Exploring the Best Malayalam Movies of All Time

Introduction

Malayalam cinema is one of the most vibrant film industries in India. It has produced some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of all time. With its unique style and storytelling, Malayalam cinema has captivated audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore the best Malayalam movies of all time and provide a guide to the must-watch films.

Top 6 Must-Watch Malayalam Movies of All Time

Malayalam cinema has produced many memorable films over the years. Here are six of the best and most popular Malayalam movies that you should definitely watch:

Drishyam (2013)

Drishyam is a suspense-thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal, Meena, and Ansiba Hassan. The film follows the story of a family man who goes to extreme lengths to protect his loved ones when they become embroiled in a criminal investigation. Drishyam was a massive commercial success and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Ustad Hotel (2012)

Ustad Hotel is a drama directed by Anwar Rasheed and starring Dulquer Salmaan, Thilakan, and Nithya Menen. The film follows the story of a young man who leaves home to pursue his dreams but eventually returns to help his grandfather run a hotel. Ustad Hotel received critical acclaim and won several awards, including four National Film Awards.

Bangalore Days (2014)

Bangalore Days is a romantic comedy directed by Anjali Menon and starring Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Fahadh Faasil. The film follows the story of three cousins who move to Bangalore to pursue their dreams and find love along the way. Bangalore Days was a huge commercial success and was praised for its performances and direction.

Premam (2015)

Premam is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Alphonse Puthren and starring Nivin Pauly, Sai Pallavi, Madonna Sebastian, and Anupama Parameswaran. The film follows the story of a young man who falls in love with three different women at different stages of his life. Premam was a massive hit and is considered to be one of the biggest blockbusters of all time.

Kammatipaadam (2016)

Kammatipaadam is a neo-noir action drama directed by Rajeev Ravi and starring Dulquer Salmaan, Vinayakan, and Shine Tom Chacko. The film follows the story of a gangster who returns to his hometown after many years and finds himself caught up in a turf war between two rival gangs. Kammatipaadam was a critical and commercial success and won several awards.

Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016)

Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Dileesh Pothan and starring Fahadh Faasil, Anusree, Aparna Balamurali, and Alencier Ley Lopez. The film follows the story of a humble photographer who sets out to seek revenge after he is humiliated by a local goon. Maheshinte Prathikaaram was a commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

A Guide to the Best Malayalam Movies You Shouldn’t Miss

Here is a list of some of the best Malayalam movies from recent years that you should not miss:

Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)

Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is a black comedy-drama directed by Dileesh Pothan and starring Fahadh Faasil, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Nimisha Sajayan. The film follows the story of a petty thief who is arrested for stealing a gold chain and the events that follow. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum was highly acclaimed and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

Angamaly Diaries (2017)

Angamaly Diaries is a crime drama directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and starring Antony Varghese, Kichu Tellus, and Reshma Rajan. The film follows the story of a young man who gets involved in the underworld of Angamaly and the events that follow. Angamaly Diaries was a critical and commercial success and established Lijo Jose Pellissery as one of the most promising directors of the new generation.

Take Off (2017)

Take Off is a survival drama directed by Mahesh Narayanan and starring Parvathy Thiruvothu, Kunchacko Boban, and Fahadh Faasil. The film follows the story of a group of nurses who are held hostage in Iraq and their struggle to survive. Take Off was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

Ee.Ma.Yau (2018)

Ee.Ma.Yau is a dark comedy directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and starring Vinayakan, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Dileesh Pothan. The film follows the story of a man who is determined to give his father a proper funeral despite the obstacles he faces. Ee.Ma.Yau was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

Sudani From Nigeria (2018)

Sudani From Nigeria is a sports drama directed by Zakariya Mohammed and starring Soubin Shahir, Samuel Abiola Robinson, and Savithri Sreedharan. The film follows the story of a football club manager and his relationship with a Nigerian footballer. Sudani From Nigeria was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.

Joseph (2018)

Joseph is an investigative thriller directed by M Padmakumar and starring Joju George, Dileesh Pothan, and Aishwarya Lekshmi. The film follows the story of a police officer who investigates the mysterious death of a local old man. Joseph was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

The Best Malayalam Movies for Every Mood

Here is a list of some of the best Malayalam movies for every mood:

For Romance: Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)

Ennu Ninte Moideen is a romantic drama directed by R.S. Vimal and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Bala. The film follows the story of a couple who are separated by fate but remain in love. Ennu Ninte Moideen was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

For Comedy: Aadu 2 (2017)

Aadu 2 is a comedy-drama directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas and starring Jayasurya, Dharmajan Bolgatty, and Vishnu Unnikrishnan. The film follows the story of a gang of misfits who set out on a mission to save their village from a powerful landowner. Aadu 2 was a commercial success and was praised for its performances and direction.

For Action: Oru Indian Pranayakatha (2013)

Oru Indian Pranayakatha is an action-comedy directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and starring Fahadh Faasil, Amala Paul, and Nedumudi Venu. The film follows the story of a young man who sets out to prove his innocence after he is framed for a crime he did not commit. Oru Indian Pranayakatha was a commercial success and was praised for its performances and direction.

For Drama: Charlie (2015)

Charlie is a romantic drama directed by Martin Prakkat and starring Dulquer Salmaan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Aparna Gopinath. The film follows the story of a young man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after meeting a mysterious woman. Charlie was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

For Thriller: Kali (2016)

Kali is an action-thriller directed by Sameer Thahir and starring Dulquer Salmaan, Sai Pallavi, and Siddique. The film follows the story of a young couple who become embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse after a series of unfortunate events. Kali was a commercial success and was praised for its performances and direction.

For Family: Godha (2017)

Godha is a sports comedy directed by Basil Joseph and starring Tovino Thomas, Renji Panicker, and Wamiqa Gabbi. The film follows the story of a former wrestler who takes it upon himself to train a young girl to compete in a wrestling tournament. Godha was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

Classic Malayalam Movies That Defined a Generation

Here is a list of some of the most iconic Malayalam movies of all time:

Manichithrathaazhu (1993)

Manichithrathaazhu is a psychological thriller directed by Fazil and starring Mohanlal, Shobana, and Suresh Gopi. The film follows the story of a married couple who are haunted by the spirit of a woman. Manichithrathaazhu was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.

Chithram (1988)

Chithram is a comedy-drama directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal, Ranjini, and Nedumudi Venu. The film follows the story of a conman who pretends to be the husband of a woman in order to gain access to her family’s wealth. Chithram was a massive commercial success and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Bharatham (1991)

Bharatham is a musical drama directed by Sibi Malayil and starring Mohanlal, Urvashi, and Nedumudi Venu. The film follows the story of a Carnatic musician who struggles to make ends meet and find success in life. Bharatham was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.

Kilukkam (1991)

Kilukkam is a comedy-drama directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal, Revathi, and Jagadish. The film follows the story of two friends who embark on a journey to reunite a young couple. Kilukkam was a massive commercial success and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Chemmeen (1965)

Chemmeen is a romantic drama directed by Ramu Kariat and starring Sheela, Madhu, and Sathyan. The film follows the story of a fisherman’s daughter who is forced to choose between her love and her family’s honour. Chemmeen was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

Thoovanathumbikal (1987)

Thoovanathumbikal is a romance-drama directed by Padmarajan and starring Mohanlal, Sumalatha, and Parvathy. The film follows the story of a young man who falls in love with two women at the same time. Thoovanathumbikal was a critical and commercial success and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Exploring the Cinematic Brilliance of Malayalam Cinema

Malayalam cinema has had a profound impact on regional and global cinema. Here are some of the ways in which Malayalam filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of cinema:

Examining the impact of Malayalam movies on regional and global cinema

Malayalam cinema has had a significant influence on regional and global cinema. Malayalam filmmakers have explored a variety of genres and themes, from social dramas to romantic comedies, which have been embraced by audiences around the world. Malayalam films have also inspired filmmakers and actors in other industries, such as Bollywood and Hollywood.

Analyzing the various genres embraced by Malayalam filmmakers

Malayalam filmmakers have embraced a variety of genres throughout the years. They have explored romance, comedy, drama, action, thriller, horror, and more. Malayalam filmmakers have also experimented with unconventional genres such as neo-noir, science fiction, and fantasy. This diversity has allowed Malayalam cinema to reach a wider audience.

Exploring the use of music and sound in Malayalam films

Music and sound play an integral role in Malayalam cinema. Malayalam filmmakers have used music and sound to create unique atmospheres and enhance the emotional impact of their films.