The South Indian film industry, home to Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema, has been a ground for fresh talent since its start. In 2025, we see a new wave of actresses who have taken over with their performance, style, and screen presence. What we are seeing from these young stars is a redefinition of what glamour is, and they are proving very early in their careers to be very versatile as actors. We look at the Top 10 Youngest South Indian Actresses in 2025.
1. Krithi Shetty
Born in the ‘90s, Krithi Shetty has become one of the most talented actresses in the Telugu film industry. She broke into the scene with her first film, Uppena, and before long was a familiar face in every home. At the age of 21 in 2025, which is when this info was put out, she had already worked with what are considered to be the top stars out of the South and is known for her very natural talent and graceful screen presence.
2. Anikha Surendran
Also known as “Baby Anikha” to her fans, Anikha Surendran has transitioned from a child artist to a leading actress. Born in 2004, she has acted in both Malayalam and Tamil films. With expressive eyes and strong stage presence, which are her trademark, at 20, Anikha is one of the youngest yet very much in demand heroines in the industry.
3. Sreeleela
Sreeleela, which saw the light of the day in 2001, has become a sensation in Telugu and Kannada cinema. With her captivating smile and dynamic performances, which took the audience’s breath away, she has been on a hit after hit in recent years. By 2025, at the age of 23, she will still be the top in-demand young star.
4. Priya Prakash Varrier
Priya Prakash Varrier, the “wink girl”, rose to fame after a viral video in the Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love. From 1999 at birth, she has transitioned into many South Indian languages. At 25, she is one of the youngest to have a large-scale following on social media.
5. Kalyani Priyadarshan
Daughter of famous filmmaker Priyadarshan, Kalyani was born in ‘93 and at 32, this 2025 is when she is still considered one of the young leading ladies in South cinema. She has won over audiences in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films with her grace and talent. In 2025, at 32, she is also very much in demand for her role in quality films.
6. Megha Akash
Megha Akash, born in ‘95, is a talented actress who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films. Known for her girl-next-door image and very natural acting style, which connects with the audience, she does great in romantic and light-hearted roles. At 30, she is one of the younger yet very promising faces in South Indian cinema.
7. Malavika Mohanan
Though at times it may seem that Malavika Mohanan’s peers on this list are younger, she is still very much a part of the young and upcoming actress group, which is doing great right now. Born in 1993, she rose to fame with Master, which starred Vijay, and since then has been in many large-scale productions. Also in 2025, she is a style and confidence icon.
8. Keerthy Suresh
National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh was born in 1992 and has had great success from the start. At 33, she is still among the young, which is leading the industry. Known for her strong performances, particularly in Mahanati, which continue to inspire young talent.
9. Rashmika Mandanna
Popularly known as the “National Crush,” Rashmika Mandanna has a huge fan base in India. Born in 1996, she has worked in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. 29 by 2025, Rashmika is one of the youngest and most successful actresses to have broken the South and Bollywood barrier.
10. Samyuktha Menon
Samyuktha Menon, who was born in 1995, is a rising star in the Malayalam and Telugu film industry. Known for her versatile acting, which she proves in every role she takes up, she is making a place for herself with strong character portrayals. At the age of 30, she is the face of young and modern South Indian cinema.
Conclusion
The South Indian film industry has always been a nurturing ground for young talent. The actresses we refer to here are examples of this. From teens like Anikha Surendran to the new-age young icons of today (Rashmika Mandanna and Keerthy Sudesh), the paradigm has shifted, and they are changing cinema through their energy, commitment, and performances.
