​From Good Bad Ugly to Daaku Maharaaj: Top 5 South Indian films that dominated the box office in the first half of 2025​

The South Indian film industry kicked off 2025 with a bang! From high-octane action flicks to emotionally gripping dramas, several films left an indelible mark at the box office in the first half of the year. Here's a look at the top 5 South Indian films that captivated audiences and dominated the big screens.

Ajith Kumar returned to the big screen in style with Good Bad Ugly, an intense action drama that thrilled fans and critics alike. With its gripping narrative, stylish action sequences, and mass appeal, the film set the tone for Kollywood’s strong year at the box office.

Released during the Sankranti festival, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam struck a perfect balance between family sentiment and festive celebration. With a charismatic lead performance and emotionally resonant storytelling, the film became a massive crowd-puller and emerged as one of the year’s biggest successes in Telugu cinema.

Pradeep Ranganathan surprised audiences with Dragon, a visually rich fantasy action film that appealed to all age groups. With its unique world-building and emotional depth, Dragon proved that Tamil cinema can deliver high-concept storytelling with mass entertainment.

Mohanlal's emotionally charged performance in Thudarum won hearts across Kerala and beyond. The film’s strong screenplay, rooted themes, and moving score resonated with audiences, making it one of the most talked-about Malayalam films of the year.

Balakrishna’s Daaku Maharaaj delivered exactly what fans expected, mass action, punch dialogues, and a larger-than-life presence. Released alongside other Sankranti biggies, the film held its ground and proved the star’s unwavering box office pull.