The KGF Universe has garnered a massive fan base across India with its two successful installments. The franchise debuted in 2018 with Rocking Star Yash in the lead role, becoming the highest-grossing Kannada film at that time. Subsequently, KGF Chapter 2, released in theaters in 2022, ended on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating for the next chapter.
Recently, a source revealed that director Prashanth Neel has approached actor Ajith Kumar for a potential collaboration within the KGF Universe. This news has heightened the excitement surrounding KGF Chapter 3, as fans speculate about the actor’s role in the highly anticipated sequel.
Furthermore, the makers are actively working on the KGF Chapter 3 project, and the buzz around it continues to grow. In addition to KGF, several other South Indian movies have generated similar excitement and fanfare. Below is a list of action thrillers in a similar genre:
Kabali
Released in 2016, the action drama Kabali marked the biggest-ever opening for a Tamil film at the time. Directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film stars Rajinikanth in the lead role, supported by Winston Chao, Radhika Apte, Dhansika, Kishore, Dinesh, and others in pivotal roles. The story follows Kabaleeswaran (Kabali), who is released after spending 25 years in jail on a false charge. Upon his release, he resumes his role as the head of the Malaysian gangster group 00 and embarks on a quest to find his family, leading to a fierce clash with his rival group, 43.
According to Indian Express, Kabali earned around $77.6 million at the box office. The film is available to stream on Prime Video and Sun NXT for those interested.
Pushpa
The Pushpa franchise is eagerly anticipating its next installment, Pushpa 2: The Rule. Starring Allu Arjun in the lead role, the first installment, Pushpa: The Rise, made its theatrical debut in 2021 and quickly became a blockbuster. Sukumar directed the film and produced it under the Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media banners. The movie revolves around the smuggling of red sandalwood found in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. Tensions rise when the local police crackdown on the illegal business, leading to violent confrontations.
Allu Arjun plays Pushpa Raj, Fahadh Faasil is SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, and Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli. The first part emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021, garnering widespread acclaim for its gripping storyline and powerful performances. Following its immense success, the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, is slated for release on December 6, 2024. It continues the story from where the first installment left off. Meanwhile, fans can catch Pushpa: The Rise streaming on Prime Video.
Salaar
The Salaar franchise, produced by the team behind the KGF franchise, Hombale Films, continues to captivate audiences on OTT. Makers released the first installment, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, in December 2023. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the movie features Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. Shruti Haasan, Easwari Rao, Sriya Reddy, Jagapathi Babu, and Bobby Simha were seen in supporting roles.
The film is set in the dystopian city of Khansar and follows the story of two childhood friends, Deva and Vardharaja. After being forced to leave Khansar due to unforeseen events, Deva returns to assist Vardharaja in taking control of the city. The Central Board of Film Certification awarded the film an ‘A’ certificate due to its intense content. Despite this, the film achieved immense success. As a result, the makers are planning a sequel.
Fans anticipate that the sequel, titled Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam, will be released in the latter half of 2025. Producer Vijay Kiragandur has confirmed that the script is complete, signaling that production is actively progressing. For those eager to catch up, the first installment is currently streaming on Netflix and Disney Hotstar in multiple languages.
Stay tuned for more updates!
