A monitoring mechanism has been put in place to oversee the implementation of 95 directions of the Centre-appointed Commission for Air Quality Management, Union minister Bhupender Yadav told the Lok Sabha today.
South cinema has lined up an exciting list of movie releases to watch in theaters this week. If you’re wondering what to watch, here’s a list of films to help you choose.
9 South movies to watch in theaters this week
1. Kalamkaval
Kalamkaval follows the story of a Kerala Police officer’s team that ventures into a border village called Kottayikonam. As the officials investigate a conflict between two communities, they uncover an even grimmer and more sensitive crime within the village, prompting the police to shift their attention to the new case.
With Vinayakan playing the main protagonist, Mammootty appears as the primary antagonist.
2. Lockdown
Lockdown chronicles the tale of a young woman named Anitha, who feels deep fear before returning home. Haunted by unspeakable suffering, she is surrounded by the evil intentions of men that only heighten her dread.
When a nationwide lockdown is suddenly announced, she is confined to her home, where each day haunts her like an unwanted shadow. Her speech, behavior, and frequent outbursts cause growing anxiety for her parents.
3. Pongala
Pongala, starring Manjummel Boys fame Sreenath Bhasi, narrates the story of a group of people in Vypin Harbour. As rival groups clash, the film explores themes of ambition and betrayal with a gritty narrative.
4. Kempu Haladi Hasiru
Kempu Haladi Hasiru follows a supermarket employee with big dreams who chooses to live like a middle-class man despite secretly being wealthy. Along with his friends, he gets pulled into a dangerous trap set by a mysterious mastermind.
Forced to execute the man’s scheme, the group is pushed into a high-stakes chase where every moment tests their loyalty, ambition, and courage. The real question: can they outsmart the mastermind and uncover his true motive?
5. Rachel
Rachel narrates the story of a butcher’s daughter on a fierce path of revenge, driven by loss and loyalty. Her journey is raw and violent, unfolding against a backdrop of romance, conflict, and an unyielding fight for justice.
6. Game of Loans
Game of Loans follows the story of Daniel, an unemployed compulsive gambler who is approached by two enigmatic men determined to enforce a “happy life” on him.
What unfolds is a tense day of psychological games, where fate, luck, and danger intertwine with every move he makes.
7. Dheeram
Dheeram tells the story of a police officer assigned to investigate a series of gruesome serial killings in Calicut. As he uncovers the pattern, he discovers a vengeful killer’s scheme, forcing him into a moral dilemma between the law and a grieving parent’s plea for justice.
As the investigation becomes increasingly harrowing, the officer’s moral compass is pushed into conflict.
8. Maarnami
Maarnami is set in coastal Mangaluru and revolves around Chetu, a man whose life is intertwined with love, heritage, and violence, particularly revolving around the local Hulivesha (Tiger Dance) tradition. The story explores his solace and legacy amid turmoil and loss.
9. Akhanda 2: Thaandavam
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam chronicles the story of an Aghora warrior who takes on human and supernatural threats. Following the events of the first installment, he must use his mystical powers to stand against the injustices suffered by common people.
The film delves into the connection between children’s innocence, the natural world, and spiritual faith as communities strive for progress.
These are just some of the most-awaited South films arriving in theaters this week.
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Rashmika Mandanna’s latest outing, The Girlfriend, has exhausted its theatrical run. Marking the directorial debut of Rahul Ravindran, The Girlfriend grossed over Rs. 30 crore in its entire box office journey at the worldwide box office. More than 50 percent of the total earnings were made in its home markets, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It also found some audience in Karnataka, which contributed around Rs. 4 crore. The rest of India, including the Hindi belt, added just Rs. 1.50 crore to the tally.
Internationally, The Girlfriend could make a sum of Rs. 8.50 crore in its entire run, taking the worldwide cume to Rs. 30 crore gross.
Released on November 7, the romantic drama garnered positive reception among the audience and the critics, winning praises for Rashmika Mandanna’s performance and intriguing plot. However, the favourable reception didn’t translate much into footfalls, as the movie underperformed at the box office and ended up being a flop.
The movie is now gearing up to stream online on Netflix from December 5, 2025, onwards. The streaming giant has officially made the announcement and confirmed a multi-language digital debut. The movie will be available in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, along with Telugu.
For the unversed, The Girlfriend stars Rashmika Mandanna in the lead role, who falls in love with her college mate, played by Dheekshith Shetty. The film revolves around how their relationship turns toxic over time and the way Rashmika’s character deals with it. The supporting cast includes Anu Emmanuel, Rao Ramesh, Rohini and others.
| Particulars | Gross Box Office |
| APTS | Rs 16 crore |
| Karnataka | Rs 4 crore |
| Rest of India | Rs 1.50 crore |
| INDIA TOTAL | Rs 21.50 crore |
| OVERSEAS | Rs 8.50 crore |
| WORLDWIDE | Rs 30 crore gross |
Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Disclaimer: The box office figures are compiled from various sources and our research. The figures can be approximate, and Pinkvilla does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequately indicative of the box-office performance of the films in question.
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