With the changing times, the audience is realizing the value of powerful talent and good content. While Bollywood has given us some really good content-driven movies like Thappad, Badhaai Ho, and Pink, even South Indian cinema has a variety of gems that we can’t ignore. After all, it was a Telugu film like Baahubali and now, RRR that made waves across the world. So, here are some of the most popular and famous South Indian actors and actresses, who have given Bollywood superstars a tough competition.
1. Nithya MenenÂ
One of the popular actresses in the south movie industry, Nithya Menen has starred in great films like Ok Kanmani and Mersal. She also won praises for her performance in Abhishek Bachchan starrer Breathe: Into The Shadows. She has starred in great films like Thalsamayam Oru Penkutty, Praana, Mission Mangal, Kerala Cafe, O Kadhal Kanmani, and Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju among others.
2. Ram Charan
One of the highest-paid actors in the Telugu movie industry, Ram Charan’s notable movies include RRR, Magadheera, Yevadu, Dhruva, Mahanati among others.
3. Mahesh Babu
One of the most popular South Indian male actor Mahesh Babu has a cult fan following in Tollywood. Debuted at the age of 4, Mahesh worked in many movies as a child artist, before playing the role of the lead actor in Raja Kumarudu.
4. Anushka Shetty
Famous for choosing content-driven movies, Anushka Shetty is active in both Telugu and Tamil cinema. She has worked in many great films including Arundhati, Vedam, Size Zero, Thaandavam, Rudhramadevi, and Baahubali among others. In many of her films, she has played the role of a dignified queen.
5. Rana Daggubati
Rana Daggubati isn’t just an actor. Rather he is a producer and entrepreneur. After the release of Baahubali, he has garnered a vast fan following. Though he has been seen in many Bollywood movies – Dum Maaro Dum, Baby, The Ghazi Attack, his notable works in south cinema include Baahubali, Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum, Rudhramadevi, and Madai Thirandhu among others.
6. Prabhas
Prabhas isn’t just a Telugu superstar. His fan following post-Baahubali spread across the world. His notable work includes Chatrapathi, Mirchi, Munna, Chakram among others.
7. Nayanthara
Nayanthara is fondly called the Lady Superstar of South Indian cinema. She made her debut with the Malayalam movie Manasinakkare. Since then, she has proved her mettle with movies like Thani Oruvan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, Babu Bangaram, Iru Mugan, and Billa among others.
8. Vijay
Joseph Vijay, fondly known as Vijay, is known for his killer dance moves. Famous for his versatility, he is one of the most sought-after actors in the Tamil film industry. Some of his notable movies include Thuppakki, Thalaivaa, Kaththi, and Mersal among others.
9. Nivin Pauly
Another great actor from the Malayalam film industry, Nivin Pauly’s notable works include Premam, Love Action Drama, Neram, Bangalore, and others.
10. Prithviraj Sukumaran
While the Hindi movie buffs have already seen him romancing Aishwarya Rai in Raavan and Rani Mukherjee in Aiyya, the south Indian actor has been awarded Kerala State Film Award (Best Actor for Vasthavam and Best Film for Indian Rupee). Known for movies like Ammakilikkoodu, Daivanamathil, Simhasanam, Sapthamashree Thaskaraham, and Ennu Ninte Moideen, he is a powerhouse of talent.
11. Fahadh Faasil
Known as the USP of many Malayalam projects, Fahadh Faasil has never left his audience disappointed.
12. Ramya KrishnanÂ
Ramya Krishnan is one of the popular south Indian actresses, who has done over 200 movies in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada as well as Hindi. By playing a variety of roles, she has proven her versatility.
13. Allu Arjun
Allu Arjun is a household name in the Telugu film Industry. He made his debut with Arya and since then has given impeccable performances in movies like Race, Gurram, and DJ among others. As per the rumour, Allu Arjun was offered quite a few Bollywood movies but he refused to work in them. He is one of the most versatile south Indian actors.
14. Vijay Deverakonda
Starring in movies like KGF, Pelli Choopulu, Geetha Govindam, Arjun Reddy, and Dear Comrade among others, Vijay has a very dedicated fan following.
15. Kajal Aggarwal
Kajal worked in several Bollywood films like Kyun! Ho Gaya Na, Singham and Special 26 among others. Her notable works include Naan Mahaan Alla, Maattrraan, Thuppakki, Jilla, Vivegam and Mersal among others.
16. Naga Chaitanya
Son of legendary star Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya made his debut with Telugu movie Josh. In 2014, he won National Award for Best Supporting Actor for Manam. He has given kickass performances in movies like Ye Maaya Chesave, Autonagar Surya, Saahasam Swaasaga Saagipo, Mahanati, Majiji and Venky Mama.
17. Jr NTR
NT Rama Rao Jr, popularly known as Jr NTR, is the grandson of legendary Telugu star and politician Taraka Rama Rao Nandamuri. He has won National Film Award for Best Children’s film. And, has given stellar performances in movies like Yamadonga, Dhammu, Temper, and Aravindha Sametha among others.
18. Suriya
Known for his works in Tamil industry, Suriya has done great movies like Kaakha Kaakha, Ghajini, Singam, Ninaithathu Yaaro, Kaappaan and Vaaranam Aayiram among others.
19. Shriya Saran
Famously known for her role in Drishyam, Shriya Saran is known for her work in Telugu and Tamil movies. Her notable movies include Kanthaswamy, Pokkiri Raja, Chandra, and Manam among others. She made her American cinema debut with Ashok Amritraj’s The Other End of the Line, where her performance was praised by critics.
20. Dulquer Salmaan
While we have watched him in Karwaan alongside Irrfan Khan and The Zoya Factor opposite Sonam Kapoor, he has starred in many successful south movies like Theevram, Pattam Pole, Ok Kanmani, and Mahanati among others.