Southern Spice: Sridevi's Top South Indian Films: Sridevi in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam movies

Well, a lot of fans have sent note about how little information there is on Sridevi's South Indian films here on this blog - guilty - be it her Tamil, Telugu or Malayalam films. ipso facto we are not the most informative site on Sridevi as originally claimed. 

Truth of the matter is, I grew up watching Sridevi during her Bollywood reign, and have nominal information and facts on her early days - which many have said were the great 'acting' years of Sri in sensational south Indian films, with memorable parts in classic movies and unforgettable songs. To pilfer from another site (Squidoo.com), the basics on Sridevi's early years in cinema:

Sridevi made her first public appearance as a four-year-old child artist in the Tamil film Kandhan Karunai (1967). In the beginning of her career, she gave performances in many Tamil and Malayalam movies. Some of her best Malayalam movies are Aalinganam, Kuttavum Sikshaiyum, Aadhyapaadam, Aa Nimisham. 

In 1976, she got a major break in the Tamil movies in the lead role. Here, she got the opportunity to work with two great actors, namely Kamal Hassan and Rajnikanth.

In the year 1978, she made her entry in the Hindi films. Her debut Hindi film was Solva Saawa, which unfortunately did not succeed. But, her second film Himmatwala was a super hit. The movie made her a pan-Indian star overnight.

Thereafter, she signed the film Sadma, which brought her lot of appreciation. During 1980s, she gave fabulous performances, which were admired by all. Her film Chandni was the biggest hit the year it was released, which brought her in the list of one of the highest paid actresses of Bollywood. She worked in a number of films and has had a very prosperous career. After performing in Judaai, she took a break from the film industry, for upbringing her two daughters. After six years, she appeared on the small screen in a sitcom, Malini Iyer.

Important Works of Sridevi in South Indian cinema:

Malayalam

1. Kumara Sambhavam (1969) (First Malayalam movie)
2. Swapnangal (1970)
3. Poombatta (1971)
4. Theertha Yathra (1972)
5. Aasirvadham (1976)
6. Anthardhanam (1977)
7. Vezhambal (1977)
8. Avalude Ravukal (1978)
9. Amme Narayana (1984)
10. Devaragam (1996)

Tamil

click to enlarge

1. Nam Naadu (1969)
2. Kumara Sambhavam (1969)
3. Nam Naadu (1969)
4. Moondru Mudichu (1976)
5. Gayathri (1977)
6. Kavikkuyil (1977)
7. Manitharil Iththanai Nirangala (1978)
8. Mudisooda Mannan (1978)
9. Pilot Premnath (1978)

Sridevi in Sri Ranga Neetulu (1983)

Telugu

1. Bangarakka (1977)
2. Erra Gulabeelu (1978) (Sigappu Rojakkal - dubbed)
3. Kartheeka Deepam (1979)
4. Vetagadu (1979)
5. Aatagadu (1980)
6. Chuttalunnaru Jagratha (1980)
7. Devudu Ichchina Koduku (1980)
8. Gharana Donga (1980)
9. Kaksha (1980)
10. Mama Allulla Saval (1980)