23 Best Kannada Movies of 2024 (So Far): Where to Watch Them
As we step into 2024, the Kannada film industry continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and diverse cinematic experiences. This year has been a remarkable one for Kannada cinema, showcasing a blend of innovative narratives, powerful performances, and stunning visuals that resonate with viewers. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling action flicks, the films released this year have not only entertained but also sparked conversations around various social issues.
The year kicked off with a bang, featuring notable releases that quickly garnered attention and acclaim. Movies like Saramsha leave you with a haunting feeling that you end up getting after reading a good book or watching a great play or even having a pleasant conversation with a dear one! As we reflect on the cinematic journey of 2024, it becomes clear that each film has contributed uniquely to the tapestry of Kannada cinema.
In this article, we will explore the best Kannada movies of 2024, highlighting those that have made a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the world of Kannada films, these selections promise to offer something special—an invitation to immerse yourself in the vibrant narratives that define this year’s cinematic landscape. Join us as we celebrate the creativity and passion that have shaped Kannada cinema in 2024!
Saramsha
Directed by: Surya Vasishta
Starring: Deepak Subramanya, Surya Vasishta, Sruthi Hariharan, Shweta Gupta, Aasif Kshatriya, and Ravi Bhat
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Tejas is a C.A, who wants to be a writer. One evening, his world collides with Abhay`s. A story begins to unfold in front of him. He is faced with a character in his story. In the realm of magical realism, an emotional drama unfolds.
Shivamma Yarehanchinnala
Directed by: Jaishankar Aryar
Starring: Sharanamma Chetti, Chennamma Abbegere, Shivu Abbegere, Shruthi Kondenahalli, Chennappa Hansi, Shivanand Sadar
Where to watch: Theatre
Shivamma, a 46-year-old poverty-stricken woman, invests her hard-earned money in a network marketing business to make some quick money, which puts her daughter`s imminent marriage at stake.
Photo
Directed by: Utsav Gonwar
Starring: Mahadev Hadapad, Veeresh Gonwar, Sandhya Arakere
Where to watch: N/A
A father, a daily wager in Bengaluru, and his 10 -year-old son, decide to walk back to their hometown Raichur during the pandemic. The scorching heat and bad weather shake their journey as well as both of their lives
Max
Directed by: Vijay Karthikeyaa
Starring: Sudeepa, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Sunil, Samyukta Hornad, Sukrutha Wagle and Anirudh Bhat
Where to watch: Zee5
Arjun Mahakshay, law and order inspector, reports for duty at a new police station after a two-month suspension and faces an unexpected situation. Can Arjun save the day?
Aaram Arvindswamy
Directed by: Abhishek Shetty
Starring: Aniish, Milana Nagaraj and Hrithika Srinivas
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
This feel-good tale follows Arvind, a city recovery agent with a perfect girlfriend. When she urges him to confront their parents about marriage, he avoids the issue, triggering a series of comedic events that change his life. It`s a light-hearted exploration of love and commitment amidst his escapist tendencies.
Maryade Prashne
Directed by: Nagaraj Somayaji
Starring: Rakesh Adiga, Sunil Raoh, Poornachandra Mysore, Teju Belawadi, Prabhu Mundkur, Rekha Kudligi, and Shine Shetty
Where to watch: Zee5
Maryade Prashne is a compelling slice-of-life story set in the lower-middle-class neighbourhood of Chamrajpete in Bengaluru. The film centres on three close friends, Suri, Manja, and Sathish, whose lives are tragically altered during what should have been a joyful birthday celebration. As they navigate the challenges of their daily struggles, the movie delves deep into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice for a loved one.
Bagheera
Directed by: Dr. Suri
Starring: Sriimurali, Rukmini Vasanth, Prakash Raj, Sudha Rani, Ramachandra Raju, Achyuth Kumar, Rangayana Raghu
Where to watch: Netflix
Dismayed by corruption and violence, a virtuous police officer becomes a masked vigilante to deliver lethal justice to criminals and crooked cops alike.
Murphy
Directed by: BSP Varma
Starring: Prabhu Mundkur, Roshni Prakash, Ila Veermalla, H. G. Dattatreya, Ashwin Rao Pallakki, Mahantesh Hiremath, Rramprasadd Banavara, BSP Varma, Master Dhawan
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Two ordinary people meet under an extraordinary circumstance. David approaches his Grandfather’s radio which changes the whole course of his life.
Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali
Directed by: Chandrajith Belliappa
Starring: Vihan Gowda, Ankita Amar, Mayuri Nataraja and Girija Shettar, Shankar Murthy S.R, Salmin Sheriff, Rakshit Kaup, Davana Dhanraj, Aditya B Pujar, Anirudh Bhat, Damini Dhanraj
Where to watch: N/A
The film is based on a blog post written by Director Chandrajith Belliappa from over a decade ago. Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali is a beautifully crafted musical romance drama that tells the love story of Siddharth and Anahita. Narrated through a palette of colors, visual poetry, and refreshing music, it captures the essence of love through different phases of life and its varying shades. Come, fall in love all over again, and experience the magic of love.
UI
Directed by: Upendra
Starring: Upendra, Reeshma Nanaiah, Nidhi Subbaiah, Murali Sharma, Sadhu Kokila and Indrajit Lankesh
Where to watch: Sun NXT.
Set in a dystopian world, UI revolves around the psychological conflict between Sathya and Kalki, where it also explores the after-effects of misusing power, knowledge and technology, leading to humanity and Earth’s destruction.
Kaalapatthar
Directed by: Vicky Varun
Starring: Vicky Varun, Dhanya Ramkumar, T. S. Nagabharana, Achyuth Kumar, Sampath Maitreya
Where to watch: N/A
Shankar, who serves in the Indian Army. In his hometown of Mudalpur, a statue is erected, leading to a series of confusion. Shankar returns to the town, facing the dilemma of whether to safeguard the idol or quell the unrest among the people.
Laughing Buddha
Directed by: M. Bharath Raj
Starring: Pramod Shetty, Teju Belawadi, Sundar Raj, Diganth
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The film involves a soft-hearted cop who loves food, family and his profession—in that order—and the chaos that ensues when he is told that his weight could lead to his dismissal from his job. Can he reduce his weight in time to get back into the police force like he wishes to?
Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi
Directed by: Srinivas Raju
Starring: Ganesh, Malvika Nair, Sharanya Shetty, Sadhu Kokila, Rangayana Raghu, Shruti, Srinivasa Murthy
Where to watch: Sun NXT
Krishna is desperately looking to get married and have a great partner for life. What happens when he falls in love and everyone is okay with his choice?
Hadinelentu
Directed by: Prithvi Konanur
Starring: Sherlyn Bhosale and Neeraj Mathew
Where to watch: YouTube
Two PU students, Deepa (a dalit) and Hari (a brahmin), engage in sex in a classroom and film it privately. The video gets leaked and becomes viral and conflict ensues for both of them.
Roopanthara
Directed by: Mithilesh Edavalath
Starring: Raj B. Shetty, Hanumakka, Somshekhar Bolegaon, Lekha Naidu, Bharat GB, Anjan Bharadwaj, and Salmin Sheriff
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
An old man is held at gunpoint in a highly polluted dystopian world where clean water, air, and human beings are a rarity. The old man has no escape except for his storytelling skills.
Family Drama
Directed by: Akarsh HP
Starring: Abhay, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, Rekha Kudligi, Poornachandra Mysore, Ananya Amar, Aashith, Mahadev Hadapad, Malathesha, Veeresh, Arun Murthy, and Suraj Ravikiran
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The film delves into the chaos of a dysfunctional family where each member driven by their selfish motives and misguided schemes.
Kenda
Directed by: Sahadev Kelvadi
Starring: B. V. Bharath, Pranav Shridhar, Vinod Ravindran, Sathish Kumar, Pruthvi Banwasi, Deepti Nagendra
Where to watch: N/A
A young man`s journey through a web of crime and politics while he struggles to come to terms with his deep and dark desires.
Kabandha
Directed by: Satyanath
Starring: Prasad Vasisth, Kishore Kumar G., Avinash Yelandur, Prashanth Siddi, Priyanka Malali
Where to watch: N/A
A daunted young boy witnesses a death and experiences disturbing visions, leading to him becoming possessed by the same surroundings. Will the boy become a danger to those around him, or will he escape from the horrors?
Kotee
Directed by: Parameshwar Gundkal
Starring: Dhananjaya, Moksha Kushal, Ramesh Indira, Rangayana Raghu and Tara
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Kotee, a middle class person, is the sole breadwinner of his family living in Janatha City. Kotee soon lands in trouble and is forced to take loan from Dinoo Saavkaar, a local thug in Janatha City. However, Kotee finds himself buried under a huge pile of debt and faces a life-altering choice: To be eliminated or commit one of Saavkaar’s dirty jobs.
Koli Esru
Directed by: Champa P Shetty
Starring: Akshatha Pandavpura, Apeksha Nagaraj, Natana Manju, Prakash Shetty, Dakshayani N
Where to watch: N/A
Based on a short story by K.T. Chikkana,
Chicken Curryis the story of a poor woman Hucheeri who undergoes tremendous sacrifices and difficulties just to provide her beloved ten-year-old daughter the taste of chicken curry.
Case of Kondana
Directed by: Devi Prasad Shetty
Starring: Vijay Raghavendra and Bhavana Menon
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In the outskirts of Bangalore, a fiery ASI clashes with fellow policemen in a fictional outpost named Kondana. His love life faces hurdles while ACP Lakshmi hunts a criminal and Raju tries to save his ill son.
Blink
Directed by: Srinidhi Bengaluru
Starring: Dheekshith Shetty, Chaithra J. Achar, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Mandara Battalahalli
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Apoorva, a 24-year-old in Bengaluru, conceals his failed MA from his mother. Juggling part-time jobs, he relies on his love interest, Swapna, for support. Apurva’s unique ability to control blinking becomes a curse when a mysterious old man reveals his father’s survival.
Love Li
Directed by: Chetan Keshav
Starring: Vasishta N. Simha, Stefy Patel, Achyuth Kumar, Malavika Avinash, Sadhu Kokila, Sameeksha and Kavya Shetty
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Jai, an ex-gangster, works as a key man in a fashion designing company and leads a peaceful life with his wife Janani and daughter Thanu. However, Jai’s life takes a turn when he learns that Janani has been infected with HIV by Krimuhi, a psychopath suffering from HIV. Jai takes care of Janani by taking her for treatment in London, while also hunting down Krimukhi.
In the end-credits scene, Jai tracks down Krimuhi and brutally kills him, while Janani recovers from the disease. Janani learns about Jai’s hardships to cure her, where they resume their peaceful life.
