10 best onscreen pairs in South films in 2025: Pradeep Ranganathan-Mamitha Baiju to Rishab Shetty-Rukmini Vasanth

From epic sagas to whirlwind romance to horror comedies and thrilling dramas, we saw it all on the big screen this 2025. But irrespective of the genre, several of these films also gave some delightful onscreen pairs who were worth rooting for. Whether it was Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju in the Tamil film Dude or Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth in Kantara Chapter 1, these stars lit up the screen with their charming chemistry. There were more than star-crossed lovers and enemies-to-lovers trope, as we got some classic husband-wife romance too, with Thudarum and Tourist Family. Here’s a look at the best south onscreen pairs from across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.

Charming south onscreen pairs

Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth - Kantara Chapter 1

 Where to watch: Prime Video (available for OTTplay Premium subscribers with a top-up)

The epic tale of Kantara Chapter 1 centred around the mystic forest and its fierce protector, Berme (Rishab Shetty). But the Kannada blockbuster film also gave space to his romantic trysts with Princess Kanakavathi, played by the lovely Rukmini Vasanth. Though these made for some delightful moments, their bond was inevitably tied and tested by the mythical narrative.

Also read: Kantara Chapter 1 movie review: Rishab Shetty goes all out in grand but bland sequel 

Shaneel Gautham Sandhya Arakere - Su From So 

Where to watch: JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium)

Another Kannada film, but this time a horror comedy which follows Ashoka in a small village. But to get out of a tough spot, he pretends to be possessed, setting off a chain of hilarious events. This eventually brings together Ravi Anna and Bhanu, played by Shaneel Gautham and Sandhya Arakere, giving us an endearing tale. JP Thuminad helmed the film, which was one of the surprise hits from Kannada this year.

Pradeep Ranganathan-Mamitha Baiju - Dude

Where to watch: Netflix

Agan and Kural have been inseparable since childhood, the best of buddies. But when one of them falls in love, the other rejects, only to suffer the same fate afterwards. A see-saw of romantic relationships is explored in this Gen Z tale from Tamil cinema. And Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju just embraced their characters to give one of the best onscreen pairs of the year for us. The way these characters rooted for each other goes beyond filmy romance.

Kalyani Priyadarshan-Naslen - Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra

Where to watch: JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium

Kalyani Priyadarshan leads the blockbuster Lokah as the enigmatic Chandra, with superpowers who develops a soft spot for the neighbourhood lad, Sunny (Naslen). Chandra's unspoken feelings for Sunny and their quiet parting at the end stand out even as the Dominic Arun directorial narrates a superhero tale rooted in Kerala folklore. Just like Naslen said, "If Chandra gave Sunny a third option." (IYKYK)

Also read: Kalyani Priyadarshan on staying indoors on Lokah release day, 'Me and Naslen decided not to...' 

Mohanlal-Shobana - Thudarum 

Where to watch: JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium

Ever since Thudarum was announced, fans were excited to see Mohanlal and Shobana back together on screen. The OG 90s Malayalam couple were seen as Benz Shanmugham and wife Lalitha in director Tharun Moorthy’s latest film. Their bubbly interactions and tit-for-tat replies in the initial scenes of Thudarum were much celebrated by fans before the film veered off into the thriller genre.

Naga Chaitanya-Sai Pallavi - Thandel 

Where to watch: Netflix

After Amaran with Sivakarthikeyan last year, the Premam actress Sai Pallavi was back in another film, which brought in romance, drama and action. The Telugu film Thandel was elevated by its love tale between Raju and Satya, played beautifully by Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. A young fisherman gets caught in enemy waters and is left languishing in jail even as his lady love waits for his return.

Dhanush-Rashmika Mandanna - Kuberaa 

Where to watch: Prime Video (available for OTTplay Premium subscribers with a top-up)

The Telugu film Kuberaa revolves around Deva, a beggar, who gets caught in a financial fraud. As he escapes from the bad guys, he runs into Sameera, who helps him reluctantly at first. Dhanush is just perfect as Deva, with a heart of gold, while Rashmika Mandanna plays Sameera with a quiet resolve as she is ready to go all out for him even when the stakes get higher.

Mouli Tanuj Prasanth-Shivani Nagaram - Little Hearts 

Where to watch: ETV Win via OTTplay Premium

Another Gen Z love story, set in a coaching centre where young hearts strike up a loving equation. Young actors Mouli Tanuj Prasanth and Shivani Nagaram’s charismatic performance carries this film. They play two struggling youngsters - Akhil Kumar and Akula Khathyayani - who find support and love in each other even as their overbearing parents push them to crack competitive exams.

Simran-Sasikumar - Tourist Family 

Where to watch: JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium

Senior actors Simran and Sasikumar play the married couple Dharmadas and Vasanthi, who, along with their two sons, seek to rebuild their lives in Chennai after fleeing the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. The film depicts the understated affection between them as they navigate the tricky situation, trying to make it as easy as possible for the other. Easily, one of the most loved Tamil films of 2025, Tourist Family has several heartwarming moments.

Ajith-Trisha - Vidaamuyarchi 

Where to watch: Netflix

Another tale of a married couple, but one on the verge of splitting up is at the centre of Vidaamuyarchi. Tamil star Ajith Kumar leads the film as Arjun, whose wife Kayal (Trisha) goes missing. Now it is up to Arjun to fight off the criminals and track down his wife before it is too late. An action-packed thriller, Vidaamuyarchi, at its heart, is about the love that Arjun has for Kayal.

Onscreen pairs FAQs

Q. Who is a popular on-screen pair?

A. Fans of each film industry would have their own favourite on-screen couple. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol would be among the most popular on-screen pairs in Bollywood, while Mohanlal-Shobana is a favourite pair for Malayalam movie fans. Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna, rumoured to be a real-life couple, is also a fan favourite.

Q. Which is the best movie to watch as a couple?

A. The best South movies to watch as a couple in 2025 are Telugu rom-com Little Hearts and Tamil action thriller Vidaamuyarchi and Telugu flick Thandel.