The year 2023 is finally in its concluding days with many movies transcending the expectations of audiences, becoming massive hits in theaters this year. With so many films across the languages of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam released, it has succeeded in satisfying many people alike.
This year’s list of talents in filmmaking, especially direction has really left a mark in the minds and hearts of people, and rightfully so, it is time that the very same people vote and decide who gets to be the Best Director of South Films 2023.
Best South Directors of 2023
1. Mani Ratnam for Ponniyin Selvan: II
Ponniyin Selvan: II, the magnum opus film of legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam had finally arrived earlier this year. The film which was adapted from the 1954 novel of the same name written by Kalki Krishnamurthy was the sequel to the two-part franchise.
The film features an ensemble cast of actors like Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Jayaram, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and many more focusing on the story of Arulmozhi Varman (played by Jayam Ravi) and his family dealing with threats to the Chola Empire.
2. Hemanth M Rao for Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A and Side B
Without much surprise, Rakshit Shetty again came back to the big screen this year and left everyone amazed with his latest film Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A and Side B. The film was directed by Hemanth M Rao in his second collaboration with Rakshit Shetty and presented a heart-touching and heart-wrecking film.
The Andhadhun screenwriter left no stone unturned to present an emotionally developed and mature love story which presents the story of Manu and Priya, played by Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth.
3. Jude Anthany Joseph for 2018
2018, the Malayalam language survival drama film based on the actual 2018 floods in Kerala is directed by Jude Anthany Joseph who wrote the screenplay with Akhil P Dharmajan. The film featured an ensemble cast of actors like Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and many more.
The film was a massive success in theaters of Kerala this year and was also the official entry of India for the 96th Academy Awards but eventually failed in the last round of nominations. The film’s production was made using practical effects and gave an authentic portrayal of the actual floods and horrors they carried.
4. Lokesh Kanagaraj for Leo
Leo, the Thalapathy Vijay film with his second collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj was one of the most awaited films of this year. The film which had Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role also had an ensemble cast of actors like Trisha Krishnan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, and many more in key roles.
The film which was an adaptation of David Cronenberg’s film A History of Violence follows the life of Parthiban, a café owner and animal rescuer in Theog, who is pursued by gangsters Antony and Harold Das who suspect him to be Antony’s estranged son, Leo.
The film develops into a complete action thriller where Parthiban tries to prove he isn’t Leo and strives to protect his family from getting harmed. The film did receive mixed to positive reports from critics but eventually turned out to be the biggest-grossing Tamil movie of 2023.
5. Srikanth Odela for Dasara
Dasara starring Natural star Nani, Keerthy Suresh and Dheekshith Shetty, Shine Tom Chacko, and many more in key roles featured a period action drama written and directed by Srikanth Odela in his directorial debut.
The film features Dharani, a young ruffian who steals coal for a living and lives with his grandmother who gets caught up in a debacle to unite his best friend Suri and his lover Vennela. The film opened with positive reviews and became a commercial hit in theaters.
6. Jeo Baby for Kaathal – The Core
Kaathal – The Core starring Mammootty and Jyothika in the leading roles features an LGBT film with an intense emotional storyline. The film directed by Jeo Baby is written by Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria it features the story of a retired bank manager, who plans to run for the local government elections but days before the election, his wife files for a divorce case citing that he is homosexual.
The film then focuses on the thematics of the LGBTQ+ community in our society and how contemporary society subjects them to hardships while the protagonist accepts his divorce from his wife and tries to overcome his struggle with his own sexuality.
7. Adhik Ravichandran for Mark Antony
Mark Antony, the science fiction action comedy film starring Vishal, and SJ Suryah in dual roles was one of the most fun-filled and entertaining films of this year. The film featured a telephone that can be used to talk to one’s past made the center of all problems when Vishal’s character Mark used it to change his past and save his father from dying.
The film had lots of back and forth with the comical rivalry between both the lead heroes making the crux of the film. The film was welcomed with positive reviews becoming the highest-grossing film for Vishal.
8. Nelson Dilipkumar for Jailer
Jailer starring Rajinikanth in the leading role, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar was the second highest-grossing film in Tamil for this year. The film featured the story of a retired jailer who is out for revenge on the people who kidnapped his police officer son. The film features actors like Ramya Krishnan, Vinayakan, Sunil, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu, and many more in key roles while Shiva Rajkumar, Mohanlal, and Jackie Shroff played cameo roles in the film.
9. Karthik Subbaraj for Jigarthanda DoubleX
Jigarthanda DoubleX starring Raghava Lawrence and SJ Suryah in the leading roles was a Western-style action comedy film featuring as the prequel and spiritual sequel to Karthik Subbaraj’s own film Jigarthanda.
The film set in the 1970s, revolves around an upcoming policeman trying to kill a gangster by going undercover as a filmmaker. The film was opened to positive reviews and was a successful venture in theaters. Not only did the film make a successful western style movie in an Indian setup but also managed to create a film that serves as an ode to films and filmmakers.
10. Prashanth Neel for Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire starring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the leading roles was one of the most anticipated films of this year. The film directed by KGF director Prashanth Neel featured the story of two best friends Deva and Vardha, played by Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Set in the fictional kingdom of Khansaar, Vardharaja Mannar who is set to be crowned king of the tribes finds himself in the middle of chaos when power-hungry and greedy people try to kill him and usurp the throne from him. In the time of need, he calls up his loyal companion and best friend Deva who will go to any extent to protect his friend.
Here are the top 10 picks of films in South India this year and the talented directors who made it all happen. Now, it is up to you to click on your votes and decide who deserves to be the Best South Director of 2023.
