June 2025 promises to be a cinematic extravaganza for South Indian film enthusiasts. With a lineup of highly anticipated releases, the month is set to showcase a diverse range of genres, star-studded casts, and compelling narratives. From action-packed dramas to socio-political thrillers, the South Indian film industry is gearing up to deliver some of its most ambitious projects yet.
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Let’s delve into the details of these upcoming Movie releases and what makes each of them a must-watch:
Thug Life: A Reunion of Legends
Scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, “Thug Life” marks the much-awaited reunion of legendary actor Kamal Haasan and acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, their first collaboration since the iconic “Nayakan” in 1987. This Tamil-language action drama boasts an ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, and Nassar. The film’s music is composed by the maestro A.R. Rahman, adding to the anticipation. The soundtrack, featuring songs like “Jinguchaa” and “Sugar Baby,” has already garnered attention for its eclectic mix and lyrical depth. With a runtime of 166 minutes and a budget of ₹300 crore, “Thug Life” is poised to be a cinematic spectacle.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu: A Period Epic
Set against the backdrop of the Mughal era, “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” is a period action drama starring Pawan Kalyan in the titular role. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, the film narrates the story of an outlaw tasked with stealing the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughals. The film also features Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles. With music composed by M.M. Keeravani, known for his work in “Baahubali,” the film’s soundtrack includes singles like “Maata Vinaali” and “Asura Hananam.” After several delays due to the pandemic and political commitments, the film is finally set to release on June 12, 2025.
Kuberaa: A Socio-Political Thriller
Directed by Sekhar Kammula, “Kuberaa” is a socio-political thriller that brings together a stellar cast comprising Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh. The film explores themes of ambition, morality, and power dynamics, set against the backdrop of contemporary society. Shot simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, “Kuberaa” is a pan-Indian project with a budget of ₹120 crore. The music, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, features the single “Poyivaa Nanba,” which has already struck a chord with audiences. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 20, 2025, with post-theatrical streaming rights acquired by Amazon Prime Video.
Madras Matinee: A Quiet Ode to Everyday Heroes
Releasing on June 6, 2025, Madras Matinee is a poignant drama that intertwines fiction and reality through the eyes of an aging sci-fi writer. Played by veteran actor Sathyaraj, the writer has spent his life conjuring distant galaxies and futuristic worlds. But at the gentle urging of his caretaker, portrayed by Roshni Haripriyan, he decides to step away from imagined universes and explore a story rooted in the real world.
That real-world story belongs to Kannan, an auto driver portrayed by Kaali Venkat, who’s grappling with the chaos of urban survival and the quiet resilience of family responsibilities. As the writer observes and eventually befriends Kannan, a subtle transformation unfolds—not just in the writer’s approach to storytelling, but in how he understands life itself. Through Kannan’s life, the writer uncovers a narrative rich in emotional layers, heartbreak, perseverance, and human dignity.
Directed with sensitivity and authenticity, Madras Matinee blends light humor, reflective moments, and raw emotion. It serves as a tribute to the untold stories of ordinary individuals who carry immense strength behind modest exteriors.
Janaki vs State of Kerala: A Courtroom Showdown That Shakes the System
Releasing on June 20, 2025, Janaki vs State of Kerala emerges as a gripping courtroom drama inspired by true events. At the heart of this film is Janaki, played with stirring depth by Anupama Parameswaran, a woman who finds herself at the center of a legal storm after a traumatic injustice. Determined not to be silenced, she seeks justice in a system known for its complexity and delays.
Her champion in the courtroom is a seasoned lawyer, played by Malayalam cinema stalwart Suresh Gopi, whose commanding presence lends gravitas to the legal proceedings. As Janaki’s battle unfolds, the film unravels not only her personal story but also the systemic issues that plague the legal and social fabric of the state. Tension escalates with every courtroom scene, and viewers are left questioning where justice truly lies.
Supported by a strong ensemble including Askar Ali and Baiju Santhosh, Janaki vs State of Kerala stands out as a socially conscious drama that aims to spark dialogue about gender justice, institutional accountability, and the courage of those who fight back. It is both a personal saga and a public reckoning, made even more powerful by its roots in reality.
Maargan: Twists, Suspense, and the Dark Side of Duty
Scheduled for release on June 27, 2025, Maargan pulls audiences into the shadowy corridors of a murder investigation. This mystery thriller follows a seasoned senior police officer, portrayed by Vijay Antony, as he is handed the responsibility of solving a high-profile murder case that initially seems straightforward—but quickly spirals into something far more complex.
As he digs deeper, clues begin to contradict each other. Every suspect harbors secrets, and every revelation leads to more questions than answers. The story is elevated by the presence of veteran actor Samuthirakani and the atmospheric cinematography that paints every twist with a noir-like intensity. From foggy rural landscapes to dark alleyways of urban crime, Maargan immerses viewers in a world where truth is elusive and justice is layered with moral ambiguity.
What sets Maargan apart is its pace—tense, unpredictable, and constantly engaging. Each frame is soaked in suspense, and the narrative never lets go of its central question: Can justice prevail when everyone has something to hide?
Kannappa: Mythology Reimagined with Star Power
Also arriving in theaters on June 27, 2025, Kannappa is the most ambitious and visually lavish project among the June releases. This Telugu-language fantasy epic draws its inspiration from the legendary tale of Kannappa, a hunter and atheist who undergoes a spiritual transformation and becomes a devout follower of Lord Shiva. His devotion is so intense that he’s willing to sacrifice anything—even his own eyes—to protect the deity’s image.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by industry veteran Mohan Babu, Kannappa is more than just a retelling—it’s a reimagining of the age-old tale with modern visual storytelling. The film boasts an all-star cast featuring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, with major cameos and extended roles from Indian cinema giants like Prabhas, Kajal Aggarwal, Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, and Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar.
From dazzling VFX sequences depicting divine interventions, to emotionally charged scenes of human sacrifice and transformation, Kannappa aims to set a new standard for mythological cinema in India. It explores the dichotomy of faith and skepticism, sacrifice and redemption, in a way that resonates across generations. The scale, star power, and narrative richness make Kannappa one of the most anticipated films of the year.
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FAQs
Q1: Which South Indian movie is releasing first in June 2025?
A: “Thug Life” is the first major South Indian release in June 2025, hitting theaters on June 5.
Q2: Are these films releasing in multiple languages?
A: Yes, all three films—”Thug Life,” “Hari Hara Veera Mallu,” and “Kuberaa”—are being released in multiple languages to cater to a pan-Indian audience.
