This Diwali, Tamil cinema is set to offer a vibrant and youthful cinematic experience with a slate of releases featuring rising stars. Departing from the usual trend of established heroes dominating the festival releases, this year spotlights the talents of young actors Pradeep Ranganathan, Dhruv Vikram, and Harish Kalyan, among others. With a mix of action, romance, sports drama, and comedy, these films promise a refreshing alternative for moviegoers.

Here are five Tamil movies with young heroes releasing this Diwali:

1. Dude: Directed by Keerthiswaran, Dude is a romantic drama featuring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles. The film explores the emotional connection between two close friends, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, and loyalty. The cast also includes Sarathkumar, Hridhu Haroon, Neha Shetty, and Rohini. With music composed by Sai Abhyankar, Dude aims to capture the hearts of younger audiences with its youthful energy and relatable emotions.

2. Bison: Kaalamaadan: Dhruv Vikram stars in this sports drama directed by Mari Selvaraj. Bison: Kaalamaadan is inspired by real-life events and delves into the world of jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu. The film explores themes of bravery and transformation within a rural setting. Anupama Parameswaran plays the female lead, with Lal, Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, and Kalaiyarasan in supporting roles. Nivas K. Prasanna composed the music for the film.

3. Diesel: An action thriller directed by Shanmugam Muthusamy, Diesel features Harish Kalyan and Athulya Ravi in the lead roles. Vinay Rai plays the antagonist in this action-packed entertainer. The film includes Sai Kumar, Karunas, and Ananya in supporting roles. Diesel promises a mix of action, emotion, and suspense, with music by Dhibu Ninan Thomas. The movie revolves around the smuggling of crude oil.

4. Kambi Katna Kathai: Directed by Rajanathan Periyasamy, this comic caper stars Natarajan Subramaniam (Natty) and Singam Puli. The film revolves around a scam artist who poses as a spiritual guru to deceive his followers but gets entangled in an emerald heist. Kambi Katna Kathai guarantees a light-hearted viewing experience with its blend of crime, humor, and wit.

5. Carmeni Selvam: This comedy-drama, directed by Ram Chakri, stars Samuthirakani and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli. The film features Abhinaya and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles. Carmeni Selvam tells the story of a man whose life takes a turn when greed and ambition cloud his moral compass. The film balances humor and emotional depth while exploring human nature.

These five films, all releasing on October 17, 2025, showcase the diversity and talent of the younger generation in Tamil cinema. As top heroes like Simbu and Vishal have shown their support for these young actors, this Diwali promises a thrilling box-office showdown and a refreshing cinematic experience for audiences.