Best OTT Movies of 2025 You Must Watch [Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam]

In 2025, South Indian cinema has delivered a variety of impressive films across OTT platforms. From low-budget gems to breakthrough performances by new talent, many movies have received thunderous responses from both audiences and critics. Whether you’re into Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam cinema, several must-watch titles are now streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. If you’re planning a weekend binge, here are some of the best South Indian OTT movies of 2025 you shouldn’t miss.

Rekhachithram

Rekhachithram is a 2025 Malayalam mystery thriller directed by Jofin T. Chacko. The film follows CI Vivek Gopinath (played by Asif Ali), who returns to duty after a suspension due to a scandal. He is assigned to investigate an unsolved murder case.That investigation leads to Rajendran unexpectedly confessing to a crime he committed years earlier. His revelation sets off a new investigation, which uncovers a long-forgotten mystery—the sudden disappearance of a young girl from the set of Bharathan’s film Kathodu Kathoram.Rekhachithram is a must-watch mystery film.

Director:Jofin T. Chacko

Released date: January 9, 2025

Cast:Asif Ali(vivek Gopinath),Anaswara Rajan(rekha),Jagadish,Saikumar, Mammootty(AI)

IMDb:7.9/10

Where to watch:You can watch Rekhachithram on the following OTT platforms:SonyLiv and AirtelXStream(If you are an airtel user).

Why Rekhachithram Stands Out

With intelligent screenplay and sharp direction, Rekhachithram blends retro visuals with deep emotional layers. Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan bring their characters to life in this gripping mystery. One Reddit user called it “a brilliant movie that seamlessly intertwines alternate history” — making it a must-watch on SonyLIV.

Tourist Family

Tourist Family is a 2025 Tamil feel-good drama directed by Abishan, focusing on themes of humanity, resilience, and family bonding. The film follows the heartfelt journey of a Sri Lankan Tamil family of four who seek refuge in Tamil Nadu amidst economic turmoil.

With no action sequences or unnecessary violence, Tourist Family delivers a refreshing cinematic experience through its emotionally rich storytelling, subtle humor, and realistic characters. The narrative beautifully captures their struggles, hopes, and the kindness they receive, leaving viewers with a smile and a lasting emotional impact.

Director:Abishan Jeevinth

Released date:1 May 2025

Cast:M.Sasikumar,Simran,Yogi Babu,Ramesh thilak,Kamalesh jagan,Mithun JaiSankar.

IMDb:8.2/10

Where to watch: Tourist family is currently streaming on Jiohotstar.

Why Tourist Family stands out:

It feels fresh and different compared to the usual movies full of violence and smuggling. The story is heartwarming and easy to connect with. All the characters are well-written, and the actors—especially Sasikumar, Simran, and the little boy—did a great job. The boy’s funny scenes are really enjoyable. This film has touched both the audience and critics in a special way.

Ponman

Ponman is a 2025 Malayalam crime thriller film directed by Jothish Shankar. Set in a scenic coastal town in Kollam, the story sheds light on the dark side of the gold dowry system deeply rooted in traditional marriages. The plot follows PP Ajeesh, a gold broker portrayed by Basil Joseph, who finds himself caught in a tense conflict of emotions and survival between two families. As tensions rise, Ponman explores the impact of greed, tradition, and personal choices, making it a socially relevant thriller with strong emotional depth.

Director:Jothish Shankar

Released date:30 January 2025

Cast:Basil Joseph,Sajin gopu,Lijomol jose,Anand Manmadhan

IMDb:7.4/10

Where to watch:You can watch ponman movie in jiohotstar.

Why Ponman movie stands out

Ponman is a thought-provoking Malayalam crime drama that explores the impact of social norms and the complexities of human relationships. The film stands out for its emotionally charged narrative and well-crafted screenplay. Every character delivers a memorable performance, with standout portrayals by Basil Joseph, Lijomol Jose, and Sajin Gopu. Director Jothish Shankar skillfully blends intense drama with social commentary, making Ponman a compelling and meaningful cinematic experience.

Thudaram

Thudaram is crime thriller malayalam movie directed by Tharun Moorthy.The story revolves around Shanmugam (Mohanlal), a taxi driver who lives peacefully with his family and shares a deep attachment to his beloved black Ambassador car that helped him earn a living. One day, due to unexpected circumstances, his car is taken into police custody. After getting it back, Shanmugam finds himself caught in a shocking turn of events when a mysterious murder is discovered inside the same car. Things get worse as his son goes missing shortly after. Whether he finds his son and uncovers the truth forms the rest of this emotional and intense thriller.

Director:Tharun Moorthy.

Released date:25 April 2025

Cast:Mohanlal,Shobana,Prakash varma,Binnu papu,Thomas Mathew.

IMDb:7.6/10

Where to watch: Thudaram movie is currently streaming on Jiohotstar.

Why thudaram movie stands out:

Thudaram features an excellent performance by Mohanlal, who plays the role of Shanmugam (also called Benz) with great emotion and depth. The movie has a good mix of comedy, action, and emotional moments. Mohanlal truly connects with his character and makes the story more touching. The cinematography is beautiful, with every scene looking like a visual treat. All the actors have done a great job, especially Prakash Varma, who plays the villain well. Thudaram is a well-made Malayalam crime thriller with strong acting and visuals.

Eleven

Eleven is a suspense-packed crime thriller directed by Lokesh Ajls, simultaneously shot in Tamil and Telugu. The story follows a series of mysterious murders, each involving a fire, taking place on the outskirts of the city. After the lead officer investigating the case falls into a coma, ACP Aravindhan (played by Naveen Chandra) steps in to take charge. With the help of his fellow officers, he digs deeper into the case, trying to identify the killer and uncover their hidden motive. Eleven stands out with its gripping emotional storyline, and unexpected twists and turns.

Director:Lokesh Ajls

Released date:16 May 2025

Cast: Naveen chandra, Abirami, Dilipan, Aadukalam Naren,Shashank.

IMDb:7.5/10

Where to watch:This movie is available in PrimeVideo.

Why Eleven movie stands out:

Eleven takes viewers on a thrilling journey from beginning to end, with every scene connecting to the next. As the investigation moves forward, new twists and an emotional flashback reveal deeper layers of the story. The film has gained positive feedback on social media for its gripping plot and clever storytelling. If you’re someone who enjoys suspense and unexpected turns, Eleven is a great choice for your weekend watch.

Dragon

Dragon is a light-hearted Tamil comedy drama directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The story follows Ragavan, also called “Dragon,” a college dropout who fakes his certificates to get a job at an MNC after breaking up with his girlfriend of six years. Things take a turn when his college dean finds out and gives him two options—clear all his failed subjects or admit to the fake documents. What Ragavan chooses next is the heart of the story. Dragon is a fun and feel-good movie with a mix of comedy and emotions.

Director:Ashwath Marimuthu

Released date:21 February 2025

Cast; Pradeep Ranganathan,Kayadu lohar,Anupama parameshwaran,VJ Siddhu

IMDb:7.9/10

Where to watch: Dragon movie is currently streaming on Netflix.

Why Dragon movie stands out

Dragon is a feel-good Tamil film that combines comedy with emotional moments, making it a light and enjoyable watch. The movie offers plenty of laughs while also touching your heart, helping you relax and unwind. With catchy songs, vibrant visuals, and a strong lead performance by Pradeep Ranganathan, who carries the film with his impressive acting, Dragon is a great choice for your weekend entertainment. If you’re looking for a fun movie with the right mix of humor and emotion, Dragon won’t disappoint.

HIT: The Third Case

HIT: The Third Case is a Telugu crime thriller movie starring Nani (SP Arjun Sarkaar)as a police officer from the Homicide Intervention Team. The story follows him as he investigates a series of mysterious murders in the city. As he gets closer to the truth, he faces shocking twists and personal challenges. The case becomes more intense and emotional, making it difficult for him to stay focused. With suspense, action, and strong emotions, this movie keeps the audience engaged. Nani’s performance and the gripping story are the main highlights of the film

Director:Sailesh Kolanu

Released date:1 May 2025

Cast:Nani,Srinidhi shetty

IMDb:6.9/10

Where to watch:You can watch Hit-The third case Movie on Netflix.

Why Hit:The Third Case Stands out

HIT: The Third Case stands out for its sharp pacing, seamlessly blending high-stakes action with emotional depth. Nani excels as SP Arjun Sarkaar, with his powerful performance, expressive dialogue delivery, and convincing body language bringing the character to life. His portrayal adds intensity and realism to the film, keeping viewers fully engaged.

Kudumbasthan

Kudumbasthan is a Tamil comedy drama directed by Rajeshwar Kalisamy, starring Manikandan as Naveen. The film tells the story of Naveen, who loses his job and struggles to handle money problems and family expectations. The story is told in a funny and light-hearted way, making it a feel-good movie that many can relate to and enjoy.

Director:Rajeshwar Kalisamy

Released date:24 January 2025

Cast:Manikandan,Saanve Meghana,Guru Somasundaram

IMDb:7.3/10

Where to watch:You can watch kudumbasthan movie on Z5.

Why kudumbasthan movie stands out

Kudumbasthan stands out for its refreshing storyline, natural comedy, and strong performances by Manikandan and Guru Somasundaram. The film connects well with the audience by reflecting real-life family issues and everyday struggles in a light-hearted way. If you’re looking for a feel-good entertainer that mixes humor with relatable situations, Kudumbasthan is a great choice for your weekend watch.

Conclusion

The movies listed above stand out for their unique content, fresh storytelling, and engaging suspense-driven crime thrillers. Each film offers something different—be it powerful performances, clever plots, or emotional depth. If you’re a fan of gripping thrillers and meaningful cinema, these are must-watch titles. Don’t miss the chance to add them to your weekend binge list!

Stay tuned for more updates on the best crime thrillers and hidden gems streaming now

Also read:Top Tamil Low Budget Films with Huge Box Office Success (2025 List)