Here are the top ten Kannada films of the 1980s:
- Nodi Swamy Navirodu Heege (1983) – A comedy love story directed by Shankar Nag, featuring Shankar Nag, Ramesh Bhat, and Arundathi Nag.
- Manasa Sarovara (1982) – A thriller directed by S. R. Puttanna Kanagal, starring Srinath and Padma Vasanthi.
- Tabarana Kathe (1988) – A drama directed by Girish Kasaravalli, based on the story of a government servant.
- Accident (1984) – An action drama directed by Shankar Nag.
- Thulasidala (1985) – A fictional thriller with elements of science and magic, directed by Vemagal Jagannatha Rao.
- Auto Raja (1980) – A romance mystery drama directed by Vijay, starring Shankar Nag and Gayathri.
- Bara (1980) – A political drama directed by M. S. Sathyu, set in a drought-affected district.
- Antha (1981) – A mystery crime adventure film directed by S. V. Rajendra Singh Babu, starring Ambareesh.
- Geetha (1981) – A romance musical drama directed by Shankar Nag, about a man who cheers up a cancer patient.
- Simhada Mari Sainya (1981) – A kids’ crime adventure film directed by S. V. Rajendra Singh Babu.
These films highlight the rich diversity of Kannada cinema during the 1980s, showcasing various genres and the talents of notable directors and actors of the time.
