
12. Timepass (Kannada)
Cast: Imran Pasha, Rathsha Ram
Director: K. Chethan Jodidhar
Genre: Dark Comedy
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 05m
A story of seven dreamers trying to make it big in the film industry, Timepass blends humor and tragedy. Their crazy idea of making a film in one day makes this a unique and offbeat watch.
13. Paathirathri (Malayalam)
Cast: Navya Nair, Soubin Shahir, Sunny Wayne
Director: Ratheena
Genre: Drama Thriller
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Runtime: 2h 25m
Paathirathri explores gender bias, morality, and emotional confrontation through the story of two police officers whose midnight patrol changes their lives forever.
Conclusion
With 13 diverse films releasing across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema, Diwali 2025 promises a cinematic feast for audiences. Whether you love action, romance, thrillers, or comedy — this week’s South Indian lineup has something for everyone.
