South Indian cinema love stories are not merely about lust but an emotional trip filled with fire, tears, and optimism. These movies deal with all the aspects of love, and they really take the audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride—initial infatuations, tearing apart, giving love another try, and the lingering pain of the beautiful endings that keep haunting you long after the last scene.
From classic love stories that never grow old to the ones that are in the present time, the following is a curated list of 10 South Indian movies that will definitely move you.
1. Sita Ramam (IMDb: 8.6/10 | Available on Prime Video)
Hanu Raghavapudi’s direction has made Sita Ramam an emotional masterpiece, with the main actors being Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur. It sends the tale of Ram, an abandoned soldier, who gets an unknown letter from Sita, a princess who is living a life of anonymity and hiding. What happens next is a lyrical love story that is situated amidst duties, wars, and destiny. The movie’s multifaceted narrative, along with its emotional intensity and otherworldly music, has turned it into one of the most powerful love stories of recent times.
2. 96 (IMDb: 8.5/10 | Available on Prime Video)
If love had a second chance, 96 would be its definition. Under the direction of C. Premkumar, this heartwarming tale of love showcases Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan as lovers who have drifted apart but are brought together again after two decades. Their silent communication through looks, the unspoken words, and the still-existing love among them are reminders that certain bonds are so strong that they won’t be affected by the passage of time.
3. Geetha Govindam (IMDb: 7.7/10 | Available on Disney+ Hotstar)
A charming comed-drama and a half from the hands of director Parasuram, Geetha Govindam features Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. The film unravels misunderstandings, redemption, and allurement. When Govind mistakenly irritates Geetha, his whole world turns into a quest to gain her forgiveness. The movie is an excellent mix of laughter and love with humor, drama, and the unmistakable chemistry throughout.
4. Fidaa (IMDb: 7.4/10 | Available on Netflix)
Above all, Sekhar Kammula noticed the conflict between tradition and ambition in Fidaa. Sai Pallavi as the village girl Bhanumathi and Varun Tej as the city-boy Varun deal with their problem of being unalike—one deeply attached to her native place, while the other is dreaming of foreign lands. Their love, which is constantly challenged by geographical separation and arrogance, is portrayed in a very effective manner as the emotional pull and push between the heart and the brain.
5. OK Kanmani (IMDb: 7.4/10 | Available on Disney+ Hotstar)
The movie OK Kanmani by Mani Ratnam stars Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen as two contemporary couples who are confronting life, love, and liberty, but are still not tied down by marriage. The film is about togetherness in the time of physical relations and is supported by stunning visuals and an awe-inspiring soundtrack by A.R. Rahman.
6. Dear Comrade (IMDb: 7.3/10 | Available on Disney+ Hotstar)
Love meets rebellion in Bharat Kamma’s Dear Comrade. Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, it’s the story of Bobby and Lilly—two fiery souls battling personal demons and emotional wounds. The movie’s raw emotions and social message about self-worth and healing make it a standout romance of modern Telugu cinema.
7. Tholi Prema (IMDb: 7.2/10 | Available on Zee5)
A soulful take on love and reconciliation, Tholi Prema, directed by Venky Atluri, follows Aditya and Varsha—played by Varun Tej and Raashi Khanna—as they fall apart and find their way back to each other. With emotional storytelling and heartwarming music, this film beautifully captures the pain and magic of first love.
8. Majili (IMDb: 7.2/10 | Available on Prime Video & Sony LIV)
Directed by Shiva Nirvana, Majili is a bittersweet love story starring Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. It follows Poorna, a failed cricketer struggling with his past, and Shravani, his devoted wife, who silently carries his pain. The film explores loss, redemption, and the quiet power of unconditional love.
9. Dumdaar Khiladi (IMDb: 7.1/10 | Available on Prime Video)
Trinadha Rao Nakkina’s romantic comedy is a full-blown love affair with lightness, and it brings together the leading stars Ram Pothineni and Anupama Parameswaran. Sanju’s love for Anu turns into a trial when he has to win over her father, a strict character played by Prakash Raj. The film contains not only the mighty dialogues but also the adorable love story, and it is sure to provide equal portions of laughter and warmth.
10. World Famous Lover (IMDb: 5/10 | Available on Netflix)
A multi-layered emotional drama directed by Kranthi Madhav, World Famous Lover features Vijay Deverakonda and Aishwarya Rajesh. The director has set the stage for the drama of love, ego, and forgiveness through the eyes of a writer who is trying to overcome his struggles. The film’s unrefined representation of heartache earns it an alluring spot on the list of movies for the people who have loved and lost.
