Ram Charan, Dhanush, Suriya to Headline Rural Dramas in 2026

Rural dramas are back with a vengeance this year. In keeping with the current demand for rustic characters who are rooted, many of our top South stars have undergone major transformations to depict the small-town hero with a spine who gradually evolves into a savior of the masses, fighting the good fight for a greater cause. Variety India zooms in on the stars and their forthcoming films, which have embraced the concept of ruralism through gritty scripts and power-packed performances. 

Related Stories

‘Karuppu’ Locks Release Date: Suriya, Trisha Krishnan’s Rural Possession Drama Is Coming Sooner Than You Think

‘Pallichattambi’ Trailer: Tovino Thomas Takes Up Cudgels On Behalf Of His People In This Period Rural Actioner

Vijay Anthony in 'Nooru Sami' 
Release Date: April 10 

A Tamil rural drama set in an old-fashioned village, it revolves around the struggles of the farming community. Vijay Antony plays a sugarcane farmer and a single parent who undergoes immense hardships to make ends meet. In keeping with his image, he is seen wearing cotton vests and lungis along with a thick beard for that earthy look. Besides Vijay, Swasika Vijay plays the female lead, a rebellious character, in the film. The movie is highly anticipated as Vijay has once again teamed up with director Sasi. The duo had previously worked in “Pichaikaran,” which was a huge hit.  

Tovino Thomas in 'Pallichattambi' 
Release Date: April 15

This is a Malayalam period drama directed by Dijo Anthony. It is set in the1950s-60s and traces the journey of a scheming man who becomes a "Palli Chettambi" (church protector) in a village during a turbulent time of social change.  Tovino Thomas, revels in his role of a small town scammer and has gained weight for the role.  Even his hairstyle has been inspired by the thugs of of the bygone era creating a realistic persona.

Dhanush in 'Kara'  
Release Date: April 30 

This Vignesh Raja production is set in the 90s in Ramanthapuram with the Gulf War as the backdrop. The film highlights Karaswamy’s (played by Dhanush) quest to protect his family amidst the ongoing turmoil. Mamitha Baiju plays Selli, his wife and anchor in the movie.  Dhanush, in keeping with the look of those times, opted for a casual vibe with plaid shirts, an unkempt beard and piercing eyes to highlight his trauma. 

Ram Charan in 'Peddi'  
Release Date: April 30 

The Telugu film has been directed by Buchi Babu Sana and revolves around a villager (Charan plays Peddi Pehelwan), who uses the medium of sport to unite his community. He encourages them to cultivate a love for wrestling. Eventually, they not only master the game but also manage to beat their arch-rivals and salvage their local pride.

Ram Charan underwent an eight-month intense training program to project the role of a wrestler with a strong social conscience. Janhvi Kapoor plays Achiyamma, his love interest in the movie, who supports him in his endeavor. 

Suriya in 'Karuppu' 
Release Date: May 14 

This is a highly anticipated Tamil movie, where Suriya dons the role of Sarvanan, a lawyer who gets possessed by a deity, even as he fights hard against local corruption and caste oppression. His dual character is portrayed through two distinct looks. The promos of Suriya sporting a black lungi and shirt with a vermillion mark on his forehead, red shades and an evil smirk on his face have set the tone for this action-packed narrative. Trisha Krishan plays Kamakshi, Sarvanan’s beloved, in this filck that has been directed by RJ Balaji. 

Nani in 'The Paradise' 
Release Month: August 2026 

The film focusses on the plight of a marginalised community, who bravely fight against oppression even as they struggle to regain their rights. Nani plays a rebellious male, who organically evolves into a leader who bravely fights for the constitutional rights of his community.

Nani’s look has been specially curated to project his raw and wild character. He is seen sporting long braids, nose piercings and a thick beard, in keeping with his reel life image. Kayadu Lohar plays the role of a sex worker and is the female lead in the film directed by Srikanth Odela. 

Well, it is packed line-up of movies set in the heartlands of South India this summer.