With the presence of online streaming platforms, a cinephile need not worry about missing a new film altogether. Although watching it on the big screen is an experience unlike any other, catching up from the comfort of your own home comes a close second to many.
Most often, films are uploaded to stream on websites like Netflix and Amazon Prime in less then three months of their theatrical launch.
Here are some of this year’s new south Indian releases that are available to stream online.
Tamil
Super Deluxe (Netflix)
Thiyagarajan Kumararaja’s second directorial in eight years, Super Deluxe was awaited with great anticipation by many. This multi-starrer with a hyperlink plot had Vijay Sethupathi, Fahad Fassil, Ramya Krishanan, Samantha, and Mysskin among others in the lead.
Monster (Amazon Prime)
Of the latest Tamil films to make it to this streaming platform is SJ Suryah’s Monster that released less than two months ago in May. In this comedy drama, SJ Suryah’s character, Anjanam Azhagiya Pillai, wages a war against a rat that takes over his house. The actor won praise for his role. The film also stars Priya Bhavani Shankar and Karunakaran.
Seethakaathi (Amazon Prime)
You can now watch Vijay Sethupathi as Ayya in Seethakaathi, a drama based on the lives of theatre artistes that released in December 2018. Directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, who also gave us Naduvula Konjam Pakatha Kaanom, this film also has an interesting comedy sequence with his signature “repetition” style.
Viswasam (Amazon Prime)
Viswasam, which released alongside Rajini’s Petta for Pongal this year, overtook the latter in terms of box office collection. The film also stars Nayanthara as Niranjana, a businesswoman who does not think twice to leave her husband. With a strong woman protagonist for a “Thala” film, Viswasam also spoke about parenting.
Peranbu (Amazon Prime)
Director Ram’s award-winning Peranbu starring Mammootty, ‘Thanga Meengal’ Saadhana, Anjali and Anjali Ameer released in February 2019. The film is a moving drama that focuses on the father-daughter bond, touching upon adolescence, disability and the emotions of a care-taker. Peranbu received major critical acclaim following its release.
Kanaa (Zee 5)
This sports drama starring Aishwara Rajesh is based on the life of a woman cricket player and received great response from audience. It was directed by Arunraja Kamaraj and produced by Sivakarthikeyan.
Other new Tamil releases on Netflix include Rajinikanth’s “Pongal parak" Petta, Vijay’s Sarkar from 2018 and GV Prakash Kumar’s stint as a passionate drummer in Rajiv Menon’s comeback after almost 20 years, Sarvam Thala Mayam.
On Prime there’s Rajinikanth’s 2.0, sequel to Enthiran, from 2018, Vishal’s Ayogya and Nayanthara’s first dual-role film Airaa that came out in March this year. Prime will also release Suriya’s NGK directed by Selvaraghavan that came out on 31 May on July 5.
Malayalam
Kumbalangi Nights (Amazon Prime)
Starring Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Anna Ben and others, this quirky film turns toxic masculinity, often celebrated as heroism on screen, into the villain. The film was directed by Madhu C Narayanan.
Daivam Sakshi (Amazon Prime)
Directed by Snehajith and with Suraj Venjaramoodu in the lead, the film is about an expat who returns home to start a small business. The film, however, received poor reviews.
Lucifer (Amazon Prime)
Starring Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas and a host of others, this was Prithviraj's big directorial debut. The film, a political thriller, is an unabashed fanboy tribute to Mohanlal.
Mikhael (Amazon Prime)
Nivin Pauly's action film, directed by Haneef Adeni, is typical of the director's style, with a man avenging the wrongs done to his family. The film received a lukewarm response from the audience and critics alike.
Ishq (Amazon Prime)
Directed by Anuraj Manohar and with Shane Nigam and Ann Sheethal in the lead, this film had an interesting take on toxic masculinity. It also brought to light the pervasive moral policing in Kerala. The film will release on July 4 on the platform.
Telugu
Falakunama Das (Amazon Prime)
The film that released on 31 May 2019 is the Telugu remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam hit Angamaly Diaries. Directed by Vishwak Sen, the film has him in the lead alongside Saloni Misra, Harshita Guar, Prasanthi Charuolingah and Uttej among others.
Sita (Amazon Prime)
This film released in May this year and stars Kajal Aggarwal, Bellamkonda Sreenivas, and Sonu Sood in lead roles. Directed by Teja who has given films like Chitram and Nuvvu Nenu, the film received lukewarm response from the audience and critics alike.
Maharshi (Amazon Prime)
This film starring Mahesh Babu, Allari Naresh, and Pooja Hegde released in May and is about an NRI who returns to his home country and promotes agriculture. This action entertainer was directed by Vamsi Paidipally.
Majili (Amazon Prime)
This romantic drama starring Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Akkineni released in April this year to lukewarm response. The film saw Samantha play Sravani, the patient, all enduring wife to a confused man, who has lost his dream of becoming a cricket player.
Other Telugu films on Prime are Vinaya Vidheya Rama, Chitralahiri, NTR Mahanayakudu, NTR Kathanayukudu and Yatra.
Kannada
99 (Amazon Prime)
This Kannada remake of the Tamil hit 96 stars Bhavana and Ganesh and released in May this year. The film, which is a nostalgic ride to the '90s, received a good response from Kannada speaking audience as well.
Chambal (Amazon Prime)
This thriller by Jacob Verghese received good response upon its release. Starring Sathish Ninasam and Sonu Gowda, the film has a “good vs evil” story and manages to deliver this within a realistic framework.
Kavaludaari (Amazon Prime)
This brilliant neo-noir film that stars Anant Nag, Rishi, Achyuta Kumar and Suman Ranganathan among others is a must-watch. The film was directed by Hemanth M Rao and released just this April.
Natasaarvabhowma (Zee5)
Directed by Pavan Wadeyar and starring Puneeth Rajkumar, Anupama Parameshwaran and Rachita Ram, the film is a horror-thriller with several sub-plots and an unexpected climax. It received good reviews upon release.
Panchatantra (Zee5)
Directed by Yogaraj Bhat and starring Vihan Gowda, Akshara Gowda and Sonal Monteiro, this romantic drama is about a competitive car rally and received positive reviews.
Other Kannada films on Prime include Bazaar starring Dhanveer Gowda and Yajamana starring Darshan.