We enjoy our Kannada movies and we often go to the theatre to watch the movies, and yes, we've watched both parts of KGF — Touted to be the highest-grossing film series to come out of Sandalwood (that's what the movie industry is called in Karnataka) — during opening week but we aren't talking highest-grossing in this list. We're talking about some of the best Kannada movies in recent times that we've come to enjoy watching online (and some in theatres first and later streaming again).
7 Kannada Movies That Aren't KGF That We've Enjoyed Watching Online
Aachar & Co
Set in the early 60s and 70s, this movie gives a major throwback into what the old Bangalore used to be. The film follows Suma and her nine siblings as she and everyone navigate through growing up, patriarchy, arranged marriages, supporting the family, education, family life, and work. It has a very Wes Anderson vibe and feel, and chances are you might have heard songs from the movie such as Bengaluru's Suprabhata and Pickle Song.
Where To Stream: Amazon Prime
777 Charlie
This tear-jerker movie won the Best Feature Film in Kannada at the 69th National Film Awards. It follows a pup named Charlie and how she befriends the lead Dharma (portrayed by the brilliant Rakshit Shetty) and makes his life better. The movie's main storyline follows the story of Dharma and Charlie with a sub-plot involving breaking down illegal breeding facilities and ensuring better animal welfare. Mind you, it's an emotional roller coaster, so get your ice cream and tissues.
Where To Stream: Jio Cinema
Kantara
The action thriller dives deep into folktales and folklore with a plot that will have hooked. The movie also brilliantly portrays the traditional Daivaradhane and Bhoota Kola dance forms with actor Rishab Shetty in dual roles and doing a commanding performance in both roles. Watch it for the cinematography, direction, and soundtrack, particularly the song Varaha Roopam being one of the most popular songs.
Where To Stream: Amazon Prime
Gandhada Gudi
The 2022 docudrama features Puneeth Rajkumar in his final appearance (he passed away in 2021) and has him exploring the wilderness of Karnataka and is one of those movies where you can learn a lot about the state and what it has to offer. The bio-diversity of the state is showcased brilliantly by director Amoghavarsha of Wild Karnataka fame who also stars as himself in the film.
Where To Stream: Amazon Prime
Kirik Party
It's a staple Kannada movie that you just have to watch. A coming-of-age romcom film starring Rakshit Shetty, Rashmika Mandanna, and Samyuktha Hegde. The movie's plot is a relatable one where the actors navigate through college life experiencing friendships, heartbreak, stolen moments and whatnot.
Where To Stream: Jio Cinema
Lucia
We chanced upon this 2013 movie and we loved the non-linear plot and the storyline. It is also interesting that the movie was a pathbreaking one for the visuals. The psychological thriller stars Sathish Ninasam as the lead who suffers from insomnia and takes drugs that cause him to lose touch with reality.
Where To Stream: Sun NXT
U Turn
Lucia director Pawan Kumar's U Turn is another supernatural thriller movie that follows the lead portrayed by Shraddha Srinath with the plot revolving around her investigating the death of a motorist and finding the culprit along with the police. The suspense and the climax are quite good in this movie and it's one of those 2016 movies that was underrated but has since come to be appreciated.
Where To Stream: Netflix
