Malayalam cinema is known for its unique style and artistic approach towards filmmaking. The industry has produced some of the finest movies in Indian cinema, which have been critically acclaimed around the world. Malayalam films are often based on social issues such as caste and religion, along with family dramas, romance, and comedy.
If you’re a fan of good cinema or interested in exploring new film culture, we present to you our picks for must-watch Malayalam movies that will keep your eyes hooked from start to finish:
1. Drishyam (2013)
Starring Mohanlal as a common man who goes to great lengths to protect his family from an accidental crime they committed. The movie is consistently rated among the best thrillers made in India.
2. Angamaly Diaries (2017)
The plot revolves around Vincent Pepe, an ex-convict trying his luck at various businesses while falling in love with Lichi played by Reshma Rajan. This movie’s raw authenticity offers a refreshing break from formulaic plots throughout mainstream Indian Cinema.
3. Ustad Hotel (2012)
A beautiful tale about food & emotion directed by Anwar Rasheed starring Dulquer Salmaan tells the story of Faizal(played by Hallitharam Poulose), who leaves home after being misunderstood by members of his family starts working at USTAD hotels under Mahesh Naryana Menon(Dulquer). Deep down inside foos uplifts him further enriches the storyline.
4.Thaniavarthanam(1987)
Mohanlal won his first national award(Filmfare Best Actor Male )for this movie playing Ravi Mankkarathu . A polio-stricken vehement musician becomes cripple performance during music contests replaced quickly wins over power rivals through clever means.
5.Premam (2015)
A coming-of-age romantic thriller directed Alphonse Puthren is about the phases of life love and learning, starred by Nivin Pauly in lead role. With beautiful music tracks like Malare and Aluva puzhakal, this movie became an instant hit among youngsters.
6. Kumbalangi Nights(2019)
One of the latest additions to Mollywood movies directed by Madhu C Narayana starring Fhadil Faasil , Shane Nigam , Shobita Dixit set in a scenic backwater village with progressive themes that challenge Regressive patriarchal order. The cinematography combined with strong character arcs got rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
7. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016)
Starring Fahadh Faasil as a photographer who vows to seek revenge for his insult: he was force-fed at his company’s canteen instead of being served food politely just because he proudly wore footwear taken off inside churches – touches upon regional prejudice issues within Kerala society while also delivering on the humor quotient.
8.Kadaladi(1990)
Mammootty played as Suresh Gopi’s brother in arms discussing what inspires youthful radicalism; inspired by George Orwell’s Animal farm translates Communist theory into practicality taking rights away from landlords makes interesting watch
9.Thondimutalum Drikshakshiyum:(2017)
Seldom crime comedy Drama which narrates seamlessly with each twist proving more compelling than earlier one sheer work done incredibly well Starring Suraj Venjaramoodu playing Kulante Sabu does climax worth waiting for a must-watch if you never have.
10.Pratyangira Devi temple mystery(2021):
A suspense-filled thriller revolving around the paranormal incident that happened between three friends through their road trip exposed death-dance culture hails & cheers female willpower against violence.
Malayalam film industry is continuously pushing boundaries experimenting with new themes keeping the audience engaged, unlike most Industries craving for slapstick comedy and item numbers. Be it a Malayali or not every movie lover must indulge in the wonders of Mollywood movies to witness how cinematic storytelling can be made effortless yet profound!
Malayalam cinema has always been known for its unique style and artistic approach towards filmmaking. The industry has produced some of the finest movies in Indian cinema, which have been critically acclaimed around the world. Malayalam films are often based on social issues such as caste and religion, along with family dramas, romance, and comedy.
The Malayalam film industry emerged during the 1920s when Tamils began to migrate from Tamil Nadu to Kerala. In July 1928, Vigathakumaran was released – the first movie produced in Kerala directed by JC Daniel marking a significant milestone in India’s cinematic history.
Over time, it grew exponentially with several notable directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Bharathan who experimented with new themes like political satires & feminism finally emerging into parallel cinema vs commercial cinema debate.
Drishyam (2013) is one of the most popular thrillers made in India. The plot revolves around Mohanlal as a common man who goes to great lengths to protect his family from an accidental crime they committed. It breaks away from predictable scripts creating edge-of-the-seat moments that keep viewers hooked throughout watching experience making them wonder what happens next long after closing credits roll out.
Angamaly Diaries (2017), directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery tells Vincent Pepe’s story essayed brilliantly by Antony Varghese Pepe falls for Reshma Rajan playing ‘Lichi’. This raw authenticity challenges stereotypes while breaking free of conventional narrative styles seen in mainstream Indian Cinema keeping audiences wanting more each passing minute.
Ustad Hotel (2012) narrates a beautiful tale about food & emotion directed by Anwar Rasheed starring Dulquer Salmaan portrays Faizal(played by Hallitharam Poulose), amidst strife caused within families over misunderstandings guide him toward working at USTAD hotels under Mahesh Naryana Menon(Dulquer). Deep down inside food uplifts him & further enriches the storyline making it relatable to all cultures alike.
Thaniavarthanam (1987) with Mohanlal winning his first national award(Filmfare Best Actor Male )for playing Ravi Mankkarathu a polio-stricken vehement musician becomes cripple performance during music contests replaced quickly wins over power rivals through clever means. A pure classic right since its release!
Premam (2015) is an Alphonse Puthren directed coming-of-age romantic thriller starring Nivin Pauly in lead role explores phases of life love and learning. With beautiful music tracks like Malare and Aluva puzhakal, this movie became an instant hit among youngsters portraying their dilemmas spanning multiple scenarios keeping them glued until the end.
Kumbalangi Nights (2019), Madhu C Narayana directed newly released movie gained widespread acclaim for Fhadil Faasil , Shane Nigam , Shobita Dixit keeping audience’s engaged throughout. Set in scenic backwater village with progressive themes that challenge Regressive patriarchal order cinematography combined stong character arcs receive rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Maheshinte Prathikaaram(2016) portrays Fahadh Faasil as a photographer who vows to seek revenge for minor insult repeatedly faced by him being force-fed at his company’s canteen just because he proudly wore footwear taken off inside churches – touches upon regional prejudice issues within Kerala society while also delivering on humor quotient.
Kadaladi(1990): Mammootty played alongside Suresh Gopi discussing what inspires youthful radicalism; inspired by George Orwell’s Animal farm-translates Communist theory into practicality removing landlords makes interesting watch never losing its relevance after generations pass out which should be seen irrespective of time or place !
Thondimutalum Drikshakshiyum:(2017) is a rare crime comedy Drama featuring Suraj Venjaramoodu playing Kulante Sabu. Each twist add to the compelling storyline making every moment worth watching until the effects of climax make it even more memorable and satisfying for viewers.
Pratyangira Devi temple mystery (2021): revolved around possessing thriller exposing death-dance culture hails & cheers female willpower against violence seamlessly narrated with edge-of-the-seat moments throughout keeping audience’s hooked will be cherished evermore within hearts worldwide purely as masterpiece building suspense till the end.
The Malayalam film industry continuously pushes boundaries, experimenting with new themes while retaining their audience engagement, something which sets Mollywood films apart from others. With unique character arcs and rich storytelling techniques that are crisp bring forth brilliantly made movies that appeal to all ages alike!
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of good cinema or interested in exploring new film culture – if you haven’t seen these must-watch Malayalam movies already then now’s your time! Explore Malayalam Cinema today & witness how cinematic storytelling can be effortless yet profound.”