Most-awaited South sequels of 2025: Kantara Chapter 1 to L2 Empuraan

South cinema looks poised to impress in 2025 as a bunch of sequels of critically acclaimed and popular films are gearing up for release in the coming year. Several movies such as Rishab Shetty’s Kantara went beyond sandalwood, sparking an interest to know more about their stories. Prithviraj and Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan and Kamal Haasan-starrer Indian 3 are among the sequels set to release in 2025. OTTplay lists down the most-awaited South sequels of 2025. Take a look:

South sequels releasing in 2025

Kantara: Chapter 1

Language: Kannada

Kantara: Chapter 1, which is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, is expected to depict the origin story of Panjurli. Rishab Shetty, who wrote, directed, and starred in the first installment, will once again be the force behind and the face of the 2025 film. The first installment even secured a National Award for the leading man. Kantara Chapter 1 is set for a worldwide release on October 2, 2025. Jayaram is also said to play a key role in the film.

Also Read: Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 to stream on THIS OTT platform after its theatrical run 

L2: Empuraan

Language: Malayalam

L2: Empuraan will once again reunite the iconic duo of Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal in the second installment of the Lucifer franchise. The 2019 film ended with Stephen Nedumpally revealing himself as Khureshi Ab'raam. L2 Empuraan is expected to trace back the story of Stephen Nedumpally. L2: Empuraan will be released in theatres on March 27, 2025. Some of the notable names from Malayalam such as Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Indrajith Sukumaran will also be part of L2: Empuraan.

Indian 3

Language: Tamil

Indian 3 is in a rather unique predicament. The Kamal Haasan-starrer is the direct sequel to Indian 2, which tanked at the box office in 2024 while receiving some very unsavory criticisms. However, the very first installment in the series is still considered one of the best works of Kamal Haasan and director Sankar. We will know the fate of Indian 3 only when it hits theatres next year.

Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam

Language: Telugu

Two powerhouse talents from the south – Prabhas and Prithviraj – joined forces to narrate the thrilling tale of the dystopian state Khansaar in Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire which released in 2023. The lead stars are back for the sequel, the shooting for which began in November 2024. The Telugu movie is expected to arrive in cinemas in 2025.

Aditya 999 Max

Language: Telugu

Nandamuri Balakrishna's Aditya 369 won acclaim and box office success after its theatrical release way back in 1991. Though the sequel was announced much earlier, there were no official updates. Nandamuri Balakrishna recently said that the sequel, Aditya 999 Max, is set to go on floors in 2025 and is expected to be released the same year. The sequel is set to feature Balakrishna along with his son Mokshagna.

Sardar 2

Language: Tamil

Karthi impressed audiences with his spy action-thriller film Sardar 2, which is among the top-grossing films of 2022. The popular actor will be back with the sequel in 2025 which will also be directed by P. S. Mithran. SJ Suryah also plays a key role in the Tamil film, along with Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath, and Rajisha Vijayan.

Akhanda 2: Thaandavam

Language: Telugu

Another sequel featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna is in the works. Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is the sequel to the 2021 hit film Akhanda, billed as a masala entertainer. Directed by Boyapati Srinu, Akhanda featured Nandamuri Balakrishna in dual roles. The sequel went on floors earlier this year and is expected to hit theatres in 2025.