Not Kantara: Chapter 1 — This Kannada Film Tops IMDb with 9.4 Rating, Streaming on OTT

Kannada cinema delivered a blockbuster in 2025 with Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, which dominated the box office and emerged as one of India’s biggest films of the year. However, in an interesting twist, Kantara: Chapter 1 does not top IMDb’s list of the best Kannada films of 2025. Instead, it stands at third position, while another film has claimed the No. 1 spot with an impressive IMDb rating of 9.4.

According to IMDb rankings, the year’s Top 5 Kannada films reflect a rich mix of genres—action thrillers, animation, mythology, fantasy, romance, and horror comedy. The best part: most of these films are now available on OTT platforms.

Here’s a look at the Top-Rated Kannada Films of 2025 on IMDb:

1. Maarutha (IMDb Rating: 9.4)

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Topping the list is “Maarutha”, a gripping action-thriller directed by S. Narayan. The film stars Duniya Vijay, Shreyas Manju, V. Ravichandran, Vrinda Acharya, Nishvika Naidu, Tara, and Rangayana Raghu.

The story follows Eesha, a small-town dreamer and aspiring filmmaker from Malnad, whose life spirals into danger when a young woman disappears after getting trapped in fake online profiles. As Eesha unwillingly becomes entangled in a crime network, a parallel police investigation uncovers a chilling human trafficking racket operating through fake social media identities. The film stands out for its strong social message on the dangers of the digital world.

2. Mahavatar Narsimha (IMDb Rating: 8.6)

Streaming on Netflix

Directed by Ashwin Kumar, Mahavatar Narsimha has redefined Indian animation cinema. Made on a budget of ₹40 crore, the film earned over ₹251 crore net in India and marked the beginning of the ambitious Mahavatar Cinematic Universe.

Based on the mythological tales of Lord Vishnu’s avatars Varaha and Narsimha, the film narrates the epic battle against the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Its scale, storytelling, and animation quality have earned it massive appreciation across the country.

3. Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (IMDb Rating: 8.2)

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Despite being the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025, Kantara: Chapter 1 ranks third on IMDb. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film serves as a prequel to the 2022 cult hit Kantara.

Set in the era of the Kadamba dynasty, the film explores the origins of Daiva Kola, blending mythology, history, and raw performances. Rishab Shetty’s intense acting once again remains the film’s biggest strength.

4. 45 (IMDb Rating: 8.2)

OTT release expected on ZEE5

Released in theatres on December 25, 2025, 45 is a fantasy action drama featuring Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty. The film marks the directorial debut of music composer Arjun Janya.

The plot revolves around a middle-class software engineer whose life turns upside down after accidentally killing a dog beloved by a powerful man. The story intriguingly connects revenge with the 45-day spiritual journey described in the Garuda Purana, making it a unique cinematic experience.

5. Elumale (IMDb Rating: 7.9)

Streaming on ZEE5

Directed by Puneeth Rangaswamy, Elumale is a romantic thriller set against the tense backdrop of Operation Cocoon in 2004, when forest brigand Veerappan was being hunted.

The film follows a cross-border love story between a Kannada cab driver and a wealthy Tamil woman, whose lives descend into chaos amid crime, police encounters, and illegal arms trade. The narrative beautifully balances romance with suspense.

Bonus Entry: Su From So (IMDb Rating: 7.7)

Streaming on JioHotstar

A horror-comedy directed by JP Thuminad, Su From So is set in a coastal village and uses humor and supernatural elements to comment on community behavior, superstition, and social prejudices. The film has been praised for its originality and layered storytelling.

Conclusion

While Kantara: Chapter 1 ruled the box office, IMDb rankings highlight how content-driven cinema across genres truly defined Kannada films in 2025. From socially relevant thrillers to mythological animation and experimental fantasy, the industry delivered a remarkable cinematic year—most of it now just a click away on OTT platforms.