South India has long claimed to be home to some of the nation’s top actors. Whether they played Shankar Nag in Kannada, Gemini Ganesan in Tamil, Prem Nazir in Malayalam, or NT Rama Rao in Telugu, the performers stretched the boundaries of film to the point where it is today.
Actors from South India continue to be among the greatest in the nation even now. The top 20 South Indian actors are listed below.
1. Kamal Haasan
Among the most well-known figures in contemporary Indian film is undoubtedly Kamal Haasan. The actor himself stated that he is a product of the movie industry, having made his screen debut in 1960 at the age of five. For his first picture, he actually won the President’s Gold Medal as well. Over the course of his nearly 65-year career, Kamal Haasan has worked in every aspect of the film industry, including as a director, producer, scriptwriter, choreographer, cinematographer, playback vocalist, lyricist, and music composer. With almost 230 films to his credit, the actor is presently collaborating with director Shankar on Indian 2, which is a follow-up to the 1996 picture Indian.
Finest 5 movies of Kamal Haasan
- Nayakan (1987) – Dir. Mani Ratnam
- Thevar Magan (1992) – Dir. Bharathan
- Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990) – Dir. Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
- Anbe Sivam (2003) – Dir. Sundar C
- Vikram (2022) – Dir. Lokesh Kanagaraj
2. Mohanlal
Referred to as “The Complete Actor,” Mohanlal has even drawn comparisons to Marlon Brando. The actor can portray any genre with ease because of his natural ability to convey emotion through his eyes. Over the course of his nearly 45 years in the film business, he has developed a devoted fan base.
Top 5 movies of Mohanlal
- Thoovanathumbikal (1987) – Dir. Padmarajan
- Chithram (1988) – Dir. Priyadarshan
- Kalapani (1996) – Dir. Priyadarshan
- Vanaprastham (1999) – Dir. Shaji N. Karun
- Dirshyam (2013) – Dir. Jeethu Joseph
3. Allu Arjun
One of the most well-known Telugu celebrities in the nation right now is undoubtedly Allu Arjun. Beginning his career in 2003, the actor gained popularity fast thanks to roles in movies such as Arya, Bunny, Desamuduru, and others. The actor, who is renowned for his upbeat performances and dance abilities, has little trouble embodying whatever character he plays.
Finest 5 films of Allu Arjun
- Bunny (2005) – Dir. VV Vinayak
- Julayi (2011) – Dir. Trivikram Srinivas
- S/O Satyamurthy (2015) – Dir. Trivikram Srinivas
- Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) – Dir. Trivikram Srinivas
- Pushpa: The Rise (2021) – Dir. Sukumar
4. Rishab Shetty
Kantara, Rishab Shetty’s 2022 film, became an immediate hit throughout India. Over the past four years, the actor has, nevertheless, given some of the best performances in Kannada film. The actor is currently producing the prequel Kantara: Chapter 1, which is scheduled for release later this year.
Finest 5 films of Rishab Shetty
- Bell Bottom (2019) – Dir. Jayatheertha
- Hero (2021) – Dir. M. Bharath Raj
- Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021) – Dir. Raj B Shetty
- Harikathe Alla Girikathe (2022) – Dir. Karan Anand and Anirudh Mahesh
- Kantara (2022) – Dir. Rishab Shetty
5. Rajinikanth
Almost no introduction is necessary for Rajinikanth. The actor is making history as one of the first, if not the first, dark-skinned superstar in the nation. Known for his blockbusters, Rajinikanth never fails to please the crowd and has even contributed to the creation of an Indian cinema genre. It goes without saying that the actor set the path and continues to inspire a number of modern directors, such as Dhanush and Karthik Subbaraj.
Finest 5 films of Rajinikanth
- Thalapathi (1991) – Dir. Mani Ratnam
- Baashha (1995) – Dir. Suresh Krissna
- Padayappa (1999) – Dir. KS Ravikumar
- Sivaji: The Boss (2007) – Dir. S Shankar
- Petta (2019) – Dir. Karthik Subbaraj
6. Mammootty
Alongside Mohanlal as one of the greatest actors in Malayalam film comes the name Mammootty. In the modern cinema industry, the actor is a highly reliable performer who even owns his own production company, Mammootty Kampany. Mammootty is renowned for his effortless acting. The actor has an abundance of films ahead of him, including Vusakh’s Turbo, Bazooka, directed by Deeno Dennis, Ranjith’s Kadugannawa Oru Yatra, and the horror movie Bramayugam, which is handled by Rahul Sadasiva.
Finest 5 films of Mammootty
- New Delhi (1987) – Dir. Joshiy
- Thaniyavarthanam (1987) – Dir. Sibi Malayil
- Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989) – Dir. MT Vasudevan Nair
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000) – Dir. Jabbar Patel
- Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023) – Dir. Lijo Jose Pellissery
7. Mahesh Babu
Without a doubt, one of the most well-known actors in the Telugu cinema business today is Mahesh Babu. The actor has been entertaining fans for almost two decades and is still actively involved in the profession. He is presently collaborating with Trivikram Srinivas on his next movie, Guntur Kaaram, which is scheduled for release on January 12, 2024.
Finest 5 films of Mahesh Babu
- Raja Kumarudu (1999) – Dir. K. Raghavendra Rao
- Athadu (2005) – Dir. Trivikram Srinivas
- Pokiri (2006) – Dir. Puri Jagannadh
- 1: Nenokkadine (2014) – Dir. Sukumar
- Srimanthudu (2015) – Dir. Koratala Siva
8. Shiva Rajkumar
Actor Shiva Rajkumar, often referred to by his fans as Shivanna, is among the most seasoned performers working in the Kannada film business today. The performer is renowned for putting on excellent shows that never fail to delight the crowd. His next appearance will be in the Arun Matheswaran-directed Tamil movie Captain Miller, which stars Dhanush in the title role.
Finest 5 films of Shiva Rajkumar
- Om (1995) – Dir. Upendra
- Hrudaya Hrudaya (1999) – Dir. MS Rajashekar
- Chigurida Kanasu (2003) – Dir. TS Nagabharana
- Jogi (2005) – Dir. Prem
- Ghost (2023) – Dir. MG Srinivas
9. Vijay
Possibly one of the most well-known Tamil actors working now is Thalapathy Vijay. The actor has over thirty years of experience in the business and never stops entertaining audiences. He is renowned for his versatility, playing serious and comedic parts as well as mass action roles with equal ease. The actor is now collaborating with Venkat Prabhu on The Greatest of All Time, an upcoming movie.
Finest 5 films of Vijay
- Ghilli (2004) – Dir. Dharani
- Thuppakki (2012) – Dir. AR Murugadoss
- Kaththi (2014) – Dir. AR Murugadoss
- Mersal (2017) – Dir. Atlee
- Leo (2023) – Dir. Lokesh Kanagaraj
10. Prithviraj Sukumaran
Everyone has been hearing a lot about Prithviraj Sukumaran since the release of Salaar, his most recent film, which is directed by Prashanth Neel. With every new picture he produces, the actor continues to entertain the public and has established himself in all of the nation’s key industries. In addition to three more films in development—Viralayath Buddha, Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, and L2 – Empuraan, which he is directing—he will next be seen in the survival drama Aadujeevitham, which is directed by Blessy.
Finest 5 films of Prithviraj Sukumaran
- Classmates (2006) – Dir. Lal Jose
- Indian Rupee (2011) – Dir. Ranjith
- Ayalum Njanum Thammil (2012) – Dir. Lal Jose
- Mumbai Police (2013) – Dir. Jeethu Joseph
- Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020) – Dir. Sachy
11. Jr. NTR
The last time we saw Jr. NTR he was in SS Rajamouli’s historical action epic RRR. Ram Charan played the main character in the movie as well, and it introduced South Indian cinema to a global audience. One of the best and most subtle actors in the nation, the actor is now working on Devara, his upcoming film directed by Koratala Siva.
Finest 5 films of Jr. NTR
- Simhadri (2003) – Dir. SS Rajamouli
- Temper (2015) – Dir. Puri Jagannadh
- Janatha Garage (2016) – Dir. Koratala Siva
- Nannaku Prematho (2016) – Dir. Sukumar
- RRR (2022) – Dir. SS Rajamouli
12. Rakshit Shetty
Rakshit Shetty is the third-biggest discovery for Kannada film in the 2010s, after Raj B and Rishab Shetty. Unquestionably one of the greatest directors, the actor-director has helmed numerous films, including 777 Charlie and Ulidavaru Kandanthe. Right now, the actor is enjoying the popularity of his most recent movie, Sapta Saagaradaache Ello.
Finest 5 films of Rakshit Shetty
- Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014) – Dir. Rakshit Shetty
- Kirik Party (2016) – Dir. Rishab Shetty
- Avane Srimannarayana (2019) – Dir. Sachin B Ravi
- 777 Charlie (2022) – Dir. Kiranraj K
- Sapta Saagaradaache Ello Side A and B (2023) – Dir. Hemanth M
13. Vikram
Chiyaan Vikram, often known as Vikram, is possibly the most versatile actor working in the nation right now. Having been involved in the profession for over thirty years, he has provided fans with some of the most fun and unforgettable performances in history. The actor’s upcoming film is Thangalaan, directed by Pa. Ranjith. Dhruva Natchathiram, his eagerly awaited film starring Gautham Vasudev Menon, is also scheduled for release.
Finest 5 films of Chiyaan Vikram
- Sethu (1999) – Dir. Bala
- Pithamagan (2003) – Dir. Bala
- Anniyan (2005) – Dir. Shankar
- Raavanan (2010) – Dir. Mani Ratnam
- Mahaan (2022) – Dir. Karthik Subbaraj
14. Fahadh Faasil
- Birth Date: August 8, 1982
- Birth Place: Alappuzha, Kerala
Known to his adoring public as FaFa, Fahadh Faasil is one of the most gifted new performers in the Malayalam film business. The actor may communicate with his eyes just by nature. The actor’s next project is Aavesham, a spin-off of the 2023 Malayalam film Romancham. In addition, he has significant roles in the films Vettaiyan, starring Rajinikanth, and Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun.
Finest 5 films of Fahadh Faasil
- 22 Female Kottayam (2012) – Dir. Aashiq Abu
- Annayum Rasoolum (2013) – Rajeev Ravi
- Amen (2013) – Dir. Lijo Jose Pellissery
- Iyyobinte Pusthakam (2014) – Dir. Amal Neerad
- Kumbalangi Nights (2019) – Dir. Madhu C Narayanan
15. Ram Charan
Ram Charan, also referred to as the Mega-Powerstar, frequently lives up to the moniker. The actor is renowned for his high-octane performances that almost ensure the audience will have a good time. He is now collaborating with S Shankar on Game Changer, his upcoming movie, which is billed as a political action thriller.
Finest 5 films of Ram Charan
- Magadheera (2009) – Dir. SS Rajamouli
- Orange (2010) – Dir. Bommarillu Baskar
- Dhruva (2016) – Dir. Surender Reddy
- Rangasthalam (2018) – Dir. Sukumar
- RRR (2022) – Dir. SS Rajamouli
16. Raj B Shetty
Actor-director Raj B Shetty has become well-known in a relatively short amount of time. The actor, who last appeared in the love drama Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, has three upcoming projects. It has been revealed that the actor will feature in both Shiva Rajkumar’s 45 and Mammootty’s Turbo.
Finest 5 films of Raj B Shetty
- Ondu Motteya Kathe (2017) – Dir. Raj B Shetty
- Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021) – Dir. Raj B Shetty
- 777 Charlie (2022) – Dir. Kiranraj K
- Toby (2023) – Dir. Basil Alachalakkal
- Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye (2023) – Dir. Raj B Shetty
17. Suriya
Suriya is without a doubt one of the most well-known performers working in Tamil film today. Since making his stage debut in 1997, the actor has developed and never fails to delight the crowd. The actor’s upcoming picture, Kanguva, is directed by Siva. He also appears in Sudha Kongara’s next movie, which is reportedly titled Suriya43.
Top 5 films of Suriya
- Aayutha Ezhuthu (2004) – Dir. Mani Ratnam
- Vaaranam Aayiram (2008) – Dir. Gautham Vausdev Menon
- 7am Arivu (2011) – Dir. AR Murugadoss
- Soorarai Pottru (2020) – Dir. Sudha Kongara
- Jai Bhim (2021) – Dir. TJ Gnanavel
18. Vijay Deverakonda
In addition to being one of the busiest performers in the Telugu industry today, Vijay Deverakonda is also one of the most well-liked actors. He is now collaborating with Parasuram on Family Star, his upcoming movie. In addition, the actor has another project in the works, which is tentatively dubbed VD12 and stars Gowtam Tinnanuri.
Finest 5 films of Vijay Deverakonda
- Pelli Choopulu (2016) – Dir. Tharun Bhascker
- Arjun Reddy (2017) – Dir. Sandeep Reddy Vanga
- Mahanati (2018) – Dir. Nag Ashwin
- Geetha Govindam (2018) – Dir. Parasuram
- Kushi (2023) – Dir. Shiva Nirvana
19. Dhanush
Without a question, one of the most well-known and adaptable performers working in the business today is Dhanush. The actor is well-known not just in the Tamil film industry but also in the Hindi and Telugu film industries. The period action movie Captain Miller, directed by Arun Matheswaran, will feature him next. Also, he is involved in his second directorial project, which is slated to be called D50.
Finest 5 films of Dhanush
- Pudhupettai (2006) – Dir. Selvaraghavan
- 3 (2011) – Dir. Aishwarya Rajinikanth
- Pa. Paandi (2017) – Dir. Dhanush
- Vada Chennai (2018) – Dir. Vetrimaaran
- Asuran (2019) – Dir. Vetrimaaran
20. Vijay Sethupathi
Even though he has no prior experience in the film industry, Vijay Sethupathi has become one of the most well-known and talented performers in the nation. Additionally, he has made his imprint in all of the nation’s key industries. The actor is scheduled to feature in Merry Christmas, the next film directed by Sriram Raghavan. In addition, he appears in Vetrimaaran’s 50th movie, Maharaja, and Viduthalai Part 2.
Finest 5 films of Vijay Sethupathi
- Soodhu Kavvum (2013) – Dir. Nalan Kumarasamy
- Vikram Vedha (2017) – Dir. Pushkar and Gayathri
- ‘96 (2018) – Dir. C. Premkumar
- Super Deluxe (2019) – Dir. Thiagarajan Kumararaja
- Kadaisi Vivasayi (2021) – Dir. M. Manikandan
