South Indian cinema has gained immense popularity across India in recent years, thanks to the release of Hindi dubbed versions of many blockbuster films. Among these, action movies have particularly stood out for their high-octane sequences, gripping storylines, and stellar performances. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 15 best South Indian action movies that have been dubbed in Hindi.
1. Chakravyuha (2016)
Original Language: Kannada
Hindi Title: Chakravyuha
Directed by M. Saravanan, Chakravyuha is a vigilante action film starring Puneeth Rajkumar, Rachita Ram, and Arun Vijay. The movie follows Lohith (Puneeth Rajkumar), an honest and upright police officer who takes on the corrupt system and powerful criminals. With intense action sequences and a gripping storyline, Chakravyuha was a commercial success and received praise for its performances and direction. The film’s key sequences, not found in the original Tamil version, were later re-used in the Odia remake Abhaya (2017). Chakravyuha’s success before its release was evident from the pre-sale of distribution and audio rights for ₹14 crores. The movie’s song shoot in Portugal was a first for a Kannada film, adding to its grandeur.
2. Vedam (2010)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: Vedam
Krish Jagarlamudi’s anthology hyperlink drama Vedam features an ensemble cast including Allu Arjun, Anushka Shetty, Manoj Bajpayee, and Manchu Manoj. The film revolves around five principal characters from different walks of life, whose paths intersect on New Year’s Eve. Vedam was critically acclaimed for its unique storytelling, emotional depth, and powerful performances. It won multiple awards, including four Filmfare Awards South (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress). Film Companion included Vedam in their list of 25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade. The movie’s success led to Krish remaking it in Tamil as Vaanam (2011).
3. Athadu (2005)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: Athadu
Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, Athadu is an action thriller starring Mahesh Babu, Trisha, and Sonu Sood. The film follows Nandu (Mahesh Babu), a professional assassin who is mistaken for a dead man named Pardhu and ends up falling in love with Pardhu’s cousin, Poori (Trisha). Athadu received positive reviews for its slick screenplay, creative action sequences, humor, emotional weight, and Mahesh Babu’s performance. The movie was a commercial success and marked the resurgence of Mahesh Babu’s career. It received several accolades, including three Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award South for Best Director. Athadu was later remade in Hindi as Ek: The Power of One and in Bengali as Wanted.
4. Yennai Arindhaal (2015)
Original Language: Tamil
Hindi Title: Yennai Arindhaal
Gautham Menon’s action thriller Yennai Arindhaal serves as a spiritual successor to his earlier films Kaakha Kaakha and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. The movie stars Ajith Kumar as Sathyadev, a former police officer who battles his arch-enemy, Victor (Arun Vijay), to protect his step-daughter. The film’s non-linear narrative, spanning several years, explores Sathyadev’s relationships with Hemanika (Trisha) and Thenmozhi (Anushka Shetty) while showcasing his transformation from a reckless cop to a responsible father figure. Yennai Arindhaal was praised for its stylish presentation, intense action sequences, and the lead actors’ performances. The movie was a commercial success and won several awards, including three Filmfare Awards South.
5. Eega (2012)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: Makkhi
S.S. Rajamouli’s innovative action fantasy Eega tells the story of Nani (Nani), a man who is murdered and reincarnated as a housefly to avenge his death and protect his love interest, Bindu (Samantha Ruth Prabhu), from the ruthless businessman Sudeep (Sudeep). The film’s unique concept, seamless visual effects, and engaging screenplay made it a critical and commercial success. Eega won two National Film Awards, five Filmfare Awards South, and several other accolades. The movie was dubbed into Hindi as Makkhi and became a surprise hit in North India, introducing a wider audience to Rajamouli’s filmmaking prowess.
6. 1: Nenokkadine (2014)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: 1: Ek Ka Dum
Sukumar’s psychological action thriller 1: Nenokkadine stars Mahesh Babu as Gautham, a schizophrenic rock musician who sets out to avenge his parents’ murder with the help of Sameera (Kriti Sanon), a journalist. The film explores Gautham’s quest to find the three men responsible for his parents’ death while battling his own mental demons. 1: Nenokkadine was praised for its unique storyline, Sukumar’s direction, Mahesh Babu’s performance, and the film’s technical aspects, including cinematography and music. Despite receiving mixed reviews for its complex narrative, the movie gained a cult following and was a commercial success. It won three awards at the 4th South Indian International Movie Awards and two awards at the 11th CineMAA Awards.
7. Anniyan (2005)
Original Language: Tamil
Hindi Title: Aparichit
Shankar’s psychological action thriller Anniyan revolves around Ramanujam (Vikram), a lawyer suffering from multiple personality disorder. By day, he fights for justice in the courtroom, but by night, he transforms into a vigilante named Anniyan, punishing corrupt individuals. The film explores Ramanujam’s struggle with his alternate personas and his quest for justice in a flawed system. Anniyan was a massive commercial success and received critical acclaim for its unique concept, Shankar’s direction, Vikram’s versatile performance, and the film’s technical brilliance. The movie won several awards, including a National Film Award for Best Special Effects and six Filmfare Awards South. It was dubbed into Hindi as Aparichit and became a hit in North India.
8. Thupparivaalan (2017)
Original Language: Tamil
Hindi Title: Detective
Mysskin’s neo-noir action thriller Thupparivaalan features Vishal as Arjun Ramakrishnan, a skilled detective who takes on challenging cases. When tasked with investigating the murder of a dog, Arjun uncovers a larger conspiracy involving a dangerous serial killer. The film is known for its intelligent screenplay, intense action sequences, and Mysskin’s distinctive filmmaking style. Thupparivaalan received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, performances, and technical aspects. The movie was a commercial success and spawned a sequel, Thupparivaalan 2, which is currently in production. Thupparivaalan was dubbed into Hindi as Detective and introduced North Indian audiences to Mysskin’s unique brand of filmmaking.
9. Kantara (2022)
Original Language: Kannada
Hindi Title: Kantara
Rishab Shetty’s action thriller Kantara tells the story of a Kambala champion who clashes with an upright forest officer, leading to a series of intense confrontations. Set in the coastal region of Karnataka, the film explores themes of tradition, folklore, and the conflict between man and nature. Kantara received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, Rishab Shetty’s direction and performance, and the film’s authentic portrayal of the region’s culture and beliefs. The movie was a massive commercial success, becoming the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time and the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of 2022. Its success led to the announcement of a prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1.
10. Maaveeran (2023)
Original Language: Tamil
Hindi Title: Maaveeran
Madonne Ashwin’s action thriller Maaveeran stars Sivakarthikeyan as a timid cartoonist who gains unexpected superpowers and takes on a corrupt politician. The film explores the protagonist’s transformation from a meek individual to a powerful vigilante fighting against injustice. Maaveeran received positive reviews for its unique concept, engaging screenplay, and Sivakarthikeyan’s performance. The movie was a commercial success and showcased Sivakarthikeyan’s versatility as an actor.
11. Lucifer (2019)
Original Language: Malayalam
Hindi Title: Lucifer
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s directorial debut Lucifer is a political action thriller starring Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally, a charismatic and influential politician. The film follows Stephen’s rise to power and the various challenges he faces from his rivals. Lucifer was praised for its slick direction, powerful performances, and engaging storyline. The movie was a massive commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Its success led to the announcement of a sequel, Empuraan, which is currently in production.
12. Hi Papa (2023)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: Hi Papa
Shouryuv’s romantic drama Hi Papa explores the bond between a father, his daughter, and a friend. The film stars Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Kiara Khanna in lead roles. Hi Papa received critical acclaim for its heartwarming storyline, emotional depth, and the lead actors’ performances. The movie was a commercial success and showcased Nani’s ability to portray complex emotional roles.
13. Masterpiece (2015)
Original Language: Kannada
Hindi Title: Masterpiece
Manju Mandavya’s action thriller Masterpiece stars Yash as Yuva, a college student who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conflict with a powerful gangster. The film explores Yuva’s transformation from a carefree youngster to a determined fighter. Masterpiece was praised for its intense action sequences, Yash’s performance, and the film’s engaging storyline. The movie was a commercial success and further established Yash as a leading action star in Kannada cinema.
14. Race Gurram (2014)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: Race Gurram
Surender Reddy’s action comedy Race Gurram stars Allu Arjun in a double role as twin brothers, Ram and Lucky. The film follows Ram, an honest police officer, and Lucky, a carefree youngster, as they navigate through a series of challenges and conflicts. Race Gurram was praised for its entertaining storyline, Allu Arjun’s performance, and the film’s well-choreographed action sequences. The movie was a massive commercial success and received several awards, including two Filmfare Awards South.
15. 1: Nenokkadine (2014)
Original Language: Telugu
Hindi Title: Ek Ka Dum
Sukumar’s psychological action thriller 1: Nenokkadine stars Mahesh Babu as Gautham, a schizophrenic rock musician who sets out to avenge his parents’ murder with the help of Sameera (Kriti Sanon), a journalist. The film explores Gautham’s quest to find the three men responsible for his parents’ death while battling his own mental demons. 1: Nenokkadine was praised for its unique storyline, Sukumar’s direction, Mahesh Babu’s performance, and the film’s technical aspects, including cinematography and music. Despite receiving mixed reviews for its complex narrative, the movie gained a cult following and was a commercial success. It won three awards at the 4th South Indian International Movie Awards and two awards at the 11th CineMAA Awards.
These 15 South Indian action movies dubbed in Hindi showcase the best of what the genre has to offer. From gripping storylines and intense action sequences to powerful performances and technical brilliance, these films have captivated audiences across the country and have played a significant role in the growing popularity of South Indian cinema in North India.
