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25 Greatest Malayalam Movies of All Time

Ever since Malayalam cinema underwent a renaissance in the past decade- with the influx of new-age filmmakers creating some groundbreaking work, it has been unarguably the foremost film industry in India when measured by the quality of films produced. If the 2000s were the worst years for Malayalam movies, then the best era was definitely the 70s and 80s, which witnessed the rise of the New Wave and Middle cinema respectively.

To handpick 25 great Malayalam movies from an industry whose veteran filmmakers like Priyadarshan alone have made more than 60 Malayalam movies (many of which are classics), can create a conundrum for many Malayali cinephiles.

This list is an attempt to compile the best of mainstream and independent films that I’ve watched over the years. It is not ranked in any particular order; instead, I’ve clubbed the work of filmmakers who have more than one film featured here. Please note that many filmmakers have created several masterpieces but I’ve capped them to two per director. The idea is to include as many great filmmakers in this list and evoke interest in the readers to explore more of their work.

25. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Director: Madhu C. Narayanan

One of the finest mainstream films of the previous decade , Madhu Narayanan’s directorial debut ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ takes on social taboos along with challenging several stereotypes but never lets loose its grip on the entertainment quotient. So-called alpha males crying their heart out, bringing home the widow and baby of a deceased best friend, a mute brother falling in love with an American black woman  – are all progressive themes for the middle-class milieu.

The stand-out scene that was widely appreciated in which Soubin Shahir’s character Saji seeks psychological help from a doctor, breaks the stigma associated with counseling. The highlight package of the film is Fahadh Faasil who delivers a terrific performance as the antagonist Shammi. Through this character, the writer Syam Pushkaran sketches a typical portrait of a patriarchal man who passes off his misogynist attitude and toxic masculinity under the pretext of family honor.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies – 10 Great Malayalam Movies to Stream on Prime Video

Watch/stream kumbalangi nights full movie on amazon prime, 24. sudani from nigeria (2018), director: zakariya mohammad.

Another directorial debut, this National Award winner for Best Feature Film in Malayalam is one of the best feel-good movies of our time. It has a big heart and is bound to well up the eyes of even the most stoic personalities. The title refers to a star foreign player Samuel “Sudu” of Majeed’s (Soubin Shahir) football club, who meets with an accident and is made to rest at Majeed’s house while he recovers. Over time, Majeed and his mother develop a strong bond with Samuel as they share their personal life stories with each other. Even the neighbors and townsfolk become very fond of the good-natured foreigner who doesn’t speak their language.

‘Sudani from Nigeria’ reminds us that love and humanity can transcend barriers of language and nationality. It also successfully shatters the myth that foreigners who play for football clubs in India come from sound economic backgrounds. The reality in the case of many African footballers is in stark contrast to what most people assume. Many of them play in India with the hope of escaping their impoverished lives in their home countries.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies – The 20 Best Regional Indian Movies of the Decade (the 2010s)

Watch/stream sudani from nigeria full movie on netflix, 23. munnariyippu (2014).

Director: Venu

Multiple National Award-winning cinematographer Venu’s second directorial outing follows a young female journalist who sets out to write a biography on convict C. K. Raghavan (Mammootty) who professes that he never committed the crimes he is in prison for.

‘Munnariyippu’ is a multilayered film that deconstructs the narrative and discards certain conventions, making it an interesting visual experiment. What elevates the film’s level is Mammootty’s terrific performance and subdued mannerisms. He sheds off any trace of the superstar persona and methodically absorbs the character of Raghavan in totality.

The film doesn’t indulge in the crests and troughs of mainstream drama and adopts a very restrained and mature approach in its storytelling. The main contemplation that ‘Munnariyippu’ tries to delineate through Raghavan to the audience is that the interpretation of freedom or exemption is absolutely subjective in accordance with the individual in question. Viewers willing to participate in the narrative can expect to be rewarded.

Similar to Best Malayalam Movies – Top Malayalam Movies Of 2018 and where to watch them Online

Watch/stream munnariyippu full movie online on sunnxt, 22. the great indian kitchen ( 2021).

Director: Joe Baby

Arguably, one of the best Malayalam movies to come out in recent times, the sarcastically titled film serves a disgusting assortment of patriarchy, male chauvinism, hypocrisy, and makes the viewer slowly chew it by repeating the chores and ordeal of its female protagonist.

A must-watch for all moral custodians of society who have fixed notions about gender roles in a household. The film tells the story of a newlywed woman (Nimisha Sajayan) who struggles to be the submissive wife that her husband (Suraj Venjaramood) and his family expect her to be. Millions of housewives who drudge through household chores daily that have been normalized by society will realize the injustice women have been enduring for centuries while fulfilling their expected role of duty-bound housewives. If ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ can bring about a positive change in even one married family, the film would have done its job. That would be the greatest reward for the film.

Must-Read – The Reincarnation Of Indian Cinema

Watch/stream the great indian kitchen full movie on amazon prime, 21. jallikattu (2019), director: lijo jose pellissery.

India’s official submission to the Oscars , ‘Jallikattu’ stamps the authority of Lijo Jose Pellissery as one of the finest auteurs of our generation. The raw, pulsating energy of the film makes it a wild ride that draws out the inherent beastly nature coated underneath the mask of civilization.

An ingenious plot, a myriad of characters, and an eerie background score make ‘Jallikattu’ a modern-day classic. Lijo’s obsession with close-up shots of meat butchering and food preparation syncs with the barbaric theme of the film.

Related Read: Every Lijo Jose Pellissesry Film Ranked

Lijo is one of the most exciting directors of our time who can be trusted to experiment with form, treatment, and themes in every new venture. Except for ‘Double Barrel’, every film of Lijo ranges between good and very good. ‘ Ee.Ma.Yau ‘ and ‘ Angamaly Diaries ‘ are considered cult films in Kerala and with the phenomenal success of ‘Jallikattu’, there is a lot of expectation from Lijo’s next film ‘ Churuli ‘.

Related to Great Malayalam Movies – Jallikattu [2019] Review: How masculinity is rendered fragile with its volatility

Watch/stream jallikattu full movie online on amazon prime, 20. sexy durga (2019).

Director: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan

Sanal Kumar Sasidharan is a current-generation filmmaker raising the bar of experimental cinema in Malayalam cinema. Ever since his debut feature film ‘Oraalppokkam’ in 2014, Sanal has been experimenting with the subject, narrative, and form with each film.

Sexy Durga is arguably his best work which became the first Indian film to win the Hivos Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2017. The film’s plot is fairly simple but touches upon dark themes including domination, patriarchal attitudes, hypocrisy, etc. 

During a nocturnal ride, a young woman and her lover come across a cross-section of Indian male society. What starts out as an attempt to escape descends into a journey through hell – from which no escape seems possible. Sanal has made some very fine films like ‘Ozhivudivasathe Kali’, ‘ Unmadiyude Maranam ‘, and ‘Chola’ that have received wide acclaim. He is one filmmaker from whom the audience can expect something unique and innovative in each film.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies of All Time – The 20 Best Indian Movies of 2020

19. vadakkunokkiyantram (1989).

Director: Sreenivasan

‘Vadakkunokkiyantram’ is one of the finest dark comedies in Indian cinema. Sreenivasan’s insightful observations on the male ego, insecurities, and inferiority complex shine through in his performance as well as direction.

As a jealous and suspicious husband, he keeps on doubting his wife as she is more beautiful and smarter than him. This eventually leads to marital discord and him undergoing treatment for his complexities. The film has aged very well and makes it frequently to many lists on the greatest Malayalam movies of all time.

It was remade in Tamil as ‘Dindigul Sarathy’, in Kannada as ‘Nanjangudu Nanjunda’, and in Hindi as ‘ Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh ‘. Sreenivasan’s other directorial venture ‘Chinthavishtaya Shyamala’ also stars him in the lead role, and is a brilliant black comedy on a lazy and irresponsible husband who neglects his family.

Watch/Stream Vadakkunokkiyantram Full Movie Online on Amazon Prime

18. amma ariyan (1986).

Director: John Abraham

Despite having made only four feature films due to his accidental death in 1987, the maverick John Abraham is considered one of the finest Malayalam filmmakers. And, ‘Amma Ariyan’ is unarguably his finest and most complex work.

Featured in BFI’s Top 10 Indian Films list, the story revolves around the incidents following the death of a young Naxalite, upon whose death his friends travel to the village where his mother lives to inform her of the death of her only son.

It is among the most experimental works of Indian cinema and continues to be discussed for its multi-layered narrative. Abraham was a gold medalist from FTII, and he began his career by assisting Mani Kaul on ‘ Uski Roti ‘. His ‘Cheriyanchante Kroorakrithyangal’ is also a fine film that critiques the feudal system and police atrocities. One must also take out time for his Tamil film ‘Agraharathil Kazuthai’ which is inspired by Robert Bresson’s ‘Au Hasard Balthazar’.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies – Bresson and the agony of innocence: 3 Tragic Films from the Master of Minimalism

Watch/stream amma ariyan full movie on youtube, 17. maheshinte prathikaaram (2016).

Director: Dileesh Pothan

This directorial debut of Dileesh Pothan is a “serious comedy” in Fahadh Fassil ‘s own words who plays Mahesh in the film. While attempting to defuse a conflict between his friend and a group of youngsters, he is knocked down. Unable to fight back, an embarrassed Mahesh publicly vows that he will not wear his slippers again until he has avenged his humiliation.

Instead of relying on the usual mix of hate and anger for revenge, the writer Syam Pushkaran intelligently uses comedy to draw reactions from the characters and develop a gripping, funny screenplay (which won the National Award).

Related Read: 10 Best Fahadh Faasil Movie Performances

‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ has gained a cult status over the years and has been remade into Tamil as ‘Nimir’ by Priyadarshan and into Telugu as ‘Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya’ by the ‘C/o Kancharapalem’ director Venkatesh Maha. In his second feature ‘Thondimuthalam Driksakshiyum’ and the third film ‘Joji’, Dileesh again teamed up with Fahadh to create some really good cinema. Both films are highly enjoyable and entail relevant social commentary as well.

Similar to the Best Malayalam Movies of All Time – The 15 Best Indian Films of 2016

Watch/stream maheshinte prathikaaram full movie on mubi, 16. nadodikkattu (1987).

Director: Sathyan Anthikad

Sathyan Anthikad is one of the most commercially successful Malayalam filmmakers who mastered the art of satirizing social issues and packaging them in entertaining capsules. The director-writer combination of Anthikad and Sreenivasan is responsible for some of the wittiest popular movies of Malayalam cinema.

‘Nadodikkatu’ stars Mohanlal and Sreenivasan in the lead roles as Ramdas and Vijayan. After losing their jobs in Kerala, they decide to migrate to Dubai to make their fortunes. However, they get deceived and end up in the neighboring Tamil Nadu where they are mistaken as two criminal investigators by a group of smugglers.

‘Nadodikkattu’ drew upon relevant social factors affecting Kerala of the 1980s such as widespread unemployment and poverty. Portraying the struggles of unemployed youths seeking jobs in the Middle East, this biting Malayalam satire takes a piercing look at the quirks and inferiority complexes of middle-class society. It is among the most popular Malayalam comedies of all time.

Watch/Stream Nadodikkattu Full Movies Online on MUBI

15. t halayana manthram (1990).

‘Thalayana Manthram’ is another super-hit comedy from the Anthikad-Sreenivasan stable. The film focuses on the greedy, insecure, and jealous wife of Sreenivasan’s character, who cunningly creates a rift between her husband and his family.

She desires to lead a life of luxury beyond their means, leading to severe complications in their life. The film is packed with funny scenes and hilarious situations. Much of the humor is born out of the helplessness of Sreenivasan and the troubles that he encounters due to his wife’s demands.

Urvashi, who plays Sreenivasan’s wife, received a lot of acclaim for her performance as a greedy and shrewd lady. There are many more films by Sathyan Anthikad that deserve to be viewed, and among them, a few of my favorites are ‘Varavelpu’, ‘T. P. Balagopalan M. A.’, ‘Achuvinte Amma’.

Similar to the Greatest Malayalam Movies of All Time – The 25 Finest Indian Movies of 2019

Watch/stream t halayana manthram full movies online on amazon prime, 14. kireedam (1989).

Director: Sibi Malayil

Sibi Malayil and his screenwriter A. K. Lohithadas have given Malayalam cinema some of its most commercially and critically successful films. ‘Kireedam’ is yet another masterclass in acting from Mohanlal who won the National Film Award – Special Mention “for portraying a young man’s agony and pain marvelously and in unique style”.

The film chronicles the life of a young man whose life turns upside down when he intervenes in a dispute to rescue his father (a cop) from a ruthless local outlaw. An inadvertent moment of rage and the series of unanticipated repercussions that follow it form the poignant focus of this Malayalam classic.

Sibi Malayil paints a solemn portrait of a distraught young man caught in the web of an intricate father-son dynamic , violence, and personal failings. ‘Kireedam’ was remade into six other languages – Telugu as ‘Rowdyism Nasinchali’ (1990), in Kannada as ‘Modada Mareyalli’ (1991), and in Hindi as ‘Gardish’ (1993).

Watch/Stream Kireedam Online on Amazon Prime

13. thaniyavarthanam (1987).

This was the first film that kicked off the Malayil-Lohithadas partnership. The film discusses a variety of topics such as superstition and orthodoxy in rural Kerala, attitudes towards mental illness, the difference of attitudes between people of different generations, and the decline of once-proud Nair “joint families”.

Apart from the main storyline concerning Balan (Mammootty), the movie also makes a subtle sketch of the life of people in a “matriarchal” society. The uncle of Balan (played by Thilakan) enjoys so much influence in the family affairs that he becomes a catalyst to Balan’s slow but steady decline to lunacy.

It was Thilakan who had recommended Mammootty for the lead role. The writer-director duo has given the Malayalam film industry some of its acclaimed classics including ‘Dasharatham’ and ‘Bharatham’ for which Mohanlal bagged a Best Actor National Film Award. Forbes India included Mohanlal’s performance in the film on its list of “25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema”.

Watch/Stream Thaniyavarthanam Full Movie Online on Eros Now

12. peruvazhiyambalam (1979), director: p. padmarajan.

P. Padmarajan was not only among the finest filmmakers from Kerala but also a highly accomplished author. Along with K. G. George and Bharathan, he is credited with founding a new school of filmmaking in Malayalam cinema in the 1980s. Along with his contemporaries, Padmarajan created groundbreaking films that were widely received while also being critically acclaimed.

He is known for his mastery in screenwriting. ‘Peruvazhiyambalam’ is based on his novel of the same name, and marks his directorial debut along with the acting debut of Ashokan who plays the central character, Raman.

The film is an incisive examination of how violence or totalitarianism works in our society; it deals with disturbing questions relating to masculinity and how people adore and dread it at the same time. The Hindu described the film as one of the finest films in Malayalam.  It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam and was included in IBN Live’s list of 100 greatest Indian films of all time. ‘Thinkalaazhcha Nalla Divasam’, ‘Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal’, and ‘Innale’ are also some fine films from the master.

Watch/Stream Peruvazhiyambalam Full Movie on YouTube

11. thoovanathumbikal (1987).

The film is partly based on Padmarajan’s novel Udakappola . It revolves around Jayakrishnan (Mohanlal), who falls in love with two women; Radha (Parvathy), a distant relative of his, and Clara (Sumalatha), an escort in town.

The film is widely noted for its rich film score and songs, dialogues and characters, detailed screenplay, and Mohanlal’s and Sumalatha’s performance. Rain is a recurring theme and is portrayed almost as a character in the film. Set in Thrissur, the film displays the typical Malayali bachelor lifestyle in many scenes. One such scene where Mohanlal invites Ashokan for a lemonade drink and straight away gets into the city bar has now become an iconic call sign for a drink offer between Malayalis.

‘Thoovanathumbikal’ is considered, by many, to be the most romantic movie ever made in Malayalam cinema history. The film deals with the most intense human emotions of love and lust. Years after its release, the movie has turned into a cult classic, especially among the youth. In a 2013 online poll, IBN Live listed it as the 8th greatest Indian film of all time.

Watch/Stream Thoovanathumbikal Full Movies Online on Amazon Prime

10. prayanam (1975).

Director: Bharathan 

Bharathan’s films were known for their realistic portrayal of rural life in Kerala. Melodrama and escapism were usually absent in his films. His background as a painter enabled him to create frames that were often credited for their visual beauty. Natural props and nature itself often became important characters in his films (like the railway track in ‘Palangal’, or the sea in ‘Amaram’).

Bharathan is one of the few Indian directors known to use an elaborate storyboard system for filming. He also often designed posters for his films. ‘Pranayam’ was written by P. Padmarajan and it marked the debut of both Bharathan as a director and Padmarajan as a screenwriter.

The film probes into the realities that existed within the Brahmin community of the day. Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair plays an elderly Brahmin priest married to a girl young enough to be his daughter. A lot is implicated and unsaid in the film. It is one of the personal favorites of the director.

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Watch/stream pranayam full movie online on eros now, 9. vaishali (1988), director: bharathan.

‘Vaishali’ is regarded as a modern-day masterpiece in Malayalam cinema. The film is an adaptation of a sub-story told by Vedavyasa to King Yudhishtira in the epic Mahabharatha. It is the story of Vaisali, a devadasi girl who was assigned the mission of seducing Rishyashrungan, the son of Maharshi Vibhandakan, and bringing him to Chambapuri to perform a mahayagam to bring rain.

Films like ‘Vaishali’ and ‘Amaram’ (where Bharathan collaborated with acclaimed cinematographer Madhu Ambat) set a new benchmark for cinematographic excellence in Malayalam and Indian Cinema. Several of Bharathan’s films are known for their bold portrayal of sexual themes. His films often defied social conventions and norms about man-woman relationships. ‘

Rathinirvedam’ was the sexual-coming-of-age story of the relationship between a teenager and an older woman while ‘Chamaram’ dealt with the tumultuous affair between a student and his college lecturer. ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’ and ‘Kaathodu Kaathoram’ also explore adulterous relationships and are worth one’s time.

Watch/Stream Vaishali Full Movie Online on Eros Now

8. yavanika (1982).

Director: K. G. George

Known for his unconventional work, K. G. George is noted for his deep psychological analysis and character study of the human mind in his films. He made his directorial debut with ‘Swapnadanam’ (1975) and became a strong presence of the new cinema movement in Kerala that became active during the early 1970s.

‘Yavanika’ stands out as one of the most commercially successful, yet artistically superior films of the 1980s. In the form of a detective thriller, it explores the backstage drama of a traveling drama troop. The plot is structured around the search for an unpopular tabla player of the troupe who suddenly disappears.

The film is regarded as the finest mystery or investigative thriller ever made in Malayalam cinema. One of the greatest screenplays written in Malayalam cinema, and the performances of Bharat Gopi and Thilakan are phenomenal. It won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film, Best Story, and Second Best Actor for Thilakan.

Also Related to the Best Malayalam Movies – Disappearance [2017]: ‘TIFF’ Review

Watch/stream yavanika full movie online on hotstar, 7. irakal (1985).

‘Irakal’ is considered the first dark movie in Malayalam and one of the best works of K.G George. The film is an in-depth exploration of the psychology of violence and its theme in undertones depicted political conditions of the country during that time including The Emergency.

Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi are said to be symbolically presented by Thilakan and Ganesh respectively in the film, though George didn’t say it directly. Dileesh Pothan’s ‘Joji’ is said to have taken inspiration from the film with regard to theme.

The film won two Kerala State Film Awards—Second Best Film and Best Story. George has given Malayalam cinema many groundbreaking classics. ‘ Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback ‘  (1983), ‘Adaminte Vaariyellu’ (1983), and ‘Panchavadi Palam’ (1984) are some highly engaging films that should definitely be explored by cinephiles.

Watch/Stream Irakal Full Movie Online on Eros Now

6. vanaprastham (1999).

Director: Shaji N. Karun

‘Vanaprastham’ is the crowning glory in Mohanlal’s acting career for which he won yet another National Award. His tragic performance is considered the pinnacle of acting by many. The film chronicles the life of a lower-caste Kathakali artist (Mohanlal) who receives great acclaim in his career but is burdened by repeated rejections and abandonment in his personal life.

Like most Shaji N. Karun films, this one too has pain written all over it. An Indo-French production, ‘Vanaprastham’ excels in every department of filmmaking. The cinematography is exceptional and the soul-stirring soundtrack by Zakir Hussain is truly world-class.

The film was Shaji’s third film to be screened at Cannes and is deservingly regarded as one of the finest Indian films. It won multiple National awards, and after the screening of the film, the Government of France conferred Shaji with the title Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies – Suspiria (2018): A True Spell To The Remake Formula

Watch/stream vanaprastham full movie online on hotstar, 5. piravi (1989).

After a glorious career as one of the finest cinematographers in India and giving Malayalam cinema some of its most poetic images, mostly in the films of G. Aravindan, Shaji decided to become a director. And boy, what a debut! ‘Piravi’ not only won the National Award for Best Feature Film but also won several awards at prestigious international film festivals including the Camera d’Or at Cannes.

The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son, a student in Regional Engineering College, Calicut, was killed in police custody during the National Emergency Period of 1976. The grief of a father endlessly waiting for his son to return has been portrayed brilliantly by Premji who won the National Award for Best Actor.

Shaji’s films are filled with pathos and are as real as cinema can get. An uncompromising filmmaker who is among the best we’ve seen. His second film ‘Swaham’ (1994) was the last Indian film that competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

4. Pokkuveyil (1982)

Director: G. Aravindan

Govindan Aravindan is one of the finest filmmakers produced by India. Arguably, the country’s most poetic director, Aravindan’s films are revered for their visual lyricism and minimalism. A large portion of the credit goes to his cinematographer Shaji N. Karun for creating a transcendental world through his beautiful images.

In ‘Pokkuveyil’, both the artists are at their peak and have created a haunting masterpiece. It is a beautiful, melancholic work of art with some of the finest images of nature captured on film. The indefinability of the human mind is the theme of the film.

Aravindan recorded its audio first as a composition for the flute by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and the sarod by Rajeev Taranath. The visuals were ‘composed’ according to musical notations without any script. The film won the Rajat Kamal for the second-best movie in the country for the year 1982. It was screened in several international film festivals, including Cannes.

Watch/Stream Pokkuveyil Full Movie Online on YouTube

3. esthappan (1980).

The film blends together the Biblical story of the deeds of Christ and the way society responded to him, with the life of Esthappan, whose life mystifies others. Esthappan is a fisherman, who lives in a seashore colony. His story unfolds through narrations by other fishermen about his miraculous acts. Through the contradictory statements of these people, a mystical figure of Esthappan unfolds.

Again, it’s the ethereal images of Shaji N. Karun that cast a spell on the viewer. Through the prophetic dialogues in the film and the theme of mysticism, Aravindan raises existential questions about life, death, and everything in between.

‘Esthappan’ won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Film and Best Director. Readers of this list must do themselves a favor by watching Aravindan’s entire filmography if possible. He was an incomparable artist whose ingenuity was reflected in his strikingly beautiful mise en scenes.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies – How Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Masaan’ amplifies its themes through Visual Storytelling

Watch/stream esthappan full movie online on youtube, 2.  anantaram (1987).

Director: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Regarded as the greatest living Indian filmmaker, Adoor Gopalakrishnan is the brightest jewel in the crown of Malayalam cinema. He pioneered the new wave in Kerala with his debut film ‘Swayamvaram’ in 1972. With several documentaries and 12 feature films to his credit, almost every film of his can find a place in this list.

‘Anantaram’ is arguably his best work. In fact, it is my favorite Indian film of all time. It stars Ashokan and Shobhana in the lead with Mammootty in an extended guest role. The film is structured like a monologue. It develops through a commentary by the protagonist about himself in the first person.

In an interview, Adoor said, “Anantaram is basically about perceptions. About a young, impressionable boy who lacks some sort of functioning. Though my life was not very familiar, I was searching for the familiar experience of growing up, struggling with life and relationships. What is in the frame and what is juxtaposed to it just outside the frame… or let us put it this way, it has to do with attuning to the reality just beyond perception. Actually, this is part of the daily experience though we don’t analyze it.”

Related to Best Malayalam Movies – The 10 Most Essential Adoor Gopalakrishnan Movies

Watch/stream anantaram full movie online on youtube, 1.  vidheyan (1994).

The film is a cinematic adaptation of the novel Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum by Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia. Zacharia’s novella was inspired by a real-life character named Patela Shekhara Gowda alias Shiradi Shekhara. ‘Vidheyan’ explores the master-slave relationship in a South Karnataka setting and is a brilliant psychology study of the topic.

Mammootty and M. R. Gopakumar essay the lead roles of master and slave respectively. The performance of Mammootty is arguably the greatest portrayal of a villainous character in Indian cinema. The actor is terrifying and menacing as a ruthless landlord who does as he pleases and completely owns his slave.

Adoor masterfully examines the changing dynamics between the master and slave as the film progresses. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam and the Best Actor Award for Mammootty. Adoor’s ‘Mathilukal, ‘Kodiyettam’, ‘Mukhamukham’, ‘Kathapurushan’, ‘Elippathayam’, are all brilliant films that are must-visits.

Related to Best Malayalam Movies of All Time – Top Malayalam Movies Of 2020 and Where to Watch Them Online

Watch/stream vidheyan full movie on youtube, trending right now.

Arun A.K. is a communications professional working in Mumbai, India. He admits being guilty of showing more love to cinema and food than to writing. Most of the time, he ends up losing his frequent fights with sugar cravings. Arun holds an MBA degree from Symbiosis International University and B.E. in Electronics from Mumbai University. Twitter Handle: @arunusual

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Aavesham movie review: Fahadh Faasil delivers ‘verithanam’ performance in this all-encompassing comedy masala

Aavesham movie review: jithu madhavan's gangster comedy is arguably fahadh faasil's first all-encompassing masala film and the actor unabashedly uses it to silence all the criticisms against him that he can't handle mass characters..

Rangan (Fahadh Faasil) is not a fresh and unique character. He does bear resemblance to Mammootty’s characters such as Kottayam Kunjachan from the 1990 eponymous movie, Bellary Raja from Rajamanikyam (2005), Current Bhargavan from Bhargavacharitham Moonam Khandam (a 2006 film inspired by the American mafia comedy Analyze This) and Veerendra Mallayya from Chattambinadu (2009). He also looks quite similar to Fahadh’s Rathnavelu from Maamannan (2023). However, this doesn’t detract from his captivating presence.

Jithu Madhavan’s sophomore directorial venture, after the blockbuster horror comedy Romancham (2023), the gangster comedy Aavesham is arguably Fahadh’s first all-encompassing masala film, and the actor unabashedly uses it to silence all the criticisms against him that he can’t handle mass characters.

Set in Bengaluru, Aavesham revolves around three college students and a pompous gangster they encounter in search of a goon who can take revenge on their behalf against a bunch of seniors who have been giving them a hard time.

From the outset, Aavesham establishes its tone effectively, providing ample humour while delving into the lives of new college students. Unlike typical college films wherein the makers go overboard to show gang wars, Jithu Madhavan focuses only on the essential elements. Newbies Bibi (Midhun), Aju (Hipster) and Shanthan (Roshan Shanavas) soon become friends and noticing that the seniors are ragging the newcomers, attempt to unite first-year students for protection. However, their plan backfires, leading to their capture by Kutty and his senior gang, who subject them to severe beatings in a garage for a few days. Once out, they begin plotting revenge and start making attempts to build local support, thus encountering Rangan, who appears to be a big shot. Initially seeming to be a caricaturish figure, though they have doubts about his abilities since he “no longer directly thrashes anyone and does the job only through his men,” Bibi, Aju and Shanthan befriend Rangan due to his extensive support base. But soon, their assumptions are proven false, and the three kids find themselves in big trouble owing to Rangan’s activities and his affinity towards them. The remainder of the film chronicles their journey together.

Watch Aavesham teaser here:

While the first act predominantly focuses on the kids, establishing the groundwork, the atmosphere shifts with Fahadh’s electrifying entrance. However, Jithu deviates from conventional gangster tropes and injects humour into Rangan’s initial scenes, eliciting doubts about him among viewers as much as the central trio. Nevertheless, the writer-director meticulously crafts the character and narrative, avoiding haste. With the assistance of Rangan’s confidante Amban (a spectacular Sajin Gopu), Jithu minimises the depiction of the gangster’s flashbacks, relying more on Sajin’s humorous retellings of his boss’ past, anecdotes he’s only heard about from others who “told me about the incidents with just as much impact”.

Clad in white, adorned with flashy gold chains and rings, donning a black Ray-Ban and speaking with a thick Kannada accent, Fahadh unleashes Rangan in a ‘ verithanam ‘ manner and that too in a style unseen from him before. Excelling in both comedic and mass moments, Fahadh makes Aavesham his own, yet Jithu ensures it’s more than just a showcase for him. The kids’ characters are neatly developed, with Amban maintaining a constant presence and the chemistry between Sajin and Fahadh remains compelling. Despite its lengthy 158-minute runtime, the film stays on course, avoiding an excess of characters and focusing on those already established, depicting their various challenges and life situations in the most entertaining manner possible.

By cleverly tiptoeing around the question of “Is Rangan an actual gangster?” and offering comedy, mass and action at regular intervals and in a measured tempo, Jithu ensures that audiences stay glued to the screen. At the same time, the film also gives Rangan emotional moments, thus fully capitalising on the acting prowess of Fahadh, and the thespian never misses the mark.

However, aside from Rangan and Amban, the character development in the film falls short, with other characters displaying inconsistent behaviour and traits. While each person’s nature undergoes growth over time, abrupt changes in characterisations without proper explanation could detract from the viewing experience and Aavesham has this problem. Additionally, some characters introduced early on, such as Kutty, Rangan’s former boss Reddy (Mansoor Ali Khan) and the trio’s college executive director (Ashish Vidyarthi) have only limited roles later in the film, leaving viewers questioning their initial prominence. Though the film maintains engagement, trimming certain repetitive segments would have enhanced its overall impact.

Nevertheless, the performances make up for the narrative flaws in Aavesham. While Fahadh brilliantly utilises his full potential, seamlessly swapping between Rangan’s various emotions and demeanour, providing indistinguishable energy to the film, even surpassing his performance in Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014) thanks to the abundance of comedy, Sajin Gopu proves to be a significant addition to Malayalam’s new list of actors, effortlessly acing comedy and action. Midhun, Hipster and Roshan also impress greatly, going overboard only when the situations demand it.

What elevates Aavesham further is undoubtedly Sushin Shyam’s tracks and background score, which give the film the mass masala vibe it demands. Without overusing any particular tune, Sushin adeptly switches between the ones he has created, providing a cohesive viewing experience. Sameer Thahir once again demonstrates his proficiency in cinematography, with the action sequences in Aavesham standing out due to his skills. Together with Vivek Harshan’s excellent editing, the film maintains visual richness throughout, avoiding reliance on excessive cuts and allowing shots to progress naturally. Chethan Dsouza’s stunts and Sandy’s dance choreography, which infuse the film with the essence of Telugu and Tamil masala films while retaining its Malayalam touch, also stand out and contribute to Aavesham’s allure. Ashwini Kale’s production design, Mashar Hamsa’s costumes and RG Wayanadan’s makeup also deserve special mention for their exemplary work.

Aavesham movie cast: Fahadh Faasil, Sajin Gopu, Midhun, Hipster, Roshan Shanavas, Mansoor Ali Khan Aavesham movie director: Jithu Madhavan Aavesham movie rating: 3.5 stars

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Director Shankar, known for his grand sets and larger-than-life scenarios, recently hosted a lavish wedding for his daughter Aishwarya Shankar. The event was attended by superstar guests including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and many others. Shankar is currently working on two highly anticipated films, Indian 2 and Game Changer, which are set to be released later this year.

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Malayalam (Reviews)

25 Best Malayalam Movies on Netflix (April 2024)

Netflix has proved to be a wonderful platform for Malayalam cinema. With the current facelift that this particular regional industry is going through, the online streaming service has made available for the public those films that are daring, different, and not exactly oriented for a commercial audience. Some of the films on this list, like ‘Eeda’ (2018), have largely shocking themes and interesting filmmaking styles. A picture like ‘Chaayam Poosiya Veedu’ (2015), which would probably fail to find a big market in the theatres due to its bold character portrayals, has found a reasonably high following on the internet.

Be it romance, action, humor, tragedy, or any other genre, Malayalam movies offer a very tangible portrayal of their characters and stories that do not affect our suspension of disbelief in any way. This is what makes them so special.

25. Anweshippin Kandethum (2024)

Starring Tovino Thomas in the lead, ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ follows Sub-Inspector Anand Narayanan (Thomas), who is shown to try and solve two murder cases, one that got him suspended and another cold case that he investigates after returning from suspension. Both cases are complex and ridden with cultural sensitivities and police brutalities that often take the shape of obstacles for Narayanan. Despite all these, the film shows how he tries to get close to the truth. Directed by Darwin Kuriakose, ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ can be streamed here .

24. Sesham Mike-il Fathima (2023)

‘Sesham Mike-il Fathima’ is directed by Manu C. Kumar. It follows bubbly Fathima (Kalyani Priyadarshan), who dreams of being a football commentator, thanks to her father (Sudeesh), who is a former footballer. Her journey from doing live commentary in a local football match to trying to prove herself worthy of the big game, the Indian Football League (IFL), and the struggles she underwent and the prejudices she faced for it have been portrayed effectively in this drama. You can watch the movie here .

23. Thallumaala (2022)

In the dynamic tale of ‘Thallumaala,’ Wazim’s life unfolds as a series of confrontations, with a crescendo reached during a tumultuous wedding day brawl. This transforms Wazim into the viral sensation Manavalan Wazim. Complicating matters, his bride, Beepaathu, an even more prominent internet figure, adds a layer of complexity to his newfound fame. Police S.I. Regi Mathew, seeking redemption, envisions a return to normalcy through a decisive fistfight with Wazim. As the two contenders brace for their final clash, Wazim must not only navigate the impending brawl but also embark on the challenge of winning back the heart of his lost love and former bride, Beepaathu. You can watch the movie here .

22. One (2021)

Starring Mammootty, Murali Gopy, Joju George, and Siddique, ‘One,’ aka ‘1,’ is a political drama film directed by Santhosh Viswanath. The movie centers upon a formidable Kerala chief minister who has made a name for himself and earned public devotion for his uncompromising attitude towards corruption. However, a lot of politicians also hate him for his dictatorial decisions and desperately want him out. But when a power tussle is started by a social media post, the inflexible principles of the people’s chief minister are tested as he is pushed to fight for his name and the greater good. You can watch the movie here .

21. Padmini (2023)

A comedy-drama helmed by Senna Hegde and written by Deepu Pradeep, ‘Padmini’ follows a college lecturer named Rameshan (Kunchacko Boban) who earns the name ‘Padmini’ after his wife Smrithi (Vincy Aloshious) elopes on the first night of their marriage in a Premier Padmini car. Two years pass by, but people still mock Rameshan and call him by that name. Thankfully, after multiple failed attempts at looking for a woman he can marry, he meets a friend from college whose name is also Padmini (Madonna Sebastian), and they fall in love. However, their decision to get married won’t come to fruition until Rameshan gets a divorce from Smrithi. Thus begins the hunt for Smrithi, and problems don’t stop even after she is found. To find out whether Rameshan and Padmini ultimately get married, you have to watch the film here as you must.

20. Attention Please (2021)

‘Attention Please’ is a Jithin Issac Thomas-directed thriller that follows a jobless scriptwriter/filmmaker named Hari (Vishnu Govindhan) who tells his working friends a series of stories that have an unsettling element despite being purely verbal and underscored by sound effects. All the events take place in one location, and how the movie balances its realistic and dramatic elements is what makes this film a true-to-form thriller that is also a commentary on casteism. To tell you more would spoil it for you, so we urge you to watch. You can do so right here .

19. Maniyarayile Ashokan (2020)

‘Maniyarayile Ashokan,’ directed by Shamsu Zayba and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, is a feel-good movie designed to give hope to every man out there that they will find their dream woman someday, regardless of their flaws, and boy, will she be perfect. ‘Maniyarayile Ashokan’ tells the story of Ashokan, a middle-aged man who does not look like he stepped off a movie poster, as he experiences major FOMO because of all his friends getting married and settling into a life of blessed domesticity. Ashokan just wants to get married to a nice girl and start a family, but no luck so far. To fix his “planetary alignments” (as told by an astrologer), Ashokan goes to some unnecessary lengths. There’s not much substance to the story, but the cinematography is beautiful, along with all the actors. Watch it as a 2-hour-long pleasant escape from the harsh realities of the world here .

18. Forensic (2020)

‘Forensic’ is a crime thriller that brings an investigating officer and a medico-legal advisor together (two people who have some history but thankfully not the romantic kind) as they try to catch a serial killer who especially targets young kids. This film does not delve into the details of the killer’s background too much because, as the protagonist explains early on, sometimes, the thrill of the crime is the psychopath’s motivation and nothing else. What this film also does not do is provide a romantic sub-story of any kind, which is great because, seriously, no one would be interested in a romantic track when there is a child-murdering killer on the loose. ‘Forensic’ makes for a decent crime thriller, with some power-packed performances from the main cast. Feel free to check it out here .

17. Varane Avashyamund (2020)

Anoop Sathyan’s directorial debut ‘Varane Avashyamund’ is a feel-good family movie that was meant to be the ultimate soothing comfort watch for relaxing Sundays. If only it was better scripted, with the characters having more depth, it could have been something great. But alas, the movie remains surfacy and the characters shallow. But that in no way means that it’s not a good film. It is. The story, set in a Chennai apartment building, is about the interactions between newly moved-in neighbors and runs like a sweet slice-of-life affair. Overall, it is an endearing and heartwarming film that will make you smile. You can check it out here .

16. Kappela (2020)

Muhammed Musthafa’s debut as director ‘Kappela’ is a visually stunning film that plays into the “deceptive appearances” trope. Jessie (Anna Ben) is a young girl living in a remote Kerala village who dreams of making it out of there someday (mainly because of her strict and overly controlling father). She dials the wrong number one day, only to have the person on the other end call her back regularly. This person is Vishnu (Roshan Matthew), who appears to be a genuinely nice guy living in a big town. For Jessie to fall in love with him, she doesn’t need more than the allure of town, away from her village. That he has the good looks and oodles of charm is just a bonus.

Jessie runs away to live with Vishnu. That’s when the narrative changes from “sweet, romantic slice-of-life” to “duplicitous betrayal.” Ultimately, the movie’s message is rooted in patriarchy, though subtly – that girls can only have a safe life as long as they adhere to the rules laid down by their father and mother. The ending notwithstanding, ‘Kappela’ is still a really good film, winning at cinematography, scripting, and acting. You can watch the movie here .

15. Night Drive (2022)

One thing leads to another. This isn’t a proverb, but it is perhaps the oldest one that exists and one that shines bright in ‘Night Drive’ directed by Vysakh. How a beautiful long drive can turn into a worst-case scenario is presented to you in a dish of fate garnished with corruption . The events surround Georgy (Roshan Mathew) and Riya (Anna Ben), who are childhood friends and present sweethearts. Dreams, aspirations, misunderstandings, politics, and murder. Writer Abhilash Pillai takes all of these and provides us with an apt mix to relish and enjoy; thank god for fiction. You may watch the film here .

14. Uyare (2019)

Acid attacks are becoming one of the most common crimes against women in South Asia, and the effects such an attack tends to have on the person involved is extremely shocking. The central character of this film is a woman called Pallavi, who dreams of becoming a flight attendant. However, her plans are completely ruined when her former boyfriend throws acid at her and disfigures her face permanently. Pallavi also loses some of her vision as a result of this attack. Despite her poor eyesight, Pallavi comes across a guy called Vishal, who wants to hire her as a flight attendant. However, she is advised against doing so by her father, who says that doing so might pose a threat to the security of the passengers.

However, Vishal talks about the discrimination against Pallavi in a press conference, and she gets uncomfortable at first when her story is shared with the world. But she is finally convinced by her father to give the career a shot once again. A poignant tale, ‘Uyare’ is a very relevant film in the South Asian context. Although the film resorts to cliches in its storyline, the way everything is executed brilliantly definitely deserves our appreciation. You may watch ‘Uyare’ here .

13. Vikrithi (2019)

‘Vikrithi’ means mischief. Someone commits what he thinks is only a little harmless mischief, and someone else’s whole life is ruined because of it. That’s the premise of Emcee Thomas’s ‘Vikrithi,’ which is, interestingly enough, based on a true incident . The story is that of Sameer, a man with a need to overshare on social media about anything and everything, one day taking a picture of a drunkard passed out on the Kochi metro and posting it as a meme that goes viral.

However, that person sleeping on the metro is not a drunkard at all, but a man named Eldho, who is hard of hearing and mute, returning home in utter exhaustion after spending two sleepless nights caring for his sick daughter in the hospital. But Sameer’s careless post sets the ball rolling, and events unfold that lead to a lot of grief and suffering for Eldho. This comedy-drama is one of the best Malayalam films in the last couple of years and only suffers from slightly haywire scenes in the second half. You can stream the film here .

12. Sudani From Nigeria (2018)

A beautiful story of friendship set in a small village in the Indian state of Kerala, ‘Sudani From Nigeria’ is a film people of all ages can enjoy. The story begins with a local soccer manager, Majeed, who manages to bring success to his team by hiring three Nigerian players. One of these players, Samuel, gets injured badly and needs time to recuperate. Majeed realizes that Samuel cannot afford the hospital charges and thus proposes that Samuel should stay with him and his mother. Samuel starts living with Majeed, and soon, the two of them develop a warm friendship.

Since Majeed’s townsfolk have never seen a foreigner before, Samuel also becomes quite popular in the village. This draws the police’s attention, and they soon come enquiring about Samuel’s passport. While telling a beautiful story, this film also shows us how suffering is one common element in the human experience. This a feel-good movie that will remain with you long after you watch it. Every aspect of this film is of superlative quality. You can stream it here .

11. Angamaly Diaries (2017)

To present a film in a style never before carried out in Malayalam cinema, with a cast of 86 fresh faces, is a big risk to take. Director Lijo Jose Pelliserry tells his tale of a bunch of outlaws in the streets of Angamaly with a brash, raw, unforgiving execution, making for a zany, almost insane realization of events in a film that is rather well-acted and well-written. A cinematographic achievement, the 11-minute long shot that climaxes the film is truly one of the greatest achievements of Indian celluloid.

There isn’t much to say about the plot of this film, which might be its biggest flaw, but in its defense, ‘Angamaly Diaries’ had advertised itself as a ‘local’ film, one that refused to care about conventional filmmaking methods, thereby not catering to the expectations of average filmgoers, giving them an experience totally out of the blue. Thankfully, this was one they could take home, making it one of Pelliserry’s many effective experimental endeavors. You can stream it here .

10. Thottappan (2019)

Shanavas K Bavakkutty’s second directorial venture ‘Thottappan’ deviates quite a lot from the book that it is adapted from – Francis Noronha’s “Thottapan.” But that deviation from the original story is not necessarily bad. Apart from a little bit of unnecessary flab, the movie is almost perfect and authentic in its portrayal of life in the remote villages of India, far removed from city life. The story follows Itthak, who is the Thottappan (which means godfather ) of Sarah, his late partner and best friend’s daughter. After his friend died, Itthak gave everything else up to care for Sarah and bring her up as his own. The film deals with themes of parenthood, brotherhood, family, community, trust, and betrayal. It is a very raw, real, and riveting watch, made special by superb performances by its actors. You can watch the movie here .

9. Kilometers and Kilometers (2020)

‘Kilometers and Kilometers’ is a comedy-drama that brings together Josemon, a handyman from Kerala, India, and Cathy, an American woman who has come to India on a trip. The latter is looking for a tour guide who can give her the tour, to which the former agrees because he needs the money and perhaps a potential chance at love. The events that follow keep us intrigued while taking us through the gorgeous Indian landscapes. A feel-good movie in every way, ‘Kilometers and Kilometers’ offers a great binge-watch that you can enjoy with your family here .

8. Vaashi (2022)

Two advocates, Ebin (Tovino Thomas) and Madhavi (Keerthy Suresh), who are in love, find themselves facing each other in a court of law. In ‘Vaashi,’ directed by Vishnu G. Raghav, we get to see two conflicted individuals who can neither give up on their love nor their professions, and this makes sense. But what happens as a result is what the story reveals. The film poses the question of what comes first, love or profession, and answering it can get a lot tough at times. And whatever decision the two leads take will come at a cost. Can they afford it? The answer lies in ‘Vaashi.’ Feel free to check out the movie here .

7. Jana Gana Mana (2022)

The events of ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ directed by Dijo Jose Antony, occur after a college professor is murdered. A college protest is suppressed, but public outrage calls for an investigation by the state government. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sajjan Kumar (Suraj Venjaramoodu) is brought in, and his actions put him in court, where he faces a prosecution led by Advocate Aravind Swaminathan (Prithviraj Sukumaran). What follows is the shocking revelation of a string of truths that connect the police officer and the advocate. You might want to listen carefully to avoid missing even a single word. This is a hearing you wouldn’t want to miss. You can watch it here .

6. Kurup (2021)

Written by Jithin K. Jose, K. S. Aravind, and Daniel Sayooj Nair, ‘Kurup’ is an Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Srinath Rajendran. The Dulquer Salmaan and Indrajith Sukumaran starrer follows the titular protagonist as he embarks on a quest to find a man with a similar appearance to him. Once he has found the right man, the consummate criminal plans to use him as a tool for self-advancement by falsifying his death and making quick money by cheating the system, but will he be able to pull off his ambitious goal? You can watch ‘Kurup’ here and find out for yourself.

5. Kuttavum Shikshayum (2022)

It is high time that we admit that the heroism that we associate with cops in movies needs to come not from how they look in their uniforms but from the pain they undertake in finding the criminals. Looks cannot kill, and this Rajeev Ravi directorial makes the fact clear with utmost clarity while pulling you into its plot. Based on a true incident, the story brings five police officers from Kerala (extreme south of India) to Uttar Pradesh (north-central India) to nab the culprits who robbed a jewelry store. Yes, it may not sound that dangerous as we do not mention any murder, but as they say, be careful what you wish for. The way the plot builds the tension and makes its way to the climax is nothing short of pulsating. You have to watch it to experience it. You can do so here .

4. Nayattu (2021)

Director Martin Prakkat makes clear the twisted game of politics and how cops are subjected to the power of politicians in this thriller drama. When three police officers, namely Maniyan (Joju George), Praveen (Kunchako Boban), and Sunitha (Nimisha Sajayan), get into a scuffle with a goon/party worker and put him in jail, orders from above make them release him. This is followed by an accident wherein the same three officers become suspects and are forced into hiding until they figure out a way to prove that they are innocent. There are no words to mince here. Corruption runs supreme, and ‘Nayattu’ is strong evidence that stresses this truth. You may watch the film here .

3. Minnal Murali (2021)

Starring Tovino Thomas, Guru Somasundaram, Femina George, and Aju Varghese, ‘Minnal Murali’ is an Indian Malayalam-language superhero film. This Basil Joseph directorial follows an ordinary tailor named Jaison, who accidentally gets struck by lightning and, to everyone’s surprise, escapes unharmed. A few days following the violent incident, he realizes that he has somehow gained superhero abilities. Sadly, before he can use them for the greater good, Jaison is suspected of an unsolved crime by the law enforcement authorities. When his villagers turn against him, he realizes that he must fight for himself. You can stream the film here .

2. Njan Prakashan (2018)

A wonderfully made satire, this 2018 film tells the story of a man called Prakashan who loathes his job as a nurse and believes this profession is only suited for women. Prakashan plans to marry a girl who has a foreign nationality so that he can acquire a visa for that country without much hassle and then start a better life there. Prakashan gets to know that his former girlfriend Salomi is going to Germany, where she will be working as a nurse since the pay there is significantly higher than what she gets in Kerala, India.

Prakashan goes about collecting money, sometimes in rather shady ways, to buy tickets for himself and Salomi, but his endeavor reaches a crushing failure when he finally realizes that it was Salomi who has been making a fool of him for the money all along. How will Prakashan react to this situation? Will he be able to shape up his life after this big blow? If you want to know this, you’ve got to watch ‘Njan Prakashan.’ The film is brilliantly written, has some amazing characters, and is a very entertaining watch overall. The way the director handles the fine balance between the comedic and the darker moments in the film is truly appreciable. You can stream ‘Njan Prakashan’ here .

1. Iratta (2023)

Written and directed by Rohit M. G. Krishnan, ‘Iratta’ (‘Twin’) is a murder mystery film that tops our list of Malayalam movies on Netflix. Following the death of his twin brother ASI Vinod, DySP Pramod begins looking into the case. The initial three suspects all had motives to kill Vinod, but as the investigation progresses, they appear to have alibis. Vinod and Pramod had a troubled childhood because of their abusive father. When their parents divorced, while Pramod got the chance to be raised by their loving mother, their father forcefully took Vinod away, and the abuse continued for him for years, making him resentful toward his twin and mother as they got the chance to escape the hellhole when he didn’t. In the present day, Pramod’s investigation leads him to the discovery of certain horrifying truths that are bound to get you shocked and flabbergasted, for lack of a better phrase. To have an experience worth remembering, you can stream the movie here .

Read More:  Best Bollywood Movies on Netflix

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Home » Reviews » Malayalam Movie Reviews

Anweshippin Kandethum Movie Review: Double The Thrill, One Investigative Package

The storyline of anweshippin kandethum revolves around two separate crimes and their subsequent investigations set in kerala.

Star Cast: Tovino Thomas, Siddique, Arthana Binu, Baburaj, Pramod Velliyanad, Vineeth Thattil David

Director: Darwin Kuriakose

What’s Good: The film adeptly sustains suspense, captivating audiences from start to finish. It diverges from investigative thriller conventions by not introducing a family for Tovino, instead focusing solely on the investigation without unnecessary diversions, thereby enhancing its appeal.

What’s Bad: Specific viewers may find a lack of emotional connection to the investigating officer, a characteristic often present in films of this genre. Tovino Thomas’s character, however, lacks any personal connections such as a girlfriend, wife, or children.

Loo Break: Given the intricacies of the plot, it’s not advisable to take breaks as they may lead to missing vital information.

Watch or Not?: “Anweshippin Kandethum” is a compelling choice for enthusiasts of investigative thrillers, offering engaging narratives, talented performances, and thematic depth.

Language: Malayalam

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 2h 22m

The storyline of ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ revolves around two separate crimes and their subsequent investigations set in Kerala . The film is organized into two discernible segments, inviting viewers into an investigation in the late 80s and a distinct investigation in the early 90s. Each segment delves into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the deaths of young women in their early twenties, with each case presenting a unique and separate narrative.

Anweshippin Kandethum Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script propels the narrative forward, focusing on the investigation and avoiding unnecessary diversions. Jinu Abraham adeptly weaves a narrative that maintains viewer engagement from start to finish, with every scene advancing the plot. The script instills a feeling of suspense and intrigue, holding audiences captive. Furthermore, deliberately omitting extraneous subplots or distractions produces a more cohesive storytelling experience.

Although Tovino Thomas’s character lacks personal ties, the script showcases his commitment to his profession and relentless quest for justice. Each character is intricately developed, adding depth to the narrative. In sum, the script of “Anweshippin Kandethum” provides a sturdy framework for the film, propelling its storyline while effectively captivating the audience with its suspenseful storytelling.

Anweshippin Kandethum Movie Review: Star Performance

In “Anweshippin Kandethum,” Tovino Thomas delivers an exceptional performance as Anand Narayanan, portraying the character with depth and conviction. He skillfully captures the intricacies of a committed police officer navigating complex investigations, exhibiting a spectrum of emotions from resolve to vulnerability. Tovino’s portrayal effectively conveys the internal conflicts and external obstacles his character encounters, imbuing the film with authenticity and inviting viewers to empathize with Anand’s journey.

The other cast of “Anweshippin Kandethum” significantly enhances the film’s overall quality. Actor Siddique convincingly portrays a superior officer to Tovino, while Indrans delivers a commendable performance that does justice to his role despite appearing in only a few scenes. Additionally, Shammy Thilakan adds depth and subtlety to his character, further enriching the film with his performance.

Anweshippin Kandethum Movie Review: Direction, Music

Directed by Darwin Kuriakose, “Anweshippin Kandethum” is a fast-paced movie focusing on essential scenes devoid of unnecessary fillers, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The direction ensures a cohesive storytelling experience . The late 80s and early 90s are captured impeccably, with attention to detail evident in the portrayal of vehicles, clothing, and street scenes. Each scene adeptly conveys the depth of the situations depicted.

The music by Santhosh Narayanan is good, although it leans too heavily on the bass for my taste. However, other audience members enjoy it. It effectively enhances the film’s enjoyment and immerses us further in the storyline.

Anweshippin Kandethum Movie Review: Last Words

“Anweshippin Kandethum” shines as a mesmerizing police procedural, elevated by stellar acting, an enthralling plot, and masterful direction. It adds to the esteemed tradition of top-notch cop dramas in Malayalam cinema, ensuring it’s a must-watch for aficionados.

Anweshippin Kandethum Trailer

Anweshippin Kandethum releases on 09 February, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Anweshippin Kandethum.

For more recommendations, read our The Promised Land Movie Review here.

Must Read: Ghost Movie Review: Shiva Rajkumar Returns In A Gangster Avatar In A Gripping Heist Drama With Illogical Twists!

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Manjummel Boys Telugu X Review: Malayalam's Highest- Grossing Survival Thriller Hits Screens Amid Expectations

Manjummel Boys Telugu X Review: The highest-grossing Malayalam film to date, Manjummel Boys, written and directed by Chidambaram featuring a bunch of young and upcoming actors is a phenomenon. It is an adventure thriller based on a real-life incident.

After the humongous response, the movie garnered in the regional language, Tollywood's bigshot producers Mythri Movie Makers banner bought the dubbing right to this Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Deepak Parambol's youthful film.

Manjummel Boys' Telugu version hit the screens on April 6 across the two Telugu-speaking states to a decent buzz. The hype for the film soared after the team organized a pre-release event in Hyderabad to promote this already successful blockbuster.

Manjummel Boys Synopsis

A group of friends from Manjummel embark on a trip to Kodaikanal, which is supposed to be memorable in their lives. It gets memorable indeed but not in a way that it brings happy memories. The group of friends decide to rescue their friend who gets lost in the Guna Caves.

Manjummel Boys X Review

Enthusiastic and young film buffs of Tollywood who know Manjummel Boys' success have been waiting for this day to book their tickets and enjoy the movie in Telugu audio. Those who have gone to the theatres to watch the early morning shows have taken to their social media handles to share their movie-watching experience with the rest. They gave out mini-reviews of sorts to the others who were interested in watching Manjummel Boys. Check out the tweets below.

Watched #ManjummelBoys Telugu A true friendship can survive in any kind of scenario in being together BGM plays a key role and strong emotions between true friendships. #ManjummelBoysReview @MythriOfficial @SukumarWritings @Primeshowtweets #Emotion #FriendshipJourney pic.twitter.com/gkYT7KET4n — Rajesh Kumar Reddy E V (@rajeshreddyega) April 5, 2024

Excellent Openings and Blockbuster Talk #ManjummelBoys 🪅🎊⚡✨ pic.twitter.com/6DWkXg8ajt — Hanu (@HanuNews) April 6, 2024

Manjummel Boys Cast

The movie stars Soubin Shahir as Kuttan, Sreenath Bhasi as Subhash, Balu Varghese as Sixen, Ganapathi S.Poduval as Krishnakumar, Lal Jr. as Sibu, Deepak Parambol as Sudhi, Abhiram Radhakrishnan as Anil, Arun Kurian as Sujith, Khalid Rahman as Prasad, Chandu Salimkumar as Abhilash, Vishnu Reghu as Shebin, and Kathiresan as a cop, among others who played key roles.

Manjummel Boys Crew

The movie was written and directed by Chidambaram S Poduval. Babu Shahir and Soubin Shahir funded the Manjummel Boys movie under the Parava Films banner. Shyju Khalid worked as the cinematographer and Vivek Harshan did the film's editing. Sushin Shyam composed the survival thriller's entire music and background score.

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5 Best Malayalam Movies to Watch in 2024

Get ready, Malayalam movie buffs, because 2024 promises to be a thrilling year for cinema! From historical epics to heartwarming dramas, this year's lineup boasts something for everyone. So, sit tight, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be transported into the most anticipated Malayalam movies of 2024

Best malayalam movies to watch in 2024.

• Manjummel Boys

“ Manjummel Boys ” is a highly appreciated survival thriller based on a true incident that took place in 2006. If you want to know more about these movies in this list then you can visit TamilYogi , a movie review and details site. The story revolves around a group of friends from a small town near Kochi called Manjummel. What starts as a fun vacation to Kodaikanal takes a perilous turn when one of their friends falls into the mysterious Guna Caves, a notoriously deep pit with a history of fatalities.

Refusing to give up hope, the remaining friends embark on a daring rescue mission, venturing deep into the treacherous caves. This adventure-thriller takes us on an adrenaline-fueled journey as they confront the unknown and face their deepest fears. Exploring the thrilling exploration of friendship, courage, and the will to survive against all odds, director Chidambaram masterfully weaves suspense, friendship, and courage into a gripping narrative.

Whereas filmed across breathtaking locations in Kodaikanal, Kochi, and Perumbavoor, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, and Lal Jr., amongst others. So, if you are someone who loves survival thrillers, Manjummel Boys will surely keep you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful plot.

• Malaikottai Vaaliban

The enigmatic Lijo Jose Pellissery is back with " Malaikottai Vaaliban " a fantasy action drama. “Malaikottai Vaaliban” follows the journey of an undefeated warrior, transcending time and geography. His battles against opponents take on mythical proportions, and the film blends fantasy and drama seamlessly.

The narrative of the film unfolds with the arrival of Vaaliban, the wrestler/warrior, accompanied by his master and younger brother, as they journey through a desert landscape reminiscent of ancient times. Despite the antiquated setting, the film delves into themes of human emotions and struggles that transcend time, making it feel relevant to contemporary audiences.

The fight sequences in the film possess a mesmerizing quality, almost as if they take place in a realm separate from reality, adding to the film's allure. Furthermore, the vibrant and extravagant festival scenes depicted in the movie contribute to its otherworldly atmosphere, immersing viewers in a colorful and captivating spectacle.

Overall, director Lijo Jose Pellissery crafts a visually stunning narrative that explores heroism, destiny, and the enigmatic forces that shape our lives. So, if you are looking to dive into a world where warriors defy limits and legends come alive, watch Malaikottai Vaaliban right now. It is available on multiple online platforms that allow you to binge-watch this and many more.

“ Premalu ” is a charming Malayalam romantic movie comedy directed by Girish A.D. that weaves together love, humor, and endearing characters, making it a joyous watch for audiences. The film's story revolves around Sachin, an engineering graduate who aspires to relocate to the UK. His family is in a bakery business, but he’s bored with that, and as a pursuit to escape from his hometown, he relocated to Hyderabad at the suggestion of his friend.

Meanwhile, Reenu, a newcomer in the tech industry, starts her first job in the same city. When Sachin and Reenu cross paths at a wedding, sparks fly, but Reenu’s firm ideals about life and love create complications. To add to the mix, Reenu’s work “bestie,” Aadhi, secretly harbors feelings for her.

The film follows Sachin’s journey as he navigates romance, misunderstandings, and unexpected twists. In the film, Naslen and Mamitha Baiju are as adorable as Sachin and Reenu, and their chemistry lights up the screen. Whereas, Girish AD effectively employs situational humor, and Hyderabad provides a refreshing backdrop, steering clear of the usual Bengalurucentric narratives.

Overall, Premalu is a delightful blend of laughter, romance, and relatability. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply seeking a feel-good movie, this one is worth your time.

Gear up for a visual extravaganza with " Bramayugam " a historical epic directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The story of Bramayugam takes place in the 18th century in South Malabar. Devan, who escapes from being enslaved, finds himself near a river where he sees an old palace. Seeking shelter, he enters the palace and meets Potty and his cook, who live there. Potty, upon learning that Devan is a singer, welcomes him and offers him food. Soon, Devan realizes that the mansion holds secrets and is home to a demon.

He also realizes that Potty has trapped him there, making it impossible for him to leave. But what makes the movie stand out is that it's entirely in monochrome, and this choice adds to the intense atmosphere, immersing the audience in a play of light and darkness that grips all their senses. The absence of color intensifies the feeling of suffocation and horror, drawing viewers' attention without distraction.

Overall, Bramayugam is a triumph of cinema, excelling in every aspect. Its innovative visual style, talented cast, and gripping story make it unforgettable. With Rahul Sadasivan at the helm, "Bramayugam" is guaranteed to be a must-watch for fans of offbeat Malayalam cinema.

• Abraham Ozler

" Abraham Ozler " directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas and starring Jayaram as the main character, is a crime thriller movie that fits well into its genre. The story revolves around Assistant Commissioner Abraham Ozler, played by Jayaram, who is deeply affected by a personal tragedy from his past. Due to a serious mistake, Ozler loses his wife and daughter, which causes him to struggle with depression and sleeplessness.

Amidst his own struggles, Ozler comes across a case where a young man is brutally murdered, leaving behind few clues except for a greeting card with words in Malayalam. As Ozler and his team investigate further, they notice a pattern emerging as more people become victims of similar crimes, suggesting a common culprit. Despite facing obstacles, they work to uncover the truth and gradually piece together the puzzle, leading to surprising revelations.

Overall, director Midhun Manuel Thomas has crafted a crime drama thriller that's a bit unique and keeps you guessing until the end. In the film, Jayaram’s portrayal of Ozler is layered and compelling, and the film overall balances suspense, emotion, and action, making it a must-watch for movie enthusiasts. So, if you’ve missed watching this movie in the theater, don’t worry; you can still stream it.

There you have it folks; the best Malayalam movies to watch in 2024 to get a taste of the incredible cinematic experience. From heartwarming tales to action-packed adventures and exciting rom-coms, this year's lineup promises something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Stream these movies now and enjoy your cinematic journey through the vibrant world of Malayalam cinema

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'Aavesham' Review: Fahadh Faasil hits it out of the park in Jithu Madhavan film

Director jithu madhavan's 'aavesham', starring fahadh faasil, is a zany action comedy. with fafa's exceptional performance and impeccable comedy timing, the film is a total winner, says our review..

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• 'Aavesham' released in theatres on April 11
• The film is directed by Jithu Madhavan of 'Romancham' fame
• Fahadh Faasil plays the lead role in the film

Release Date: 11 Apr, 2024

After the success of director 'Romancham', director Jithu Madhavan is back with 'Aavesham'. And this time, he teamed up with the one and only Fahadh Faasil. 'Aavesham' managed to pique everyone's curiosity. And the pre-release teaser where Fahadh Faasil, clad in a towel, did a fun dance, took the expectations to a crescendo. Did 'Aavesham' impress everyone? Let's find out!

Set in Bengaluru, 'Aavesham' revolves around three college students, Bibi, Santhan and Aju, who get enrolled in a college, where they get bullied and ragged by seniors. In order to take revenge, the college students join hands with a local goon Ranga (Fahadh Faasil). How Ranga's involvement in their lives brings a change forms the story.

Director Jithu Madhavan's 'Aavesham' is a mad-cap entertainer with exceptional performances. The action comedy deals with a simple storyline and that's where its beauty lies. The filmmaker doesn't waste time in showing how Ranga became a goon and concentrates on his unique character traits. It is the comedy that works to a major extent for the film.

The filmmaker concentrates on character arcs and makes them interesting for the audience. While the second half lags in terms of content, Jithu Madhavan redeems himself with the climax. Also, let's not forget the intermission, which was a perfect theatrical moment.

The title credits of 'Aavesham' 're-introduce' Fahadh as Ranga and you will know why. As Ranga, Fahadh Faasil has wonderfully portrayed the dynamic character. Initially, his character looks like a ruffian with a comedic sense. However, there is more than what meets the eye, and you will know as the story progresses. His 'eda mone' and many antics make this character quite enjoyable and entertaining.

Accompanying Ranga is Sanjin Gopu's character, Amban, whose one-liners become major contributors to comedy in 'Aavesham'. Together, they're a riot. Similarly, young actors Hipster, Roshan Shanavas and Mithun Jai Sankar ease into their roles, making the film intriguing.

If Fahadh Faasil's performance is a major asset to 'Aavesham', composer Sushin Shyam's music is yet another aspect that adds beauty to the wild ride. Cinematographer Sameer Thahir and editor Vivek Harshan complement each other in enhancing the effectiveness of 'Aavesham'.

'Aavesham' is truly an enjoyable affair with brilliantly choreographed action sequences and comedy sequences. If you're a fan of Fahadh Faasil, then 'Aavesham' will prove why you became his fan in the first place. 3.5 out of 5 stars for 'Aavesham'. Published By: K Janani Published On: Apr 11, 2024 ALSO READ | Watch: Fahadh Faasil dances with college students at 'Aavesham' promotions

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Best Malayalam Movies of 2021

Are you someone who cannot afford to miss any information related to the latest Malayalam movies? Well, then welcome to the ultimate destination, where you could know everything about the latest Malayalam movies. In this segment, we provide a list of the top 20 Malayalam movies released in 2021. This list might also help you to decide on which film to revisit. Scroll down!

Ellam Sheriyakum (2021)

Star: asif ali,rajisha vijayan,siddique,balu varghese, ellam sheriyakum does not support any ideology, but shows a mirror to the problems in both political parties, and is not pedantic while doing so.

Vellam, The Essential Drink (2021)

Star: jayasurya,samyuktha menon, murali ignores the people around him who struggle due to his unhealthy use of alcohol. a young and energetic man, who is supposed to have a happy life with his parents, wife and child, mostly sleeps on the streets. how long will people who love him tolerate this.

Kunjeldho (2021)

Star: asif ali,vineeth sreenivasan,siddique,roopesh peethambaran, a campus romance and coming-of-age story.

Bheemante Vazhi (2021)

Star: kunchacko boban,chemban vinod jose,suraj venjaramoodu,jinu joseph,nirmal palazhi,shabareesh varma, director ashraf hamza breathes life into chemban vinod’s charming script and brings his gentle touch to the film.

Jan.E.Man (2021)

Star: lal,arjun ashokan,balu varghese,basil joseph,ria saira,chembil ashokan,prashanth murali, this is a film that will make you both laugh and cry at the same time, offering insights into the meaning of happiness, togetherness, friendship and more..

Kurup (2021)

Star: dulquer salmaan,sobhita dhulipala,indrajith sukumaran,shine tom chacko,sunny wayne, the story is a tough one to tell, but the makers keep you on the edge of the seat, even when the narration goes back and forth in time to chart kurup’s mysterious misdeeds.

Kho Kho (2021)

Star: rajisha vijayan,venkitesh vp,mamitha baiju, in a state where we grew up admiring how coach nambiar and his protégé usha brought back athletic glory in truckloads, kho kho is a highly relatable tale of a talented athlete transferring her spark of desire onto the next generation.

Nayattu (2021)

Star: joju george,kunchacko boban,nimisha sajayan, a couple of policeman get into a scuffle with the goon and throw him into the cell. the issue spins out of control however, when the three cpos are caught in an accident.

Aanum Pennum (2021)

Star: asif ali,indrajith sukumaran,joju george,nedumudi venu,roshan mathew,samyuktha menon,basil joseph,kaviyoor ponnamma, aanum pennum plays mostly into the stereotype of an f-rated cinema. there is the "empowered" strong and bold woman at the face of a crisis most often created by a physically or socially mighty abusive man..

Kala (2021)

Star: tovino thomas,divya pillai,lal,sumesh moor, though there is a lot of extreme action in the film, it ends on a different note and also offers the audience an intriguing message. the film can be a visual treat for those who love action movies..

Vaanku (2021)

Star: vineeth,joy mathew,anaswara rajan,nandana varma, an interesting thought instilled in the minds of raziya and her classmates by a teacher urges raziya to reveal her biggest wish – to recite the azaan. and all hell breaks loose, predictably..

Oru Thathvika Avalokanam (2021)

Star: joju george,aju varghese,abhirami,shammi thilakan,major ravi,prasanth, while the movie effectively pokes fun at political parties and their antics and elicits abundant laughter through the same, its proceedings, after a point, are too old school and cinematic to have an effect.

Meow (2021)

Star: soubin shahir,mamta mohandas,salim kumar, the film brings in messages about tolerance of other religions and communities, and also about not stifling children.

Michael's Coffee House (2021)

Star: dheeraj denny,renji panicker,spadikam george,jins baskar,mohan sharma,pradeep kottayam,sinoj varghese,seetha, jisso jose's powerful script keeps the audience keen about the suspense, which is nicely knitted in with family ties and the emotions.

Star: Indrajith Sukumaran,Ashwin Kumar,Manoj K. Jayan,Sidhartha Siva,Amith Chakalakkal

Anugraheethan Antony (2021)

Star: sunny wayne,gouri g kishan,indrans,suraj venjaramoodu,baiju santhosh,prashanth alexander,jaffer idukki, antony's father believes he is a good-for-nothing person and buys two dogs and raises them as his children. the whole scenario irks antony. the movie is about how his life changes.

Aarkkariyam (2021)

Star: biju menon,parvathy,sharafudheen,saiju kurup, the story progresses at a slow-breathing pace, piecing together the kind of montages that most people have experienced during the lockdown.

Star: Mammootty,Murali Gopy,Joju George,Nimisha Sajayan,Salim Kumar,Jagadish,Siddique,Gayathri Arun

Although one is built around a power struggle, the main focus of the movie is the chief minister - his personal and professional lives..

Mohan Kumar Fans (2021)

Star: kunchacko boban,anarkali nazar,siddique,asif ali,sreenivasan,ramesh pisharody,vinay forrt,sethu lakshmi,saiju kurup, as a film about the film industry, the movie’s approach is realistic and also gently touches upon the latest trends of manufacturing one’s ‘viral’ moment and crafting a social media persona.

Varthamanam (2021)

Star: parvathy,roshan mathew,siddique,dain davis, research student faiza sufiya's secular ideals put her at loggerheads with fundamentalists from not only from her community, but also from hindutva proponents. the events that follow remind us of the news we watch, read and hear all too frequently around us..

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100 BEST MALAYALAM MOVIES OF THE DECADE(2010-2019)

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• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. Drishyam (2013)

Not Rated | 160 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller

A man goes to extreme lengths to save his family from punishment after the family commits an accidental crime.

Director: Jeethu Joseph | Stars: Mohanlal , Meena , Asha Sharath , Ansiba

Votes: 44,014

2. Premam (2015)

156 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A young man has three opportunities to find love. Will the third time be the charm?

Director: Alphonse Puthren | Stars: Nivin Pauly , Sai Pallavi , Madonna Sebastian , S.V. Krishna Shankar

Votes: 23,698 | Gross: $0.18M

3. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Not Rated | 135 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

The film revolves around four brothers who share a love-hate relationship with each other. Their relationship progresses to another level when Saji, Boney, and Franky decide to help Bobby stand by his love.

Director: Madhu C. Narayanan | Stars: Shane Nigam , Soubin Shahir , Fahadh Faasil , Sreenath Bhasi

Votes: 17,602

4. Bangalore Days (2014)

Not Rated | 171 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A fun roller coaster ride about three young people, Aju, Divya and Kuttan who are cousins, reach Bangalore to dream, discover and explore.

Director: Anjali Menon | Stars: Dulquer Salmaan , Nivin Pauly , Nazriya Nazim , Fahadh Faasil

Votes: 22,433 | Gross: $0.13M

5. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016)

Not Rated | 120 min | Comedy, Drama, Thriller

Mahesh, a studio photographer and studio owner gets into a fight and loses. He ends up taking revenge which leads to certain realizations in his life.

Director: Dileesh Pothan | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Aparna Balamurali , Soubin Shahir , Alencier Ley Lopez

Votes: 10,296

7. Ustad Hotel (2012)

151 min | Comedy, Drama

Faisi wants to go to UK to become a professional chef but circumstances force him to assist his grandfather in a small restaurant in Kozhikode city, changing his outlook on life forever.

Director: Anwar Rasheed | Stars: Dulquer Salmaan , Thilakan , Siddique , Nithya Menen

Votes: 16,488

8. Take Off (2017)

Not Rated | 139 min | Action, Drama, Thriller

In 2014, a group of Malayali nurses was captured when terrorists took over the city of Tikrit in Iraq. This movie recounts the ordeal suffered by the nurses following their capture.

Director: Mahesh Narayanan | Stars: Parvathy Thiruvothu , Fahadh Faasil , Kunchacko Boban , Prakash Belawadi

Votes: 7,280

9. R.I.P. (2018)

120 min | Comedy, Drama

Set in Chellanam, Kochi, the story of Ee. Ma. Yau revolves around the death of Vavachan Mesthiri in a coastal village. It showcases the events that unfold between two evenings and looks at death from different perspectives.

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery | Stars: Kainakary Thankaraj , Chemban Vinod Jose , Vinayakan , Dileesh Pothan

Votes: 3,963

10. Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)

Not Rated | 135 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller

Prasad and Sreeja enter wedlock and move to a new place to continue the rest of their lives. Unfortunate events begin to take place after Prasad, a small-time thief, robs Sreeja's gold chain during a bus journey.

Director: Dileesh Pothan | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Suraj Venjaramoodu , Nimisha Sajayan , Alencier Ley Lopez

Votes: 8,022

11. Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 (2019)

140 min | Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi

Story of a conventional, conservative small town villager and his son who has to move away from home due to his profession. Their relationship gets an endearing twist when an AI humanoid enters their lives and fills in their emptiness.

Director: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval | Stars: Soubin Shahir , Suraj Venjaramoodu , Kendy Zirdo , Saiju Kurup

Votes: 6,896

13. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)

Not Rated | 123 min | Comedy, Sport

Story of an African football player and a local football club manager from Malappuram, Kerala.

Director: Zakariya | Stars: Soubin Shahir , Samuel Abiola Robinson , Savithri Sreedharan , Sarasa Balussery

Votes: 4,945

14. Traffic (2011)

Not Rated | 122 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery

The lives of some different people get intertwined when a girl is in urgent need of a heart transplant with the only heart donor being many miles of traffic away.

Director: Rajesh Pillai | Stars: Sreenivasan , Kunchacko Boban , Sudip Joshy , Rahman

Votes: 5,175

15. Mumbai Police (2013)

145 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller

ACP Antony is the only one who knows the truth behind ACP Aaryan's murder. Antony meets with an accident, losing his memory and is unable to reveal the killer. He is forced to investigate the murder again hoping that he remembers something.

Director: Rosshan Andrrews | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Jayasurya , Rahman , Riyaz Khan

Votes: 7,827

16. Memories (III) (2013)

Not Rated | 132 min | Mystery, Thriller

Sam Alex, a drunkard ex-cop, is forced to investigate a series of murders which are committed in the same pattern. His search leads to a serial killer, and something more than what he expected.

Director: Jeethu Joseph | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Sreejith Ravi , Vijayaraghavan , Suresh Krishna

Votes: 7,860

17. Kammatti Paadam (2016)

Not Rated | 177 min | Action, Drama

Krishnan, who has been living away from his family and friends in Mumbai, gets a call from his friend Ganga in Kerala, out of the blue. He senses danger, and leaves for Kammattipadam, where both of them grew up.

Director: Rajeev Ravi | Stars: Dulquer Salmaan , Vinayakan , Shaun Romy , Anil Nedumangad

Votes: 4,990

18. Angamaly Diaries (2017)

Not Rated | 132 min | Action, Comedy, Thriller

Vincent Pepe who wanted to be a powerful leader of a righteous gang that ruled the city, like his seniors. And then there's the rival clan with the malicious gangsters of Angamaly a locale on which the film is based.

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery | Stars: Antony Varghese , Reshma Rajan , Binny Rinky Benjamin , Amrutha Anna Reji

Votes: 6,682

19. Joseph (II) (2018)

Not Rated | 138 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller

The story develops through the life of four retired policemen. It has the tone of a thriller investigation. An issue affecting the life of Joseph, the central character, and his family is being investigated.

Director: M. Padmakumar | Stars: Joju George , Athmeeya Rajan , Dileesh Pothan , James Eliya

Votes: 6,283

20. Parava (2017)

147 min | Action, Comedy, Drama

The story of Parava revolves around pigeon race, a game, which is prominent in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala.

Director: Soubin Shahir | Stars: Amal Shah , Govind V. Pai , Dulquer Salmaan , Shane Nigam

Votes: 4,540

21. Guppy (2016)

158 min | Comedy, Drama

The story of a 12 year old boy who sells guppy fish for a living in his colorful beach side colony. When an engineer is summoned to construct a bridge, the contrasting characters cause great tension and turmoil.

Director: Johnpaul George | Stars: Chethan Jayalal , Tovino Thomas , Sreenivasan , Rohini

Votes: 2,436

23. Thanneermathan Dinangal (2019)

136 min | Comedy, Romance

A rom-com based in a school where a schoolteacher named Ravi Padmanabhan comes into the lives of Jason and his friends.

Director: Girish A.D. | Stars: Vineeth Sreenivasan , Mathew Thomas , Anaswara Rajan , Naslen

Votes: 3,468

24. Uyare (2019)

125 min | Drama

Pallavi is a strong-willed woman who has always aspired to become a pilot. How she gets back on her feet through sheer resilience after being beset by a series of personal crises forms the crux of the film.

Director: Manu Ashokan | Stars: Tovino Thomas , Parvathy Thiruvothu , Samyuktha Menon , Siddique

Votes: 4,001

25. Unda (2019)

Not Rated | 130 min | Action, Comedy, Thriller

The film narrates the events that occur when a unit of policemen from Kerala reach the Naxalite prone areas in North India for election duty.

Director: Khalid Rahman | Stars: Mammootty , Easwari Rao , Asif Ali , Dileesh Pothan

Votes: 4,564

26. Virus (I) (2019)

Not Rated | 152 min | Drama, Thriller

A real life account of the deadly Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, and the courageous fight put on by several individuals which helped to contain the epidemic.

Director: Aashiq Abu | Stars: Parvathy Thiruvothu , Tovino Thomas , Joju George , Revathi

Votes: 5,447

27. Abu, Son of Adam (2011)

101 min | Drama

A poor aging couple struggle to fulfill their lifelong dream of going to Mecca for pilgrimage.

Director: Salim Ahmed | Stars: Salim Kumar , Said Alharbi , M.R. Gopakumar , Jaffer Idukki

Votes: 1,232

28. Charlie (VII) (2015)

130 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

A young, nonconforming woman named Tessa gets entangled in a cat-and-mouse chase in the by-lanes of Kerala, hunting for a mysterious artist who previously lived in her apartment.

Director: Martin Prakkat | Stars: Dulquer Salmaan , Parvathy Thiruvothu , Aparna Gopinath , Nedumudi Venu

Votes: 12,747

30. Amen (I) (2013)

165 min | Drama, Romance

Amen tells the story of people around an ancient Nasrani Church. The plot is set in a village, Kumarankary, where its inhabitants are always garbed in white - a motif which the film deftly ... See full summary  »

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Indrajith Sukumaran , Kalabhavan Mani , Swathi Reddy

Votes: 3,461

31. Njan Prakashan (2018)

Not Rated | 131 min | Comedy, Drama

Pining for a lavish life abroad, a lazy but lovable guy-next-door crafts a scam to avoid a career in nursing and find a wealthy spouse to secure a visa.

Director: Sathyan Anthikad | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Sreenivasan , Nikhila Vimal , Devika Sanjay

Votes: 5,145

32. 1983 (2014)

138 min | Drama, Sport

The story of Rameshan who has a huge craze for Cricket, and his final attempt to realize his cricket dream through his son.

Director: Abrid Shine | Stars: Nivin Pauly , Anoop Menon , Joy Mathew , Nikki Galrani

Votes: 2,938

33. The Address (2011)

105 min | Drama, Thriller

A single yet brilliant court martial session of a dalit soldier accused of killing a Captain and attempting to kill another captain

Director: Madhav Ramadasan | Stars: Ashokan , Suresh Gopi , Krishna Kumar , Parthiban Radhakrishnan

34. Helen (V) (2019)

117 min | Drama, Thriller

An ordinary suburban girl suddenly disappears, leaving her loved ones in a desperate search as she must face the ultimate battle - the one for her life.

Director: Mathukutty Xavier | Stars: Anna Ben , Lal , Noble Babu Thomas , Aju Varghese

Votes: 3,743

35. Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014)

158 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Set in the pre-independent India, Aloshi returns from the war to his estranged family and childhood love, only to find his elder brothers taking the side of a ruthless business man to overthrow their father.

Director: Amal Neerad | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Jayasurya , Lal , Isha Sharvani

Votes: 2,895

36. Shutter (2012)

133 min | Thriller

A family man (Rasheed) is locked with a prostitute in a commercial space by his friend. When the friend gets tangled in an inescapable web, unexpected events unravel over days and nights with them locked inside having no way out.

Director: Joy Mathew | Stars: Augustine , Vinay Forrt , Vijayan Karanthoor , Prem Kumar

Votes: 1,102

38. Blue Skies, Green Waters, Red Earth (2013)

137 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

Kasi and Suni go for the ride from Kerala to Nagaland in search of Kasi's girlfriend. En route, they encounter different people who change their lives forever.

Director: Sameer Thahir | Stars: Dulquer Salmaan , Sunny Wayne , Bala Hijam Ningthoujam , Shane Nigam

Votes: 4,235

39. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014)

A spirited young girl would stop at nothing to get the first love of her life, even if it takes seven years and several heartbreaks.

Director: Jude Anthany Joseph | Stars: Nazriya Nazim , Nivin Pauly , Aju Varghese , Vineeth Sreenivasan

Votes: 6,208

40. Action Hero Biju (2016)

144 min | Action, Comedy, Thriller

The life of an honest and determined police officer Biju and the various criminals he puts behind bars.

Director: Abrid Shine | Stars: Nivin Pauly , Anu Emmanuel , Devi Ajith , Binoy Antony

Votes: 4,306

41. Jallikattu (2019)

Not Rated | 95 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

A portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery | Stars: Antony Varghese , Chemban Vinod Jose , Sabumon Abdusamad , Jaffer Idukki

Votes: 9,032

42. Jacob's Kingdom of Heaven (2016)

145 min | Biography, Drama, Family

The struggles faced by a business man and his family in Dubai to stabilize themselves after getting cheated by a fraudster.

Directors: Vineeth Sreenivasan , G. Prajith | Stars: Nivin Pauly , Renji Panicker , Lakshmy Ramakrishnan , Sreenath Bhasi

Votes: 2,872

44. Ozhivudivasathe Kali (2015)

105 min | Crime, Drama

Inner demons begins to unravel when 5 friends get together for a booze party in a remote location.

Director: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan | Stars: Pradeep Kumar , Gireesh Nair , Arun Nayar , Baiju Neto

45. Ozhimuri (2012)

127 min | Drama, Family

A 55-year old woman files a divorce petition against her 71-year old husband, after over 30 years of married life. Their son, and a female advocate searches for the reason and circumstances, changing their perception about some people.

Director: Madhupal | Stars: Said Alharbi , Asif Ali , Ayyappa Baiju , Bhavana

46. The Elder One (2019)

Not Rated | 125 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A transgender child from Lakshadweep sets off to Mumbai in pursuit of Akbar, an elder brother who left the island due to his sexual orientation.

Director: Geethu Mohandas | Stars: Nivin Pauly , Shashank Arora , Sanjana Dipu , Sobhita Dhulipala

Votes: 2,210

47. Varathan (2018)

Not Rated | 130 min | Action, Drama, Thriller

After losing his job Abin along with his wife Priya, who has suffered a miscarriage, decide to shift from Dubai to Priya's family estate in Kerala. However, peace eludes the couple as they run into a set of new troubles.

Director: Amal Neerad | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Aishwarya Lekshmi , Sharafudheen , Dileesh Pothan

Votes: 4,550

48. Neram (2013)

Not Rated | 117 min | Action, Comedy, Crime

Can a young man escape from the clutches of a loan shark on time?

Director: Alphonse Puthren | Stars: Nivin Pauly , Nazriya Nazim , Lalu Alex , Bobby Simha

Votes: 5,317

49. 22 Female Kottayam (2012)

120 min | Drama, Thriller

A 22 year old nurse who was betrayed and raped exerts some extreme revenge on her tormentors.

Director: Aashiq Abu | Stars: Vijay Babu , Rima Kallingal , Fahadh Faasil , Prathap Pothen

Votes: 2,494

51. Salt n' Pepper (2011)

118 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

The story of a few foodies, whose fondness of food bonds them together.

Director: Aashiq Abu | Stars: Lal , Shweta Menon , Mythili , Asif Ali

Votes: 2,131

52. The Little God (2018)

93 min | Drama

An ode to the age of innocence, Oru Kunju Daivam tells the story of a spirited boy and his little world full of miracles.

Director: Jeo Baby | Stars: Adhish Praveen , Joju George , Soolapani , Sidhartha Siva

53. T.D. Dasan Std: VI. B (2010)

98 min | Drama, Family

The story of a mother and a son in a village. Chndrika, the mother, and Dasan is her son who is eleven years old. Chandrika's husband Divakaran had deserted her and her son, when Dasan was ... See full summary  »

Director: Mohan Raghavan | Stars: Alexander , Mala Aravindan , Jagadish , Suresh Krishna

54. Cocktail (2010)

111 min | Drama, Musical, Thriller

The lives of an architect and his wife are turned upside down when a stranger kidnaps their daughter and blackmails them to do some crimes for him.

Director: Arun Kumar | Stars: Jayasurya , Anoop Menon , Samvrutha Sunil , Innocent Vareed Thekkethala

55. Beautiful (II) (2011)

120 min | Biography, Drama, Family

An extra-ordinary friendship between a physically paralyzed millionaire and a small time singer.

Director: V.K. Prakash | Stars: Ponnamma Babu , P. Balachandran , Jayan Cherthala , Jayasurya

56. Indian Rupee (2011)

155 min | Drama

An unemployed youth Jayaprakash, dreams big fortunes in the field of real estate business, and therefore, faces a lot of obstacles in the path towards his goal.

Director: Ranjith | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Thilakan , Rima Kallingal , Tini Tom

Votes: 1,935

57. City of God (2011)

145 min | Drama

In the city of Cochin, a series of incidents connects the lives of a Tamil laborer couple, an actress, a builder, a criminal, and the wife of a businessman.

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Indrajith Sukumaran , Rima Kallingal , Parvathy Thiruvothu

58. Pranayam (2011)

150 min | Drama, Romance

Grace meets her ex husband Achutha Menon after a long period of time.

Director: Blessy | Stars: Mohanlal , Jaya Prada , Anupam Kher , Apoorva Bose

59. Arike (2012)

118 min | Romance

Anuradha plays cupid and brings Shantanu and Kalpana together but a freak accident distances Kalpana and him. Shantanu then realizes that Anuradha is the one who truly loves him.

Director: Shyamaprasad | Stars: Dileep , Mamta Mohandas , Samvrutha Sunil , Ajmal Ameer

61. Spirit (I) (2012)

165 min | Comedy, Drama

Raghunandan is an ex-Bank of England employee who resigned his lucrative job because he was bored with the rather sedentary and mundane nature of his work. he chose journalism as his next ... See full summary  »

Director: Ranjith | Stars: Mohanlal , Kaniha , Shankar Ramakrishnan , Nandhu

Votes: 2,198

62. Diamond Necklace (2012)

157 min | Drama, Romance

The story of a young doctor who lives a luxurious life based on credit cards, chasing girls and his bad intentions once he goes bankrupt.

Director: Lal Jose | Stars: Fahadh Faasil , Samvrutha Sunil , Anusree , Gauthami Nair

Votes: 2,108

63. Left Right Left (2013)

155 min | Crime, Drama

In this interlinked story, three men (an evil politician, an eccentric cop and a former revolutionist) develop different perspectives on life due to a childhood encounter with death.

Director: Arun Kumar | Stars: Murali Gopy , Indrajith Sukumaran , Hareesh Peradi , Lenaa

Votes: 2,491

64. Celluloid (2013)

129 min | Biography, Drama

The story of J C Daniel, who made the first ever Malayalam film 'Vigathakumaran' in 1928, resulting in his exile and eventual downfall.

Director: Kamal | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Sreenivasan , Mamta Mohandas , Chandini

Votes: 1,512

65. Philips and the Monkey Pen (2013)

140 min | Comedy, Drama, Family

Ryan Philips is a school boy who is always up to mischief when it comes to studying the maths subject. His life is turned around when he discovers a magical pen at his antique collecting grandfather's house.

Directors: Shanil Muhammed , Rojin Philip , Rojin Thomas | Stars: Sanoop Santhosh , Jayasurya , Ramya Nambeeshan , Joy Mathew

Votes: 1,484

66. Thira (2013)

113 min | Thriller

Rohini Pranab, a cardiac surgeon and a social worker, sets out to find the girls kidnapped from her NGO. She is joined by Naveen, who is looking for his kidnapped sister. The duo goes deeper into the human trafficking mafia in Karnataka.

Director: Vineeth Sreenivasan | Stars: Sabitha Anand , Amritha Anil , Deepak Parambol , Shobana

Votes: 1,116

67. Artist (2013)

105 min | Drama

Gayatri meets Michael and starts living with him in spite of his arrogance. She avoids all the negatives and tries to deal with him but things change when Michael loses his eyesight in an accident.

Director: Shyamaprasad | Stars: Ann Augustine , Fahadh Faasil , Krishnachandran , Vanitha Krishnachandran

68. Vellimoonga (2014)

129 min | Comedy, Romance

A happy-go-lucky politician is smitten by a girl half his age and tries his luck winning her hand.

Director: Jibu Jacob | Stars: Biju Menon , Nikki Galrani , Aju Varghese , Asif Ali

Votes: 2,443

69. Njan Steve Lopez (2014)

117 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller

A college student witnesses a gang attack and as his curiosity behind the encounter tries to get the better of him, he realizes that his dad and the police are involved.

Director: Rajeev Ravi | Stars: Farhaan Faasil , Ahaana Krishna , Alencier Ley Lopez , Gibin Gopinath

70. Apothecary (2014)

Unrated | 138 min | Drama, Thriller

A doctor is haunted by his conscience, when puppeteer-ed by his superiors.

Director: Madhav Ramadasan | Stars: Suresh Gopi , Jayasurya , Abhirami , Asif Ali

71. Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam (2015)

132 min | Drama

The movie narrates the story of Sudhi, who has a stuttering problem, from the ages of 4 to 40.

Director: Ranjith Sankar | Stars: Jayasurya , Shivada Nair , Aju Varghese , Mukesh

Votes: 1,823

72. Picket 43 (2015)

Unrated | 104 min | Drama, Thriller

The film deals with the story of an Indian army officer guarding a picket alone in Kashmir, and his friendship with a Pakistani soldier.

Director: Major Ravi | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Jaaved Jaaferi , Renji Panicker , Sudheer Karamana

Votes: 1,378

73. Olappeeppi (2016)

121 min | Drama, Family

Malayali family's ordinary life in Kerala from 1970s-2000s told through young Unni and grandmother's perspectives, recalling past eras.

Director: Krish Kymal | Stars: Biju Menon , Paris Laxmi , Punnassery Kanchana , Reina Maria

74. Oppam (2016)

Not Rated | 143 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

A blind man tries to protect a girl from a psycho killer.

Director: Priyadarshan | Stars: Mohanlal , Samuthirakani , Anusree , Vimala Raman

Votes: 4,358

75. Annmariya Kalippilanu (2016)

127 min | Comedy, Drama

Ann Mariya, a jovial kid hires a goon, Gireesh due to an incident at school. Her kindness causes Gireesh to change his morals and they become great friends. Family problems and her desire to be no. 1 at long jump form the rest of the story.

Director: Midhun Manuel Thomas | Stars: Sunny Wayne , Sara Arjun , Aju Varghese , Dulquer Salmaan

Votes: 1,559

76. Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016)

128 min | Comedy, Family, Romance

The equation of Raghu and his son Abhi passes through various stages, and Raghu his son making the mistakes he did once. With a bit of help from someone new in their lives, the family passes through a turf of transformation.

Director: Khalid Rahman | Stars: Biju Menon , Asif Ali , Rajisha Vijayan , Asha Sharath

Votes: 1,532

77. Aanandam (2016)

120 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A coming of age drama exploring love, life and friendship as a class of second year engineering students set out on their very first college tour to the exotic lands of Hampi and Goa.

Director: Ganesh Raj | Stars: Thomas Mathew , Arun Kurian , Roshan Mathew , Vishak Nair

Votes: 2,270

78. Ramaleela (2017)

158 min | Drama, Thriller

Adv. Ramanunni is offered an MLA seat, he is thrown headfirst in to the dirty abyss of politics. What ensues is a cloak and dagger game where it is impossible to survive unless he plays along.

Director: Arun Gopy | Stars: Dileep , Prayaga Martin , Radhika Sarathkumar , Kalabhavan Shajohn

Votes: 2,551

80. Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu (2017)

162 min | Comedy, Drama

Rakshadikari Baiju Oppu explores the story of a funny and good-hearted man Baiju, who is a government employee and also a patron at the Brothers Club in Kumbalam.

Director: Ranjan Pramod | Stars: Biju Menon , Aju Varghese , Sankar Induchoodan , Deepak Parambol

Votes: 1,060

81. Udaharanam Sujatha (2017)

Sujatha, who juggles menial jobs to afford her daughter's education. But her daughter neglects studies, thinking that she'll end doing odd jobs just like her mother. Things take a comical turn, when Sujatha does something out of the blue.

Director: Phantom Praveen | Stars: Manju Warrier , Anaswara Rajan , Nedumudi Venu , Joju George

82. Chalakkudykkaran Changathy (2018)

161 min | Biography, Drama

A biographical drama that chronicles the life and the untimely death of actor Kalabhavan Mani, who rose from his humble beginnings to become one of the most versatile artists in Malayalam cinema.

Director: Vinayan | Stars: Joju George , Senthil Krishna , Honey Rose , Krishna

83. Koode (2018)

155 min | Drama, Fantasy

The story is set against the backdrop of hills of Nilgiris where two siblings, Joshua and Jenny, who come from a middle-class family. Together, they dwell on the serenity and calmness of the mountains.

Director: Anjali Menon | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Parvathy Thiruvothu , Roshan Mathew , Atul Kulkarni

Votes: 2,777

84. The Great Father (2017)

PG | 151 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A businessman who is trying hard to be a good father to his daughter has a run-in with malevolent policeman.

Director: Haneef Adeni | Stars: Mammootty , Arya , Sneha , Anikha Surendran

Votes: 7,927

85. Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil (2018)

138 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

Jacob, a manager at a big financial firm, finds himself behind bars when he tries to save the woman he loves from being involved in a criminal case. The only way for him to survive and to escape was to break out of prison.

Director: Tinu Pappachan | Stars: Antony Varghese , Vinayakan , Chemban Vinod Jose , Tito Wilson

Votes: 1,629

86. Kammara Sambhavam (2018)

182 min | Action, Comedy, Drama

Kammaran Nambiar is a crooked man whose life story as an unscrupulous Indian peasant is turned into a film where he is glorified as a freedom fighter with much manipulation of history.

Director: Rathish Ambat | Stars: Dileep , Siddharth , Murali Gopy , Namitha Pramod

Votes: 1,429

87. Abhrahaminte Santhathikal (2018)

Not Rated | 131 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

Derick Abraham, a fiery and dutiful police officer, continues to be the best officer until his brother Philip Abraham gets arrested for false murder charges. Will he be able to investigate the case and serve justice to his brother?

Director: Shaji Padoor | Stars: Mammootty , Siddique , Sudev Nair , Kaniha

Votes: 5,664

88. Ente Mezhuthiri Athazhangal (2018)

148 min | Drama, Romance

Sanjay Paul, a chef settled in Paris who has traveled around the world wants to add Indian cuisine in his new restaurant. In his quest to get the secret recipes from his friends, he falls in love with Anjali, a custom-candle designer.

Director: Sooraj Tom | Stars: Anoop Menon , Miya George , Hannah Reji Koshy , Baiju Santhosh

89. Koodasha (2018)

121 min | Action, Crime, Drama

Kallookaran Joy is a single father who has left his gangster life behind to lead a peaceful life with his daughter. Things take an unexpected turn when his past comes knocking back to him.

Director: Dinu Thomas Eelan | Stars: Baburaj , Orma Bose , Devan , Nithin George

90. Praana (2019)

107 min | Crime, Drama, Horror

A young woman decides to live a life of solitary in an old mansion away from the city's hustle bustle. Little does she know that the nature surrounding her has other plans for her.

Director: V.K. Prakash | Star: Nithya Menen

Votes: 1,144

91. Ilayaraja (2019)

141 min | Drama

Vanajan is a middle-aged who lives in a modest house with his ailing father, wife and children. When a moneylender he is indebted makes Vanajan a strange offer one day, his life takes an unexpected turn.

Director: Madhav Ramadasan | Stars: Ajaykumar , Harisree Ashokan , Deepak Parambol , Lakshmika Sajeevan

92. Thamaasha (2019)

Srinivasan, a balding professor conscious about his looks, faces a tough time finding the right girl to marry. After learning about his friend Raheem's love story, Srinivasan regains his confidence.

Director: Ashraf Hamza | Stars: Vinay Forrt , Chinnu Chandni Nair , Navas Vallikkunnu , Divya Prabha

Votes: 1,289

93. Lucifer (I) (2019)

Not Rated | 175 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A political Godfather dies and a lot of thieves dressed up as politicians took over the rule. Question arises regarding the successor of the God, unfolding few names, along with the God's most beloved angel, Lucifer.

Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran | Stars: Mohanlal , Vivek Oberoi , Manju Warrier , Tovino Thomas

Votes: 12,522

94. Ishq (I) (2019)

Not Rated | 134 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller

Two youngsters who try to find joy after they lose out on love and their need for a mutual trust to sustain love and happiness.

Director: Anuraj Manohar | Stars: Shane Nigam , Ann Sheetal , Shine Tom Chacko , Jaffer Idukki

Votes: 2,811

95. June (I) (2019)

Not Rated | 141 min | Drama, Family, Musical

The life story of a girl named June from 16 years of her age until she turned 26, thereby giving an insight into those ten years of her life.

Director: Ahammed Khabeer | Stars: Rajisha Vijayan , Sarjano Khalid , Joju George , Arjun Ashokan

Votes: 2,224

96. Vikruthi (2019)

123 min | Comedy, Drama

Mistaking the sleeping passenger on his train for a drunk, a young man posts a picture of him online, unaware of his impulsive act's ugly repercussions.

Director: Emcy Joseph | Stars: Suraj Venjaramoodu , Soubin Shahir , Vincy Aloshious , Sudhi Koppa

Votes: 2,507

97. Luca (2019)

151 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

An investigative thriller with elements of romance, the film narrates the story of two couples: a Kochi-based scrap artist named Luca and his girlfriend Niharika; and a police officer named Akbar and his wife Fathima.

Director: Arun Bose | Stars: Tovino Thomas , Ahaana Krishna , Nithin George , Vinitha Koshy

Votes: 2,002

98. Driving Licence (2019)

135 min | Action, Comedy, Drama

A famous actor needs to renew his driver's licence, and the motor vehicle agent is a fan of his, but a series of misunderstandings causes a great deal of friction.

Director: Jean Paul Lal | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Innocent Vareed Thekkethala , Miya George , Suraj Venjaramoodu

Votes: 4,002

99. And the Oskar Goes To.. (2019)

124 min | Drama

A real touching story of a movie maker who struggle to make his own movie passionately and sacrifice his life for his debut Movie, A must watch and inspiring narration.

Director: Salim Ahmed | Stars: Tovino Thomas , Siddique , Maala Parvathi , Lal

100. Urumi: The Warriors Who Wanted to Kill Vasco Da Gama (2011)

172 min | Action, Drama

Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar, a warrior in 16th century Kerala wants to avenge his father killed in a confrontation with Vasco da Gama and his troops and is assisted by his best friend Vavvali and warrior princess Ayesha.

Director: Santosh Sivan | Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran , Prabhu Deva , Genelia Deshmukh , Nithya Menen

Votes: 2,286

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All six of ‘the omen’ movies, ranked.

The horror franchise returns to theaters with 'The First Omen,' a prequel to the 1976 original.

By Richard Newby

Richard Newby

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The Omen was never conceived with the intention of spawning a franchise and yet it has remained one of Hollywood’s most enduring horror properties.

The original theatrical trilogy ended in the early ’80s, when religious horror gave way to slasher film. But in five short years, The Omen had cemented a legacy within pop culture. The Antichrist, the number of the beast (666) and even the name “Damien” became fixtures in our lexicon. The Omen sustained itself within the zeitgeist for decades without new entries, a rarity within the genre. And now, Damien’s hold grows once more, with a new offering.

Arkasha Stevenson’s The First Omen , a prequel to the 1976 original , is now in theaters to entice audiences with new terrors and shocking revelations. Timed to the franchise’s rebirth, we’re counting down every entry of the Omen franchise, from worst to best:

6. The Omen IV: The Awakening (1991)

I cannot in good faith say that Jorge Montesi and Dominique Othenin-Girard’s made-for-television sequel, Omen IV: The Awakening is a good movie. I can’t tell you it’s particularly well-written or well-conceived. But what I can tell you is that it made me laugh, quite a lot, and for that reason, I can’t say that it’s not worth your time.

Set several years after Damien’s death in The Final Conflict , The Awakening sees the birth of a girl, Delia, who is adopted by a young Virginian congressman, Gene York (Michael York) and his wife Karen (Faye Grant). As Delia (Asia Vieira) grows into childhood, she begins exhibiting strange behavior along with a mean streak that veers into camp. For the most part, The Awakening is a far less effective retread of The Omen , and often borders on parody. I’d argue it plays better if you watch it as a parody. The addition of some new-age crystal nonsense, a snake-infested tent revival, and an overly complicated third-act reveal add a few more wrinkles to keep you awake, and from the film feeling entirely like a remake.

5. The Omen (2006)

Speaking of remakes, we all too quickly arrive at John Moore’s The Omen , which came out during the heyday of classic horror remakes. The remake isn’t a bad film, and it’s got a winning cast of actors to class it up with Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite and Michael Gambon, which does give it a certain level of prestige lacking from other horror remakes at the time. The film’s biggest flaw, however, outside of making Damien (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick) look so conspicuously evil that it’s sometimes comedic, is how close it hews to the original, offering very little in the way of newness. The screenplay, written by Dan McDermott, was so similar to David Seltzer’s original that the WGA gave sole screenwriting credit to Seltzer despite, his having no involvement with the remake. Well-acted and shot with a recognizable style of mid-2000s gothic gloom, The Omen remake isn’t anywhere near being an insult to the original, but it lacks the ambition every other theatrical Omen film has had.

4. Damien: Omen II (1978)

Despite the original film’s implication that Damien would be adopted by the President and First Lady, and have free reign in the White House, Don Taylor’s sequel picks up with an adolescent Damien (Jonathan Scott-Taylor) who is now living with his industrialist uncle Richard Thorn (William Holden) and aunt Ann (Lee Grant) in Chicago, and attending military school alongside his cousin Mark (Lucas Donat). The film successfully juggles the notions that Damien is burdened by his great and evil purpose, and is actually a decent, likable person, and could’ve remained so if not for the forces pushing him in the direction of evil. The original film touches on these devout forces operating on Damien’s behalf and this film pushes that even further, raising the question of whether Damien was born inherently evil or whether his servants’ belief allows such evil to form without consequences. There’s an engaging consideration of modern-day plagues through the lens of corporate science ventures, and a genuinely surprising third-act twist that adds some additional layers to the story. While not as startling as the original film, Omen II is a solid follow-up that teeters between the tone of the original and its sequel, keeping one foot in the realm of conceivable drama and the other into a somewhat absurdist, though welcome, arena of B-movie horror.

3. Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)

Graham Baker’s third installment in The Omen franchise features a devil so charming, you almost hate to see him go. Sam Neill turns on the smolder as 33-year-old Damien Thorne, an international businessman and recent appointee as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Damien has embraced his role as the Antichrist and is working to ensure mankind’s destruction. Yet, one thorn remains in his side, the coming of the new Christ child. While Christian assassins, led by Father DeCarlo (Rossano Brazzi), make plans to finally put an end to the Antichrist, Damien begins his own hunt for the new messiah, while also expanding his flock by romancing journalist Kate Reynolds (Lisa Harrow) and manipulating her son, Peter (Barnaby Holm), into becoming his disciple. Neil is great fun to watch and really drives the film, but The Final Conflict isn’t devoid of some splashy set pieces, and there’s a sequence in which Damien plays out Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents in a way that is still quite shocking. The Final Conflict goes headfirst into the ’80s, operating with an excess that sheds the classiness of where the franchise started and fully embraces religious horror with buck-wild, scenery-chewing enthusiasm.

2. The First Omen (2024)

The sixth entry in the Omen franchise lives up to the number of the beast, with director Arkasha Stevenson delivering a hellishly glorious film that takes full advantage of its ’70s setting through camerawork and Aaron Morton’s cinematography, which evoke that era of filmmaking. Set in the days before Damien’s birth, the prequel film centers on Margaret (Nell Tiger Free ), a young American novitiate who is sent to care for orphans at a church in Rome. There, she connects with a mysterious young girl, Carlita (Nicole Sorace), and uncovers a dark conspiracy within the church. Prequels are often difficult, given their nature of leading to events we already know. But, The First Omen skillfully weaves through the familiar, making smart use of The Omen ’s Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson), while creating something that feels new and that abstains from contradicting the events of the original film. It achieves what only the best prequels do, which is that it is additive to the experience of the original film. There’s also the factor that The First Omen is a damn creepy affair that pushes boundaries and, in moments, proves so shocking that it’s hard to believe this was a studio release (from Disney, no less) and wasn’t slapped with an NC-17 rating. Certainly, by today’s standards, the film is the scariest of the franchise. Free’s performance is a sight to behold, and in a franchise concerned with motherhood though rarely women, she creates a complex humanity within Margaret alongside a kind of inspiring respect as she becomes increasingly, dangerously, unhinged. While it’s following in the footsteps of The Omen , The First Omen also feels like a necessary investigation into the role of the church, women and what we have to fear in today’s society.

1. The Omen (1976)

Richard Donner’s seminal classic popularized the idea of the Antichrist in a world where Christianity was just beginning to take hold in America once again, with born-again Christianity popularized by then-presidential hopeful, Jimmy Carter. Carter wasn’t only responsible for bringing born-again Christianity to the mainstream, but he also helped close the divide between rural and urban demographics, uniting Democratic and Republican voters under his Democratic run. He succeeded and as a result, Republicans worked even harder to re-open that rift between voters in such a way it could not be closed again. All of this is crucial to understanding why The Omen works so well, and despite initial mixed reviews, struck a chord with audiences. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick play the unfortunate parents of Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens), the Antichrist. While David Seltzer’s original script favored ambiguity over whether Damien was or wasn’t the son of Satan, Donner wanted deliberate confirmation, a clear answer that evil existed and hell was real — which, given the time of its release, only worked in the film’s favor. Looking back on The Omen today, it’s quite interesting how little time Peck’s Richard Thorn spends with Damien. There’s not a relationship established between them, so it’s less of an example of the housebound ‘evil child’ subgenre, and more of an investigative road trip with Thorn and photographer Keith Jennings (David Warner) digging deeper into the nature of evil, until they lose themselves in the process. Donner’s Omen works as well as it does and stands apart from the other significant religious horror films of the time, Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Exorcist (1973), leaning on Donner’s previous experience directing detective-centric television series like Cannon , Kojak , and Bronk . While further films held a light up to the face of evil, diminishing some of evil’s mystique, Donner kept it largely in the shadows and let the mystery lead the characters, and audiences, further down into the dark.

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