From Game Changer to Thug Life: Big-ticket South Indian films of 2025 that underperformed at the box office

2025 was not a great year for South cinema as only a few big films, like Kantara, 2 ended as massive hits at the box office. Here are the biggest disappointments from the South

Big ticket South Indian films that underperformed

The year 2025 is finally coming to an end, and there have been hundreds of film releases this year. When it comes to South cinema, some big films were released and created a sensation. At the same time, there were a few major films like Thug Life that bombed at the box office. Here are the top eight big-ticket South Indian films that underperformed commercially. Check out the list below.

Big-ticket South Indian films of 2025 that underperformed

Game Changer

There is no denying the fact that Game Changer is one of the biggest flops of 2025. The film was in the making for almost three years, and everyone was eager to see how Shankar would showcase Ram Charan in a political drama. Made on a budget of Rs 450 crore, Game Changer failed to collect even half of its budget and was heavily trolled by critics. More than anyone else, Shankar was blamed for delivering the biggest flop of Ram Charan’s career.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Thug Life

Thug Life was one of the biggest releases of 2025, and ever since its announcement, there has been massive hype as Kamal Haasan reunited with Mani Ratnam after a long gap. Featuring Simbu, Trisha, and Nasser in key roles, the film ultimately proved to be a box office disaster. Made on a budget of Rs 200 crore, it collected only Rs 97 crore in its final run. The gangster drama was criticized for its predictable and dull narration.

Where to watch: Netflix

Identity

Identity is a 2025 Malayalam biggie written and directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan. Made on a budget of Rs 30 crore, the film failed to impress audiences and ended as a disappointment at the box office. It featured A-listers Trisha Krishnan, Tovino Thomas, and Vinay Rai in lead roles, with music by Jakes Bejoy. The film is a murder mystery centered around a sketch artist played by Tovino Thomas, who helps identify a murderer in a blackmail case.

Where to watch: Zee 5, OTTplay Premium

Bazooka

Bazooka, a Mammootty starrer directed by debutant Deeno Dennis, ended as a massive disappointment. Made on a budget of Rs 28 crore, the film managed to earn only Rs 12 crore at the box office. It is an action thriller revolving around a tense chase between the police and a clever criminal who plans his crimes like levels in a video game.

Where to watch: Zee 5, OTTplay Premium

Ekka

Ekka is a 2025 Kannada film directed by Rohit Palaki, starring Yuva Rajkumar and Sanjana Anand in the lead roles. Mounted on a decent budget, the film failed to impress audiences and collected only Rs 12 crore by the end of its run. The story revolves around Mutthu, who enters the treacherous Bengaluru underworld in pursuit of revenge against his friend, Ramesh.

Where to watch: Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium

The Devil

The Devil is a 2025 Kannada biggie starring Darshan in the lead role. Directed by Pradeep, the action drama collected only Rs 29 crore at the box office. The film follows a bold young man caught between political legacy and personal ambition. Rachana Rai and Mahesh Manjrekar played key roles, but the film was panned for its bland writing and uneven execution.

Where to watch: Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium

Akhanda 2

Akhanda 2 was one of the biggest releases of 2025 and faced financial troubles even before its release. Once it hit the screens, it was panned by critics. Made on a budget of Rs 150 crore, the action drama earned only Rs 86 crore, ending as a huge failure. Nandamuri Balakrishna and Samyuktha Menon played the lead roles in this sequel, which ended the year on a disappointing note.

Where to watch: Netflix

Kingdom

Kingdom is Vijay Deverakonda’s biggest film of 2025 and ended as a major box-office flop. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the action drama was made on a budget of Rs 150 crore and failed to recover even half of its cost. The story revolves around a spy who travels to Sri Lanka to bring back a dreaded criminal, who turns out to be his own brother. Uneven narration and a lack of emotional depth disappointed the audience.

Where to watch: Netflix

Also Read: From Mayasabha to Ayyana Mane: Top 8 must-watch South Indian OTT web series of 2025

South Indian films of 2025 FAQs

Q. Where to stream Identity?

A. Identity can be streamed on Zee5 and here on OTTplay Premium.

Q. Where to stream Akhanda 2?

A. You can stream the film on Netflix

Q. Where to stream Game Changer on OTT?

A. You can stream the film on Amazon Prime Video

Q. Where to stream Kingdom on OTT?

A. You can stream the film on Netflix

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