As the final days of December unfold, major streaming platforms are serving a diverse platter of South Indian cinema to audiences. Viewers looking for fresh content without the commitment of long series have several new options across languages like Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. Leading services like Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, and Sun NXT are adding a mix of genres, from high-stakes thrillers and supernatural horror to intimate relationship dramas and relatable comedies.
Netflix Leads with Multi-Lingual Premieres
Netflix is particularly active this week, bringing several theatrical films to the digital space. The Telugu film Andhra King started the rollout on December 25. This story delves into the world of a fading film star battling financial ruin as he tries to finish his landmark 100th movie. The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious benefactor, turning the narrative into an exploration of vanity, debt, and hidden agendas.
Following closely on December 26 is the multi-lingual release Revolver Rita, featuring actress Keerthy Suresh. Directed by JK Chandru, this film mixes crime, dark humor, and thriller elements. It tracks the chaotic aftermath for three women after a fateful meeting with an intoxicated gangster. The film, which had a theatrical run earlier, is now available on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Another significant addition is the Malayalam drama Ullozhukku, also arriving on December 26. Starring Parvathy Thiruvothu and Urvashi, this emotionally charged film explores complex relationships and personal conflicts. It comes to Netflix after a change in its digital streaming rights, having originally released in theatres earlier in 2024.
Netflix also adds Paradise on December 24. Directed by Prasanna Vithanage, this film features Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran as an Indian couple whose anniversary trip to Sri Lanka takes a dark and politically charged turn. This marks a second OTT run for the film, which previously streamed on Prime Video.
Prime Video, ZEE5, and Sun NXT Offer Varied Choices
Other platforms are not far behind. Prime Video introduced the supernatural horror film Rajini Gaang on December 24. The story centers on a man whose life is upended when his wife is possessed by a cursed sacred necklace. His quest to uncover the artifact's origins leads him into terrifying occult territory rooted in folklore.
Over on ZEE5, the Tamil comedy-drama Middle Class premiered on December 24. Headlined by Munishkanth, the film offers a light-hearted yet poignant look at the struggles, conflicts, and small victories of a typical middle-class household. The makers have chosen to keep the film exclusively in Tamil, without any dubbed versions.
Sun NXT contributed the Malayalam romantic drama Ithiri Neram on December 25. Featuring Roshan Mathew and Zarin Shihab, and directed by Prasanth Vijay, the film captures the rekindled sparks between former lovers who cross paths one unexpected night. This film is also available on Prime Video under the title Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram.
A Strong Finish to the Year for Regional Cinema
This week's OTT releases highlight the robust and continuous pipeline of South Indian content finding a home on digital platforms. The selection caters to a wide range of viewer preferences, from those seeking mainstream entertainment to others interested in nuanced storytelling. The strategic release of these films in the holiday week ensures ample options for family and individual viewing as the year winds down. This trend underscores the growing importance of OTT platforms as a major distribution channel for regional cinema, making it accessible to a pan-India and global audience instantly after theatrical runs.
