As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of Malayalam cinema, I find myself captivated by the diverse array of films that are currently streaming online. From the enigmatic mystery thriller “Kishkindha Kaandam” to the coming-of-age comedy drama “Varshangalkku Shesham”, each film offers a unique perspective on life and storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala.
2024 saw remarkable success for the Malayalam film industry, with blockbuster hits gracing the box office and garnering attention at esteemed National Awards. The spectrum ranged from gripping thrillers, action-packed films, heartfelt dramas, romantic comedies, and chilling horrors, showcasing exceptional acting talent from Mollywood.
Here’s a list of the 10 best Malayalam films that set the benchmark this year.
10 Best Malayalam films
Manjummel Boys
- Directed by: Chidambaram
- Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi, Lal Jr, Deepak Parambol
- Run time: 2h 15 mins
- Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: February 22, 2024
In simpler terms, the Malayalam survival thriller titled “Manjummel Boys” has garnered an exceptional response from viewers. This film, helmed by Chidambaram, is inspired by the 2006 Kodaikanal rescue incident and recounts the tale of a group of friends from Kochi who go on a trip to Kodaikanal. Unfortunately, their vacation takes a dark turn when one of them gets trapped in the Guna Caves.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Disney+ Hotstar.
Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life
- Directed by: Blessy
- Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, K.R Gokul, Amala Paul, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Shobha Mohan
- Run time: 2h 15 mins
- Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: March 28, 2024
Embarking on another gripping survival tale, I found myself immersed in “Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life,” a cinematic masterpiece starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in a remarkable, unprecedented role. This film is the fruit of a unique collaboration between Indian and American production houses, serving as an adaptation of Benyamin’s critically acclaimed Malayalam novel, Aadujeevitham.
The narrative unfolds around a man from India who, in pursuit of employment, finds himself in Saudi Arabia. There, circumstances compel him to perform labor without pay, tending to goats in a secluded desert region.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Netflix.
Aavesham
- Directed by: Jithu Madhavan
- Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Hipzster, Mithun Jai Shankar, Sajin Gopu, Midhutty, Mansoor Ali Khan
- Run time: 2h 41 mins
- Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: April 11, 2024
Aavesham is a movie that blends comedy and action, leaving viewers entertained and captivated by its wit and storyline. It was the debut production under Fahadh Faasil’s personal studio. The film garnered praise from critics and proved to be a massive success at the box office.
The plot follows three youngsters in Bangalore who end up befriending a local gangster, who helps them deal with their school bully.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Prime Video.
Premalu
- Directed by: Girish AD
- Cast: Naslen K Gafoor, Mamitha Baiju, Sangeeth Prathap, Akhila Bhargavan, Shyam Mohan
- Run time: 2h 36 mins
- Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: February 9, 2024
The playful romantic comedy titled “Premalu” resonated strongly with viewers when it debuted. This production was overseen by Fahadh Faasil, and it currently stands as the sixth-highest-grossing Malayalam film ever made. Excitingly, a sequel to this popular movie has been confirmed.
The plot revolves around a young graduate from Kerala who plans to immigrate to the U.S. but ends up in Hyderabad, where his life changes as he meets and falls in love with someone special.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Disney+ Hotstar.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam
- Directed by: Jithin Laal
- Cast: Tovino Thomas, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Rohini
- Run time: 2h 22 mins
- Rating: 7.2/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: September 12, 2024
In the movie “Ajayante Randam Moshanam,” Tovino Thomas demonstrated his acting range with a groundbreaking performance. This action-packed, multi-generational film presents an intricate and captivating storyline.
The narrative unfolds against the scenic backdrop of Northern Kerala, where it chronicles the efforts of a trio of heroic characters from different generations to safeguard a precious artifact of their homeland.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Disney+ Hotstar.
Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil
- Directed by: Vipin Das
- Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Basil Joseph, Nikhila Vimal, Anaswara Rajan, Yogi Babu, Jagadish
- Run time: 2h 12 mins
- Rating: 6.6/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: May 16, 2024
The movie titled “Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil” (meaning “The Guruvayoor Temple”) turned out to be a surprising success at the box office, receiving positive feedback from both audiences and critics. By the end of 2024, it ranked as the ninth highest-grossing Malayalam film of that year.
The narrative centers around a man who, following his girlfriend’s remarriage, swears off matrimony altogether. However, as time passes and he himself contemplates marriage, he uncovers an astounding truth concerning the background of his intended spouse.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Disney+ Hotstar.
Bramayugam
- Directed by: Vipin Das
- Cast: Mammootty, Arjun Ashokan, Sidharth Bharathan, Amalda Liz, Manikandan R Achari
- Run time: 2h 20 mins
- Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: February 15, 2024
The movie “Bramayugam,” a contemporary take on folk-horror, garnered praise for its intriguing script and deep dive into the enigmatic secrets, legends, and local folklore of Kerala. The film was highly praised for its innovative sound design, captivating background music, and impressive production details.
The story traces the voyage of a folk musician on his path to freedom, during which he discovers a profound, transformative reality.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Sony LIV.
Varshangalkku Shesham
- Directed by: Vineeth Sreenivasan
- Cast: Pranav Mohanlal, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Nivin Pauly, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Neeta Pillai
- Run time: 2h 47 mins
- Rating: 6.6/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: April 11, 2024
The humorous-drama film titled “Varshangalkku Shesham” received a blend of positive and negative feedback from both audiences and critics following its premiere. Regardless, it proved profitable and climbed to become one of the top eight highest earning Malayalam movies in 2024. In terms of storyline, the movie centers around the tale of two companions that unfolds across various timeframes.
The movie was filmed at approximately 50 different spots across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can now stream it on Sony LIV. (Paraphrased)
Kishkindha Kaandam
- Directed by: Dinjith Ayyathan
- Cast: Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Vijayaraghavan, Jagadish, Ashokan, Shebin Benson, Major Ravi
- Run time: 2h 5 mins
- Rating: 8.3/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: September 12, 2024
The Malayalam thriller Kishkindha Kaandam transports viewers into an expedition through a forest inhabited by monkeys where bizarre and inexplicable incidents have been happening for quite some time. Two new officials are sent to solve the enigma surrounding these events.
The film received widespread praise from critics, with every detail being highly appreciated. For actor Asif Ali, it became one of his most successful projects to date. You can stream the movie on Disney+Hotstar.
Turbo
- Directed by: Vysakh
- Cast: Mammootty, Raj B Shetty, Anjana Jayaprakash, Shabareesh Varma, Sunil, Kabir Duhan Singh, Bindu Panicker
- Run time: 2h 42 mins
- Rating: 5.9/10 (IMDb)
- Release date: May 23, 2024
In simpler terms, the movie “Turbo,” featuring Mammootty in the lead role, received a mix of positive and negative opinions from reviewers upon its release. Although Mammootty’s acting was praised for its charm, some aspects of the movie didn’t live up to what people had hoped for.
The storyline revolves around a jeep driver who finds himself in unexpected difficulties, compelling him to move to Chennai, where further mysteries lie in store.
The film is available for OTT viewing on Sony LIV.
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2024-11-27 15:09