We have curated a list of five Kannada movies every Gen Z must watch before they turn 30. From cult classics to epics, explore the amazing Kannada films that are not for a miss.
1. Ulidavaru Kandanthe
Where to watch: Sun NXT
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
About the movie: Directed by Rakshit Shetty, Ulidavaru Kandanthe is a neo-noir crime drama that redefined Kannada cinema. Starring Rakshit Shetty, Rishab Shetty, and Achyuth Kumar, the movie revolves around Richi, a journalist, who takes into account different versions of some people involved in a high-profile murder case. Set against the vibrant backdrop of coastal Karnataka, the movie’s storytelling is non-traditional, cinematic, and edgy.
2. Lucia
Where to watch: Sun NXT
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
About the movie: Directed by Pawan Kumar, Lucia is one of India’s first crowd-funded films and was a game changer in independent Kannada cinema. It follows the story of a man who suffers from insomnia and starts taking a pill that lets him dream vividly. However, the line between reality and dream starts to blur in unsettling ways.
3. KGF Chapter 1 and 2
Where to watch: JioHotstar
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
About the movie: Directed by Prashanth Neel, KGF Chapter 1 and 2, is an action drama starring Yash. It tells the rags-to-riches story of Rocky, who rises from the streets of Mumbai to become a powerful figure in the blood-soaked world of Kolar Gold Fields. Apart from being a visual spectacle, KGF is a story about power, ambition, and rebellion.
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4. Thithi
Where to watch: JustWatch
IMDb rating: 8/10
About the movie: Kannada movie Thithi is directed by Raam Reddy. The slice-of-life drama won multiple international awards. Set in a rural village in Karnataka, it revolves around the death of a 101-year-old man named Century Gowda. His death brings together his free-spirited son, inheritance-hungry grandson and girl-crazy great-grandson. It is a must-watch, especially for Gen Z, as it reminds us of the beauty of simplicity in the world of spectacle. The film uses non-professional actors and a documentary-like realism to explore themes of mortality, greed, and generational change.
5. Kantara
Where to watch: Netflix
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
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About the movie: Rishab Shetty starrer Kantara is a powerful mix of mythology, environmentalism and local folklore. Set in a coastal village, it explores the conflict between nature and greed, tradition and modernity, through a riveting tale centred on Bhoota Kola, a traditional spirit worship ritual. It has some stunning visuals, rooted storytelling and an electric climax. Kantara is a cinematic gem that sparks conversation about preserving culture and respecting the environment.