Southern stars making their mark in the Hindi film industry

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, celebrated for roles in Theri and Mahanati, made a nationwide impact with her fierce turn in The Family Man 2. Her upcoming spy action thriller Citadel: Honey Bunny, co-starring Varun Dhawan, is set to elevate her Bollywood journey and expand her already impressive acting repertoire.

Rashmika Mandanna, a household name after Geetha Govindam and Pushpa: The Rise, stepped into Bollywood with the heartfelt Goodbye, sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan. Her warm, lively energy continued to charm audiences in Mission Majnu. With Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor on the horizon, she’s steadily strengthening her position in Hindi cinema.

Renowned for her award-winning role in Mahanati, Keerthy Suresh entered Bollywood through Baby John in late 2024. She played Dr Meera Verma, a gentle paediatrician, earning praise for her subtle and sensitive portrayal. Although the film saw modest box office returns, her entry into Hindi films marked a promising start.

After dominating Tamil cinema for years, Nayanthara made a striking Hindi film debut with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan. Her poised screen presence and quiet strength resonated across audiences, establishing her as a formidable talent beyond the southern industry and signalling a seamless transition to the Bollywood stage.

Once seen in early Bollywood ventures like Himmatwala and Humshakals, Tamannaah Bhatia is now enjoying a compelling comeback. Her powerful performance in Lust Stories 2 and presence in Plan A Plan B reflect a striking blend of mainstream appeal and critical depth. This fresh phase is attracting new fans and reviving industry interest.