Five South Indian films to look forward to in 2021: From 'RRR' to 'Malik'

SS Rajmouli returns with another period drama and Fahadh Faasil’s much-awaited political thriller is set to be released

S S Rajamouli, N T Rama Rao Jr, and Ram Charan in 'RRR', which is set to be released in 2021. IMDb

The pandemic might have put many productions on ice in 2020, but 2021 is shaping up to be a promising year with some big-budget period dramas and exciting biopics set to hit the big screen.

Here are five worth your time when they arrive at cinemas.

'Kurup' 

Dulquer Salman plays the titular role of Sukumara Kurup – one of the most wanted criminals in Kerala – in this Malayalam-language biographical crime drama. With an impressive star cast that includes Tovino Thomas, Sobhita Dhulipala and Manoj Bajpayee, it will be interesting to see directors Srinath Rajendran and Vini Vishwa Lal’s take on one of the longest-standing cases in the judicial history of the Indian state.

'Malik' 

Fahadh Faasil's films always generate a lot of interest – mainly because of the actor's versatility and his ability to effortlessly portray any role. Malayalam-language film Malik was one of the most anticipated releases of 2020, but will finally hit screens in 2021.

Faasil physically transformed to play the titular role of Suleiman Malik in this political thriller. The film is inspired by real-life events involving a revolt by a minority community, and the story is told over several decades, from the 1960s to present day. Sushin Shyam, the man behind the brilliant soundtrack of 2019's Kumbalangi Nights, will also be composing the film's score.

'Ponniyin Selvan'

Storied director Mani Ratnam is adapting Kalki Krishnamurthy’s historic five-volume novel of the same name for his next Tamil-language project. Popularly considered to be the greatest novel ever written in Tamil literature, this period drama features more than 50 characters. Ratnam’s feature will see Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Karthi and Trisha Krishnan take on pivotal roles.

'RRR'

SS Rajmouli, the man behind Baahubali, one of the most expensive films ever made in India, is back with a new period action drama in Telugu. Not much has been revealed about the film, except that it is a fictional account of two freedom fighters, Komaram Bheem and Allure Sitarama Raju, set in the 1920s. The film's massive star cast includes NT Rama Rao Jr, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt.

'Drishyam 2'

Fans of the 2013 film Drishyam will be happy to see Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil Malayalam reprise their roles for a sequel. Mohanlal recently announced that the teaser will debut at midnight on Friday, January 1, so not much is known about the plot of the sequel.