Top Malayalam Movies

From Sathyan Anthikad, starring Sreenivasan, Jayaram, Thilakan, Maathu
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Sandesham is a 1991 Malayalam-language drama film written by Sreenivasan and directed by Sathyan Anthikad. The film stars Sreenivasan, Jayaram, Innocent, and Siddique. It follows the story of two poverty-stricken brothers, Thampi (Sreenivasan) and Kuttappan (Jayaram), who live in a small village in Kerala. Despite their financial difficulties, the brothers are determined to succeed. They take on a variety of odd jobs in order to survive, but soon find themselves in debt. To make ends meet, they decide to commit a robbery, but things don't go as planned. In the end, Thampi and Kuttappan are able to find redemption and hope for the future. The film deals with themes of poverty, family, and the power of education.

From Sibi Malayil, starring Mohanlal, Thilakan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Parvathi
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Kireedam is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A. K. Lohithadas. Set in the backwaters of Kerala, the story follows Sethumadhavan (Mohanlal), an innocent young man who gets entangled in a web of crime, destitution and tragedy. After being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, Sethu is forced to leave his home and his beloved mother. With the help of a kindly police inspector, Sethu eventually manages to clear his name and reclaim his honor. Along the way, Sethu learns the hard lessons of life and discovers the true meaning of friendship and loyalty. With its strong performances, memorable music, and powerful narrative, Kireedam remains one of the most enduring and beloved Malayalam films of all time.

From Sibi Malayil, starring Mammootty, Thilakan, Mukesh, Kaviyoor Ponnamma
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Thaniyavartanam (English title: The Golden Chain) is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Sibi Malayil. The film stars Mohanlal, Ratheesh, Nedumudi Venu, Urvashi and Rajalakshmi in prominent roles. The story revolves around a group of people from a village in Kerala who, in their search for a better life, come to the city. The film explores the themes of displacement and alienation, and the experiences of the villagers as they struggle to adjust to their new lives in the city. The film was lauded for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of the urban poor and was highly praised by audiences and critics alike. The film won three Kerala State Film Awards, including the Best Film Award. It was also selected as the Indian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 61st Academy Awards, but was not nominated.

From Sathyan Anthikad, starring Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, Thilakan, Shobana

Nadodikattu is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language comedy film directed by Sathyan Anthikad, written by Sreenivasan, and starring Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, and Shankar. It follows the story of two unemployed Malayali men, Ramdas (Mohanlal) and Kuruppu (Sreenivasan), who devise a plan to make money by posing as officers of the Income Tax department. The two men must then outwit the real officers and the local underworld. The film is noted for its satire of the bureaucracy in India, as well as its comedic elements. This film was a huge success and was remade in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

From Fazil, starring Shobana, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Vinaya Prasad
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Manichithrathazhu (English: The Dramatic Instrument) is a 1993 Malayalam psychological thriller film directed by Fazil, written by Madhu Muttam, and produced by Swargachitra Appachan. It stars Mohanlal, Shobana, Suresh Gopi, and Nedumudi Venu. The film tells the story of a young woman, Ganga (Shobana), who lives in a mansion with her husband, Nagavalli (Mohanlal), and his extended family. Ganga's life is peaceful until she finds out that the mansion is haunted by the spirit of Nagavalli's previous wife, Nagavalli (Suresh Gopi). With the help of Dr. Sunny Joseph (Nedumudi Venu), Ganga is able to exorcise the spirit from the mansion and restore peace to her life. The film is noted for its moving story, strong performances from the cast, and its suspenseful direction. It has become a classic of Malayalam cinema, and is credited for restarting the genre of psychological thriller in Malayalam cinema. The film won several awards, including four National Film Awards and four Kerala

From P. Padmarajan, starring Mohanlal, Sumalatha, Parvathi, Ashokan

Thoovanathumbikal is an Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film written and directed by P. Padmarajan. It stars Mohanlal, Parvathy, Sumalatha, and Jagathy Sreekumar in lead roles. The story follows Jayakrishnan, an educated youth who falls in love with two women: the traditional, beautiful Clara and the bold and confident Bharathi. He struggles to make a decision between them, and is torn between his loyalty to society and his own inner desires. With the help of his friends, he eventually decides to follow his heart. The film is a classic example of Padmarajan’s work and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of joy and sorrow, love and betrayal, and the complex emotions between two lovers. It is considered to be one of the all-time best romantic films in Malayalam cinema.

From T. Hariharan, starring Mammootty, Madhavi, Devan, Suresh Gopi

A Northern Story of Valor is a 1989 Tamil language drama film directed by T. Hariharan and written by P. Kalaimani. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Sumithra in the lead roles. The film tells the story of a courageous North Indian soldier, Subramaniam (Sivaji Ganesan), who is sent on a mission to a dangerous mountain territory. He is accompanied by his wife Kannamma (Sumithra), and their young son (Master Rajkumar). Subramaniam and Kannamma must decide whether to risk their lives and stay in the face of great danger, or to flee and abandon the mission. The film explores themes of courage, valor, and sacrifice. It also examines the power of love in the face of hardship and danger. Subramaniam and Kannamma must grapple with their personal and professional commitments while they face the threat of the mountain terrain. Ultimately, Subramaniam and Kannamma make the difficult decision to stay and fulfill their mission, despite the great danger. The film is an inspiring tale of courage and determination.

From Directors: Lal, Siddique, starring Mukesh, Siddique, Jagadish, Ashokan
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In Harihar Nagar is a 1990 Malayalam-language comedy film directed by Lal and Siddique. The film follows the story of four close friends, Govindan Kutty (Mukesh), Appukuttan (Siddique), Shivan Kutty (Jagadish), and Thomas Kutty (Ashokan). After losing a bet to their rivals, the four friends must pay a hefty sum of money, or else face dire consequences. To raise the money, the four set out to find a hidden treasure, but their comical attempts to do so often land them into trouble. Along the way, they must also face off against a scheming villain and his henchmen. With the help of their friends and some unlikely allies, the four of them eventually manage to outwit the villain and recover the treasure. In the end, they use the money to settle their debts, while also becoming local heroes in the process.

From Priyadarshan, starring Mohanlal, Jagathy Sreekumar, Revathi, Kollam Thulasi

Kilukkam is a 1991 Malayalam comedy-drama film directed by Priyadarshan, starring Mohanlal, Revathi, Jagathi Sreekumar, and Innocent in the lead roles. It follows the story of Nandu (Mohanlal), a young man from a small village who goes to the city to find a job and support his family. He meets his old friend Greg (Innocent) who helps him find a job in a hotel owned by Shanmugham (Jagathi Sreekumar). He also meets Ganga (Revathi), a girl who works as a cleaning lady at the hotel. Nandu eventually falls in love with Ganga, but is faced with many obstacles in his pursuit of her, including a rival suitor and her disapproving family. With the help of his friends and the hotel staff, Nandu eventually succeeds in winning Ganga's heart. Kilukkam was a big success at the box office and went on to spawn two sequels, Kilukkam Kilukilukkam (2006) and Kilukkam 3 (2014). It is widely considered to be one of the best films by Priy

From P. Padmarajan, starring Mohanlal, Shari, Thilakan, Vineeth

Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal is a 1986 romantic drama film written, directed and produced by P. Padmarajan. The film stars Mohanlal and Revathi in the lead roles with Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu and Urvashi in supporting roles. The film tells the story of a young couple, Rajan (Mohanlal) and Radha (Revathi), who are deeply in love but cannot get married due to family pressure. They eventually elope and run away to a hill station where they face several struggles to be together. The film deals with their struggles and the romance between them. The film is widely acclaimed for its strong emotions, realistic performances and complex characters. The film was a major box office success and is considered to be a classic in Malayalam cinema. It was also nominated for the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.

From Directors: Lal, Siddique, starring Saikumar, Mukesh, Innocent, Rekha
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Ramji Rao Speaking is a 1989 comedy directed by Lal and Siddique. The film follows the story of Ramji Rao, a small-time boxer who dreams of becoming a successful businessman. When a rich businesswoman offers him a job, he jumps at the chance and starts his own business. However, things don't quite go as planned, and he finds himself in a series of humorous misadventures. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about the world of business, friendship, and life in general. The film is a light-hearted, comedic take on the life of an aspiring entrepreneur.

From Sibi Malayil, starring Mohanlal, Urvashi, Nedumudi Venu, Kaviyoor Ponnamma

Bharatham is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Sibi Malayil. It stars Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu, Murali, Urvashi, and Srividya. The film follows the story of an extremely talented but egoistic Carnatic singer, Gopi (Mohanlal), who is determined to reach unparalleled heights in the world of classical music. Despite having an influential father, Gopi is determined to make a name for himself and win the respect of his critics. He finds true love in Sridevi (Urvashi) and slowly begins to mellow down and appreciate the finer aspects of life. Gopi's journey to success is not easy, as he has to face a number of struggles, including facing the wrath of the Gods when he crosses the limits of his talent. Eventually, Gopi manages to reach the pinnacle of classical music and is finally able to find peace and happiness in his life.

From Bharathan, starring Mammootty, Maathu, Chitra, Murali

Amaram is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language drama film, directed by Bharathan and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Mammootty, Revathi, Thilakan, and Baby Shamili in the lead roles. The film centers around Subramaniam (Mammootty), an alcoholic fisherman who lives with his daughter Ammu (Baby Shamili) in a coastal village. His life is complicated further when his old flame Meenakshi (Revathi) returns to the village with her daughter. Subramaniam's life changes as he is forced to confront his past and make peace with his present. As the story progresses, Subramaniam discovers the joys and challenges of raising a daughter, and realizes the importance of his own role in her life. With the help of Meenakshi and his village, Subramaniam is able to come to terms with his past and create a better future for himself and Ammu. The film is a heartwarming story of family, love, and redemption. It was a commercial success at the box office, and received critical acclaim for its themes, performances, and direction.

From Blessy, starring Mohanlal, Meera Vasudevan, Arjun Lal, Nedumudi Venu

Thanmathra is a 2005 Malayalam drama film directed by Blessy. The film follows the story of Rameshan (Mohanlal), a middle-aged and happily married man, who is struck by a mysterious disease that slowly takes away his short-term memory. Despite his illness, Rameshan strives to maintain a normal life and keep a positive attitude, while his family struggles to cope with his condition. With the help of his loving wife (Meera Jasmine) and his son (Narain), Rameshan slowly comes to terms with his deteriorating health. The film also features a strong supporting cast including Nedumudi Venu and Lakshmi Gopalaswamy. The film was well-received, earning several awards and nominations.

From Adoor Gopalakrishnan, starring Mammootty, M.R. Gopakumar, Tanvi Azmi, Sabitha Anand

Vidheyan (1994) is a Malayalam-language Indian drama film directed by acclaimed director Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The film stars Mammootty as the lead character, Thommi, a landless peasant from Kerala, India. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is hired by an authoritarian landlord, Bhaskara Patelar (Thilakan) to watch over his estate. Thommi quickly becomes a loyal and devoted employee, doing whatever is asked of him to keep the estate safe and secure. However, his servitude comes at a heavy price - Thommi is stripped of his freedom and dignity, and begins to resent his employer. He ultimately decides to take matters into his own hands, leading to a dramatic climax. The film explores issues of power and control, while examining the consequences of social inequality. It is widely considered to be one of the most important films in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's canon, and is a must-see for any fan of Indian cinema.

From P. Padmarajan, starring Jagathi N.K. Achari, Ajayan Adoor, Ajayan, Ashokan
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Moonnam Pakkam (1988) is a romantic drama film written and directed by the famed Indian filmmaker P. Padmarajan. The film tells the story of a young couple whose love is put to the test when the girl’s father interferes. Saradha (Shobana) is a college student in love with Chandran (Mohanlal). Despite objections from her father, Saradha and Chandran are determined to get married. But her father’s actions jeopardize their plans and they are forced to take a drastic step. Will their love survive the test of time and family pressure? Moonnam Pakkam is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the fragility of relationships and the power of love. The film stars Mohanlal, Shobana, Nedumudi Venu and Jagathy Sreekumar. The music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja and the cinematography is by P.S. Nivas.

From Ranjith, starring Mammootty, Priyamani, Jesse Fox Allen, Innocent

Pranchiyettan and the Saint is a 2010 Malayalam-language comedy-drama film written and directed by Ranjith. It tells the story of Panchiyettan (Mammootty), a self-made businessman, who is obsessed with becoming a saint. He believes that he has a spiritual connection to St. Francis of Assisi, and sets out on a pilgrimage to fulfill his lifelong dream. Along the way, he meets many interesting characters who help him in his quest and teach him valuable life lessons. Through his journey, he discovers the true meaning of spirituality and himself. The film is a humorous and thought-provoking look at faith, identity, and the power of self-discovery.

From Jeethu Joseph, starring Mohanlal, Meena, Asha Sharath, Ansiba
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Drishyam is a 2013 Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film directed by Jeethu Joseph and written by Jeethu and Krishna Poojappura. It stars Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, and Esther in the lead roles. The film tells the story of Georgekutty (Mohanlal), a cable TV operator and film enthusiast from a small village in Kerala. After his wife and two children are threatened by a high-ranking police officer, he is forced to use his wit and resources to protect them. In the process, he must face a host of challenges and enemies. The film received critical acclaim, with praise for its screenplay, direction, performances, and music. It was a major commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide. It won numerous awards, including three National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards. It has been remade in various languages and inspired a sequel.

From Anjali Menon, starring Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim, Fahadh Faasil
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Bangalore Days is a 2014 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film written and directed by Anjali Menon. It follows the lives of three cousins, Arjun, Divya, and Kuttan, who have grown up like siblings in Bangalore. While Arjun is a carefree and fun-loving youngster, Divya is an independent girl and Kuttan is an introvert. When their parents decide to get them married, they all move to Bangalore to pursue their respective dreams. Along the way, they face various challenges and learn to face them with courage. As their lives interweave, they realize that, no matter how different they are, they are connected by their family and their love for Bangalore.

From Shaji N. Karun, starring Mohanlal, Suhasini, Mattanoor Shankara Marar, Kalamandalam Gopi

Vanaprastham is a 1999 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Shaji N. Karun starring Mohanlal, Suhasini Maniratnam, and Mattanoor Sankarankutty. The film tells the story of Kunhikuttan, a Kalarippayattu master, who is heavily attached to the temple in his village and is deeply rooted in the traditional and cultural values of Kerala. When he meets the daughter of a Maharaja and falls in love with her, his own traditional values and those of his beloved's family clash, leading him to choose between his love and his beloved and his traditional values. The film explores the themes of societal expectations and individual identity in a deeply moving and poetic manner. It is widely considered to be one of the best Malayalam films of all time.

From Anjali Menon, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Thilakan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Rahman

Manjadikuru is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film written and directed by Anjali Menon. The film follows Varun (Master Govardhan), a 12-year-old boy, as he spends the summer of 1986 in his ancestral home in a rural village in Kerala. Through his interactions with the villagers and his family, Varun discovers the secrets of his ancestors, and learns to understand and appreciate the importance of his lineage and the values of his family. As he unravels the hidden stories of the past, Varun also discovers the beauty of life and death, and the limits of his own understanding. Manjadikuru is a poignant and thought-provoking tale of family and tradition, and the universal themes of growing up and learning to appreciate life and the people around us.

From Bharathan, starring Mohanlal, Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, Anju
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Thazhvaram is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Bharathan and starring Mohanlal, Sunitha and Thilakan. Set in the backdrop of a village in Kerala, the film follows Balan (Mohanlal) who is released from jail after being framed in a murder case. He meets his old friend Sethu (Thilakan) who is convinced Balan was framed and is determined to help him find the real murderer. Balan meets Kunjulakshmi (Sunitha) who has a shady past and together they embark on a mission to expose the truth. Balan faces off with the local goons who are responsible for the murder, while Sethu is put in a life-threatening situation. In the end, Balan and Kunjulakshmi manage to solve the mystery, revealing the real killer and bringing justice to the villagers.

From K. Madhu, starring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Jagathy Sreekumar, Janardanan

Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by K. Madhu and written by S. N. Swamy. It stars Mammootty, Shankar, Mukesh, and Geetha in the lead roles. The film revolves around a series of murders that have taken place in a small town. The police are unable to solve the case until the CBI is called in to investigate. Enter CBI officer Sidharthan (Mammootty), who is determined to crack the case. With the help of his team, he is able to identify the murderer and bring him to justice. The film was a success at the box office and was well received by critics. The film went on to be remade in Tamil as Apoorva Sagodharargal.

From T.V. Chandran, starring Janardanan, Salu Koottanad, Lakshmi Krishnamurthy, Mahesh

Ponthan Mada is a 1994 Malayalam-language film directed by T.V. Chandran and written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair. The film follows Ponthan Mada (Mohanlal), a Dalit man living in a small, rural village in Kerala, India. He is a respected member of the community, but he is constantly at odds with the local landlord who is determined to keep him and his people as servants and laborers. When the landlord makes an attempt to usurp the village's communal land, Ponthan is determined to protect it. He leads a group of villagers in a battle against the landlord and his forces. In the end, the villagers are triumphant and the landlord is defeated. Ponthan Mada is a poignant tale of the struggle between the haves and the have-nots and the power of the collective.

From P. Padmarajan, starring Shobana, Jayaram, Srividya, Suresh Gopi
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Innale is a 1989 Malayalam-language film written and directed by P. Padmarajan. The film tells the story of Prabha, a young woman who is dealing with the death of her husband, who died in a car accident. Prabha is troubled by her husband's death and her inability to move on with her life. As she begins to explore her feelings and come to terms with her loss, she gradually falls in love with the man she believes was responsible for her husband's death. Innale is a poignant story of loss, grief and love, and of the struggles of a young woman facing tragedy and finding the courage to move forward.