South Indian cinema is rolling out a diverse and exciting slate this week. From high-octane action thrillers to romantic comedies, theatres are packed with a wide range of stories to suit every taste.
If you’re a South Indian film buff and wondering which releases are creating the most buzz, here’s a curated list of South Indian films hitting theatres this week that are worth checking out.
Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies
Directed by Advaith Nayar, this Malayalam action-comedy takes inspiration from the world of professional wrestling. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kochi, the film centres on a group of misfits who unite to form a wrestling club. The ensemble cast features Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath, with Siddique and Lakshmi Menon playing pivotal roles. Adding to the excitement are surprise cameo appearances by several superstars, including Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Dulquer Salmaan, among others.
Landlord
Set in a rural village in the 1980s, this Kannada action drama revolves around a powerful landlord who dominates the village, until a hardworking man rises to become the voice of the oppressed. The film stars Vijaya Kumar in the lead role, with Rachita Ram, Raj B. Shetty, Rithanya Vijay, Shishir Baikady, Umashree, Bhavana Rao, Rakesh Adiga, and Achyuth Kumar in key supporting roles.
Valathu Vasathe Kallan
Valathu Vashathe Kallan is a 2026 Malayalam-language crime thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph and written by Dinu Thomas Eelan. The film features Biju Menon and Joju George in the lead roles, supported by Lena, Leona Lishoy, Shaju Sreedhar, Shraddha Gokul, Niranjana Anoop, and Vyshnavi Raj.
According to the official synopsis, “When a day spirals dangerously out of control, Samuel Joseph pulls veteran Circle Inspector Antony Xavier into the most critical case of his career. With time running out, Antony must race against the clock to uncover the truth before it’s too late.”
The film hit theatres on January 30, 2026.
Prakambanam
Directed by Vijesh Panathur and written by Sreehari Vadakka, Prakambanam is an Indian Malayalam-language horror comedy film. It stars Ganapathi, Sagar Surya, and Al Ameen in the lead roles, alongside Mallika Sukumaran, Azees Nedumangad and Rajesh Madhavan in the supporting roles.
The official synopsis of the film reads: “In a lively Ernakulam college hostel, three friends juggle politics, pranks, and the madness of student life. But when an unexpected twist unsettles their carefree world, comedy and chaos spiral in ways they never imagined.”
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu
Directed by Anil Ravipudi, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is a comedy-action drama that revolves around Shankara Vara Prasad, a national security officer striving to protect his estranged wife and children while mending broken relationships after six years of separation.
The film stars megastar Chiranjeevi in the titular role, alongside Venkatesh, Nayanthara, and Catherine Tresa. Marking Chiranjeevi’s grand return to the big screen, the film achieved a massive box-office milestone, crossing Rs 300 crore worldwide within just seven days of its release.
