Big-budget films often dominate the box office.
Welcome to the world of cinema where dreams come true, where the underdog can become the hero, and where a small-budget film can make it big at the box office.
South Indian cinema, with its rich storytelling tradition and innovative filmmaking techniques, has proven time and again that a movie doesn’t need a massive budget to win the hearts of audiences and rake in the moolah.
Today, we’re going to take you on a cinematic journey through seven low-budget South Indian films that defied all odds and earned over 100 crores at the box office.
These films, with their compelling narratives, stellar performances, and unique cinematic styles, have not only shattered box office records but also redefined the parameters of success in the film industry.
Immerse yourself in this captivating exploration, as we unveil the magic behind these cinematic gems, and discover how they transformed the landscape of South Indian cinema, one blockbuster at a time.
Kantara

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara is a shining testament to the power of compelling storytelling and innovative filmmaking.
This 2022 action thriller, crafted by the multi-talented writer, filmmaker, and actor, has proven that a film doesn’t need a colossal budget to make a significant impact at the box office.
Made on a modest budget of just Rs 16 crore, Kantara astounded the film industry by raking in a staggering Rs 400 crore worldwide, as reported by India TV.
This Kannada film’s success wasn’t just limited to its impressive box office performance.
It also garnered critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and unique cinematic style, further cementing its status as a standout film in South Indian cinema.
The overwhelming response to Kantara didn’t just stop at box office numbers and critical reviews.
It also sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the film’s creators, inspiring them to expand the Kantara universe.
As a result, the makers have announced a new instalment, which will serve as a prequel to the 2022 film.
This upcoming project is eagerly anticipated by fans who are excited to delve deeper into the captivating world of Kantara.
Thiruchitrambalam

Following his successful stint in Netflix’s action thriller, The Gray Man, directed by the acclaimed Russo Brothers, Dhanush took a delightful detour into the realm of romantic comedy with Thiruchitrambalam.
This charming film, which also stars Nithya Menen, Bharathiraja, Prakash Raj, and Raashii Khanna, is a testament to the power of engaging storytelling and charismatic performances.
Directed by Mithran R. Jawahar, Thiruchitrambalam was crafted on a modest budget of Rs 30 crore.
Despite its humble financial beginnings, the film soared high at the box office, collecting an impressive Rs 110 crore, as reported by News18.
This remarkable feat not only underscored the film’s commercial success but also highlighted the audience’s love for well-made romantic comedies.
Thiruchitrambalam didn’t just stop at box office success.
It also carved a niche for itself in the annals of Tamil cinema by emerging as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2022.
This achievement is a testament to the film’s captivating narrative, memorable performances, and the creative vision of its makers.
The success of Thiruchitrambalam serves as a reminder that a film doesn’t need a massive budget to resonate with audiences and achieve commercial success.
Karthikeya 2

In the realm of cinema, where big-budget films often dominate the box office, Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupama Parameswaran’s Karthikeya 2 emerged as a surprise hit of 2022.
This Telugu film, a captivating blend of mythology and action, proved that a compelling narrative and strong performances can outshine even the most star-studded Bollywood productions.
Crafted on a modest budget of Rs 15 crore, Karthikeya 2 didn’t just meet box office expectations, it surpassed them.
The film outperformed Bollywood heavyweights like Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha and Akshay Kumar’s Raksha Bandhan, raking in a remarkable Rs 121 crore worldwide, as reported by News18.
But the success of Karthikeya 2 isn’t just about the numbers.
It’s about the film’s ability to captivate audiences with its unique blend of mythological elements and thrilling action sequences.
It’s about the stellar performances of its lead actors, Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupama Parameswaran, who brought their characters to life with conviction and charisma.
The triumph of Karthikeya 2 serves as a reminder that cinema is not just about star power and big budgets.
It’s about storytelling, it’s about connecting with audiences, and it’s about creating memorable cinematic experiences.
777 Charlie

In the world of cinema, where high-budget films often steal the limelight, 777 Charlie, a Kannada movie made on a modest budget of nearly Rs 20 crore, emerged as a standout in 2022.
This heartwarming film, starring Rakshit Shetty and Sangeetha Sringeri in pivotal roles, is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and emotive performances.
777 Charlie weaves the touching tale of a lonely factory worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when a dog named Charlie enters his world.
This emotional drama explores the transformative power of companionship and the profound impact it can have on one’s perspective on life.
The film’s poignant narrative and stellar performances didn’t just resonate with audiences but also caught the attention of critics and award committees.
777 Charlie was honoured with the award for Best Feature Film In Kannada at the prestigious 69th National Film Awards, a testament to its cinematic excellence.
Despite its humble budget, 777 Charlie made a significant impact at the box office.
According to a News18 report, the film collected over Rs 150 crore, underscoring its commercial success and the audience’s love for well-crafted emotional dramas.
Geetha Govindam

Geetha Govindam, a delightful romantic comedy-drama, is a shining example of how a film with a compelling narrative and charismatic performances can achieve monumental success.
Directed and penned by the talented Parasuram, this film features the dynamic duo of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, whose on-screen chemistry was a major draw for audiences.
Despite being crafted on a modest budget of just Rs 5 crore, Geetha Govindam astounded the film industry by raking in a staggering Rs 132 crore at the box office, as reported by News18.
This remarkable feat not only underscored the film’s commercial success but also highlighted the audience’s love for well-made romantic comedies.
Interestingly, the journey to this success had its share of twists and turns.
According to the same News18 report, the makers initially offered the lead role to popular actor Allu Arjun.
However, destiny had other plans, and the role eventually went to Vijay Deverakonda, who delivered a memorable performance that resonated with audiences.
Geetha Govindam‘s success serves as a reminder that a film doesn’t need a massive budget to resonate with audiences and achieve commercial success.
All it needs is a compelling story, relatable characters, and a team of passionate filmmakers.
HanuMan

In the world of cinema, where big-budget films often dominate the box office, HanuMan, a Telugu-language superhero film starring Teja Sajja, emerged as a surprise hit.
This film, with its compelling narrative and dynamic performances, proved that a compelling story can outshine even the most star-studded productions.
Crafted on a modest budget of just Rs 20 crore, HanuMan didn’t just meet box office expectations, it surpassed them.
According to a report by Mint, the film raked in an impressive Rs 104 crore in the domestic circuit and a staggering Rs 142.6 crore worldwide.
This remarkable feat was achieved despite facing stiff competition from high-profile films like Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram and the Tamil action thriller Captain Miller starring Dhanush.
But the success of HanuMan isn’t just about the numbers.
It’s about the film’s ability to captivate audiences with its unique blend of action, adventure, and superhero elements.
It’s about the stellar performance of its lead actor, Teja Sajja, who brought the character of HanuMan to life with conviction and charisma.
Adding to its appeal, HanuMan was released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada.
2018

In the realm of cinema, where high-budget films often steal the limelight, Tovino Thomas’ 2018, a survival drama, emerged as a standout.
This Malayalam film, made on a modest budget of Rs 20 crore, is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and emotive performances.
Directed by the talented Jude Anthany Joseph, 2018 is based on the devastating Kerala floods that shook the nation in 2018.
The film’s narrative, which intertwines the harrowing reality of the disaster with the resilience of the human spirit, resonated deeply with audiences.
Despite its humble financial beginnings, 2018 soared high at the box office.
According to a Times of India report, the film became the fastest Malayalam film to enter the Rs 100 crore club, achieving this remarkable feat in just 10 days.
This achievement not only underscored the South Indian film’s commercial success but also highlighted the audience’s love for well-made survival dramas.
The film’s success wasn’t just limited to its lead actor, Tovino Thomas.
The supporting cast, featuring Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and Lal, also delivered stellar performances, further enhancing the film’s appeal.
The triumph of 2018 serves as a reminder that cinema is not just about star power and big budgets.
As we wrap up our cinematic journey, it’s clear that these seven low-budget South Indian films have left a permanent mark on the film industry.
They have proven that a compelling narrative, strong performances, and innovative filmmaking can triumph over big-budget extravaganzas.
These films have not only earned over 100 crore at the box office but have also won the hearts of audiences worldwide.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a movie, why not check out one of these low-budget wonders?
You might just find your new favourite film.