Step into the captivating world of Kannada cinema in 2023 with our exclusive guide. This curated selection of Best Kannada Movies of 2023 reflects the industry’s diverse storytelling and exceptional performances, ranging from heartwarming tales to gripping thrillers. IMDB’s global rankings provide a comprehensive view, showcasing the international acclaim these films have garnered. Each movie on this list is a testament to Kannada cinema’s commitment to innovation, setting new standards of excellence and leaving an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape. Check them out!
Kranti
It is the story of a man, who also happens to be a successful entrepreneur and years after revisits his run-down alma mater, and not just this but he also manages to uncover and confront a corrupt administrative system that is hell bound on privatizing public schools all over the town.
Cast: Darshan, Rachita Ram, Ravichandran, Tarun Arora, P. Ravi Shankar, and Sampath Raj
IMDB Rating: 5.5
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: V. Harikrishna
Genre: Action and Drama
Also Read: New Kannada Movies on OTT
Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare
Following the tragic demise of a boys’ hostel warden, who additionally attributes his demise to some particular residents in a goodbye note, all of the pupils involved are compelled to come up with a plan to conceal the body. They wrestle with both the ethical and practical consequences of their actions, as the significance of their respective positions and actions hangs in the balance.
Cast: Prajwal B. P., Manjunath Nayaka, Srivatsa, and Tejas Jayanna Urs
IMDB Rating: 7.4
Where to watch: Zee5
Director: Nithin Krishnamurthy
Genre: Comedy and Drama
Ghost
In their ongoing search of justice, an infamous criminal and his band of criminals decide to take ownership of a city prison, releasing an intimidating ultimatum for the release of all imprisoned felons. As disorder is imminent, they set out on a risky effort to right believed wrongs, establishing themselves up for a high-stakes disagreement with law and order forces.
Cast: Shiva Rajkumar, Jayaram, Anupam Kher, Prashant Narayanan, Archana Jois, M. G. Srinivas, and Satya Prakash
IMDB Rating: 7.8
Where to watch: Zee5
Director: M. G. Srinivas
Genre: Action and Thriller
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello side A
Manu and Priya’s passionate romance story calls for unexpected outcomes when Manu goes to extraordinary lengths to honour an important promise. Destiny throws unanticipated obstacles at them, causing an enormous change in their affection for one another and putting their enduring love to the test.
Cast: Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth
IMDB Rating: 8.4
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Hemanth M. Rao
Genre: Drama and Romance
Toby
Toby, a vicious outcast, vows to set himself loose from an underworld of darkness and set out on an unforgettable adventure for the betterment of the woman he loves, Jenny. In his search for redemption, he faces obstacles and inner demons, hoping to demonstrate that love can inspire positive change.
Cast: Chaithra J. Achar, Gopal, Krishna Deshpande, and Bharath Gb
IMDB Rating: 8
Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar
Director: Basil Alchalakkal
Genre: Crime, Drama, and Thriller
Shivaji Surathkal
Detective Shivaji has been working against the time limit to apprehend a killer on the loose who leaves tricky hints at the locations of murders. The investigating officer enters an anxious game of cat and mouse game as he deciphers these complicated puzzles and he is also determined to uncover the identity of the killer while bringing justice to the victims.
Cast: Ramesh Aravind, Radhika Narayan, Meghana Gaonkar, Sangeetha Sringeri, Nassar, and Aarohi Narayan
IMDB Rating: 6.8
Where to watch: Zee5
Director: Akash Srivatsa
Genre: Mystery and Thriller
Also Read: Upcoming Kannada Movies on OTT
Kousalya Supraja Rama
Ram at first takes on a prejudiced view of the concept of masculinity driven by his father’s principles. However, Shivani’s influence on his life acts like a catalyst for change. Ram develops as a consequence of both of their crossing paths, breaking away from rigid ideals and appearing as an improved person as part of Shivani’s encouraging influence.
Cast: Darling Krishna, Brinda Acharya, and Milana Nagaraj
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Shashank
Genre: Drama
Pentagon
Pentagon happens to be a film anthology with five totally different stories, each produced by a different director. Each of these tales is tightly connected by a shared book as well as being centered on the concept of death and how it affects people.
Cast: Kishore, P. Ravi Shankar, Vijanath Biradar, Pramod Shetty, Prakash Belawadi, and Pruthvi Ambaar
IMDB Rating: 8.2
Where to watch: TBA
Director: Chandra Mohan, Akash Srivatsa, Raghu Shivamogga, Kiran Kumar, and Guru Deshpande
Genre: Drama
Daredevil Musthafa
Ramanuja Iyengari and his fellow students work hard to drive out a student named Musthafa from their college. The conflict between them concludes in a riveting game of cricket during which each character’s fate dangles in the balance. The risks rise during the intense match progresses.
Cast: Shishir Baikady, Aditya Ashree, Abhay, Supreeth Bharadwaj, Aashith, Srivatsa, and Prerana
IMDB Rating: 8
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Shashank Soghal
Genre: Drama and Comedy
19.20.21
A trailblazing news reporting student coming from an indigenous group turns into an advocate for his tribe’s constitutional liberties shortly after overcoming all the systemic challenges that are presented before him. His story takes place as an example of his community’s resilience as well as dedication to equality and fairness.
Cast: Avinash, Shrunga B.V., and Rramprasadd Banavara
IMDB Rating: 9.1
Where to watch:
Director: Manso Re
Genre: Crime and Drama
Best Kannada Movies 2023 on OTT
Movie Name | Language | IMDb Rating | Release Date |
Kranti | Kannada | 7.3 | 26 January 2023 |
Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare | Kannada | 7.4 | 21 July 2023 |
Ghost | Kannada | 7.8 | 19 October 2023 |
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello Side A | Kannada | 8.4 | 1 September 2023 |
Toby | Kannada | 8 | 25 August 2023 |
Shivaji Surathkal | Kannada | 6.8 | 14 April 2023 |
Kousalya Supraja Rama | Kannada | 7.2 | 28 July 2023 |
Pentagon | Kannada | 8.2 | 7 April 2023 |
Daredevil Musthafa | Kannada | 8 | 19 May 2023 |
19.20.21 | Kannada | 9.1 | 3 March 2023 |