South Indian cinema, encompassing Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tulu industries, has carved a monumental legacy in global cinema. Known for its vibrant storytelling, larger-than-life visuals, and cultural resonance, South Indian films have shattered box office records worldwide. From epic historical dramas to action-packed thrillers, these films have captivated audiences across India and beyond. Here's a look at the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of all time, based on conservative worldwide box office estimates from reliable sources as of May 2025. Note that figures may vary slightly due to differing reports, and all amounts are in Indian Rupees.

  1. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) – ₹1,747–1,810 crore

Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a Telugu-Tamil epic that redefined Indian cinema. Starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty, this magnum opus continues the saga of the Mahishmati kingdom, blending grand visuals, emotional depth, and epic battles. Its worldwide gross, estimated between ₹1,747 crore (Pinkvilla) and ₹1,810 crore (Box Office India), made it the first South Indian film to cross ₹1,000 crore, holding the record as India's highest-grossing film domestically at ₹1,417 crore. Its global appeal, especially in the U.S. and UAE, set new benchmarks for South Indian cinema.

  1. Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) – ₹1,642–1,800 crore

Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar, stormed the box office in 2024, grossing between ₹1,642 crore (Pinkvilla) and ₹1,800 crore (Deccan Chronicle). This Telugu action thriller, centered on sandalwood smuggling, became the fastest Indian film to cross ₹1,300 crore, with its Hindi-dubbed version alone earning ₹1,089 crore. Its gripping narrative and Allu Arjun's charismatic performance solidified its place as a pan-Indian blockbuster.

  1. RRR (2022) – ₹1,188–1,387 crore

Another S.S. Rajamouli masterpiece, RRR is a Telugu-Hindi period action drama featuring N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan. Set in pre-independent India, it follows two revolutionaries battling the British Raj. With a worldwide gross ranging from ₹1,188 crore (Pinkvilla) to ₹1,387 crore (NDTV India), RRR gained international acclaim, boosted by its Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu.” Its theatrical success and cultural impact make it a landmark film.

  1. KGF: Chapter 2 (2022) – ₹1,187–1,300 crore

Directed by Prashanth Neel, this Kannada action epic stars Yash as Rocky, a man aiming to dominate the Kolar Gold Fields. With a gross of ₹1,187 crore (Pinkvilla) to ₹1,300 crore (India Today), KGF: Chapter 2 became a pan-Indian phenomenon, thanks to its intense action and Yash's iconic performance. Its dubbed versions, especially in Hindi, contributed significantly to its global success.

  1. Kalki 2898 AD (2024) – ₹1,027–1,200 crore

This Telugu sci-fi epic, directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan, blends mythology with futuristic storytelling. Grossing between ₹1,027 crore (Pinkvilla) and ₹1,200 crore (Hindustan Times), Kalki 2898 AD captivated audiences with its ambitious visuals and narrative. Its strong performance in 2024 reaffirmed Telugu cinema's global dominance.

  1. 2.0 (2018) – ₹666–800 crore

Directed by Shankar Shanmugam, 2.0 is a Tamil sci-fi sequel to Enthiran, starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar. With a gross of ₹666 crore (Pinkvilla) to ₹800 crore (India Today), it pushed boundaries with its visual effects and high-budget production. The film's success in multiple languages highlighted Tamil cinema's technical prowess.

  1. Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023) – ₹618–700 crore

Prashanth Neel's Telugu action film, starring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, grossed between ₹618 crore (Pinkvilla) and ₹700 crore (India Today). Its gritty narrative and high-octane action resonated with audiences, making it a major hit in 2023.

  1. Jailer (2023) – ₹605–650 crore

This Tamil action-comedy, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and starring Rajinikanth, grossed between ₹605 crore (India Today) and ₹650 crore (Pinkvilla). The story of a retired police officer taking down an idol smuggler struck a chord, with Rajinikanth's charisma driving its success.

  1. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) – ₹580–650 crore

S.S. Rajamouli's first installment of the Baahubali franchise, starring Prabhas and Rana Daggubati, laid the foundation for pan-Indian cinema. Grossing between ₹580 crore and ₹650 crore, it introduced audiences to the grandeur of Mahishmati, paving the way for its record-breaking sequel.

  1. Leo (2023) – ₹595–620 crore

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this Tamil action thriller starring Vijay grossed between ₹595 crore and ₹620 crore. Part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, Leo thrilled audiences with its intense action and Vijay's commanding performance, cementing Tamil cinema's commercial strength.

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The Impact of South Indian Cinema

These films showcase the diversity and power of South Indian cinema, with Telugu and Tamil industries leading the charge, followed by Kannada and Malayalam. Directors like S.S. Rajamouli and Prashanth Neel have elevated South Indian films to global stages, while stars like Prabhas, Rajinikanth, and Vijay have become household names. The success of dubbed versions, especially in Hindi, has bridged regional boundaries, making these films cultural phenomena. As South Indian cinema continues to innovate, its box office dominance is likely to grow, with films like Pushpa 2 setting new records in 2024.

Source: https://sites.google.com/view/chulltv/blogs/10-highest-grossing-south-indian-films