The Kannada film industry, which is also known as Sandalwood, has seen over the years the likes of talented actresses who have transformed cinema with their charm, stage presence, and dedicated work. As we move into 2025, a new set of female stars is putting up great shows, which are inspiring audiences at the same time. We see the old school actresses who are still very much a force in the industry. This list we present is of the top Kannada movie actresses in 2025 which have left a permanent mark on the cinema and are also the ones which are at the forefront of shaping the future of Sandalwood.
1. Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna, who is also known as the “National Crush of India,” is still at the top of her game in 2025. Although she works in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film industries, which is a large part of her success, her base in Kannada film — what we like to call Sandalwood — is what really ties her to that community. Her dynamic acting and ability to play any role, whether it is a romance or a very intense character, which she does with great success, is what wins over her fans. Also, Rashmika’s contributions to the table have put Kannada films into the national spotlight.
2. Rachita Ram
Known as the “Dimple Queen,” actress Rachita Ram is a favorite in the Kannada film industry. In 2025, she is to star in a film that will be at once commercial in appeal and also present some meaning to the story. Also, it is her natural talent, the way she presents herself on screen, and the large fan base that sees her do so well that she will always be a leading star in Sandalwood. Also, what we see in Rachita is a great balance between the glamorous screen image that she projects and, at the same time, putting out performances that have substance, which also makes her a very reliable bet for producers.
3. Shanvi Srivastava
Shanvi Srivastava has made a name for herself in the industry through her dedication and choice of strong roles. For the past few years, she has gone beyond traditional roles to play out-of-the-box characters, which have won both critical acclaim and commercial success. In 2025, she will also see that she does outstandingly in yet more projects that play up her versatility, which is that she is also a very talented actress beyond a pretty face.
4. Haripriya
Haripriya is a talented force who is very much present in the Kannada film industry. What she brings to the table is depth to her characters, which is a hallmark of her art. Also, she has a preference for scripts that put strong women in the lead. In the recent past, she has been blowing audiences away with her powerful performances in what you may call issue-based films, which leave a mark. Also at the forefront of her career is her dedication to the industry and her ability to renew and refresh her image, which has done a great deal for her lasting popularity.
5. Nabha Natesh
Nabha Natesh, who was discovered today with her vibrant stage presence, is still charming audiences in 2025. With her energy and authentic talent as an actor with the ability to connect with the audience on screen, she is a rising star in the Kannada film industry. With a growing fan base and a track record of picking out great scripts with entertainment value, Nabha is well on her way to establishing her place among the top actresses in Sandalwood.
6. Amrutha Iyengar
Amrutha Iyengar is the forerunner of the new wave of Kannada actresses in 2025. She is in a group of films that put forth modern stories within the traditional Kannada framework. Her talent, poise, and ability to play a variety of characters, which she brings to life, make her a star to watch out for. Amrutha’s body of work thus far is an indication that she may well become Sandalwood’s leading lady in the near term.
7. Ashika Ranganath
Due to her high-energy performances and relatable roles, Ashika Ranganath has become really popular with younger audiences; from romantic dramas to popular youth entertainment, Ashika’s legitimacy as a performer is the key to her success.
8. Meghana Raj Sarja
Meghana Raj Sarja, with her grace and poise, is still a star in the Kannada film industry. Though she is balanced in her personal life, her film is very much looked forward to by fans. In 2025, we see Meghana as an inspiration to many young women, not only as an actress but also as a very strong personality, which she has proven through her personal growth out of tough times.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Kannada film industry will be a mix of its main stars and new talents. Actresses who include Rashmika Mandanna, Rachita Ram, and Shanvi Srivastava still lead the pack, but we also see the introduction of up-and-coming stars like Amrutha Iyengar and Ashika Ranganath, which brings in a new wave of energy to Sandalwood. As a whole, these actresses present to us a changing image of Kannada cinema, which is at the same time very much alive, inclusive, and filled with talent.
