With some terrific, interesting scripts and stunning performances, malayalam movies are not only loved in Kerala but have a huge fan base across country, if you are someone who haven’t came across malayalam cinema then wait no more, you will be in awe with the brilliance of malayalam cinema, here are some of the best malayalam movies to watch on prime, just to start with!
Ayappanum Koshiyum
Thriller Drama – 2 Hr 57 min
Imdb – 7.9/10
It’s the story of Ayappan Nair, a Sub-inspector in a small town, who seizes Koshy Kurien’s vehicle with a container full of alcohol. Since alcohol is prohibited in the region, they immediately take action against him. Not only is Koshy an uncooperative drunk but he also mistreats the cops which forces Ayappan Nair to give him a good whack. Koshy, being an ex army personnel and the son of a big shot, is outraged.
There begins the movie and continues with intense rivalry between the two. Can one survive when the other has taken a vow of revenge?
Though the movie might seem long, not a minute of it gets boring or lagging. Follow this plot that flows like a river and get lost in the tale of two headstrong men.
Why to watch
- First class acting by the lead duo, Prithviraj and Biju Menon
- Amazing background score with folk music
- Great story
- Clash of the male egos
- Funny, entertaining and thrilling
Lucifer
Action Drama – 2 Hr 55 min
Imdb – 7.5/10
Kerala’s chief minister PK Ramdas’ (PKR) sudden death leaves the state powerless and exposed. It starts a political war, where everyone tries to exploit the tragedy for their own profit. PKR’s most trusted right hand man, Stephen (Mohan Lal) is the only one who can stop the state from falling into the evil hands of PKR’s son in law. The narrative is complex and has a lot of inside tracks which makes it all the more appealing. Watch as Mohan Lal smashes it out of the park with his usual larger than life presence. One of the best malayalam movies to watch on prime.
Why to watch
- Magnificent Lalettan
- Great cast which includes the likes of Manju Warrier, Vivek Oberoi, Tovino Thom, Indrajith Sukumaran to name a few
- Some unexpected twists and turns
- Supreme entertainment
- Politics, revenge, emotional, and crime drama
Virus
Thriller Drama – 2 Hr 32 min
Imdb – 7.9/10
A movie inspired by the real-life events following the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2018. There is so much mystery and curiosity surrounding such occurrences. The movie has successfully wrapped and presented it to the audience with a pretty bow on top.
The story starts from the first infected victim to the treating nurses, medical staff and the inevitable spread to the general public. They further it by showing us how contact tracing is done and the effort that goes into various aspects be it providing information to public, avoiding a political crisis, and handling emergencies.
It gives us closure and it is a must watch especially after our very own pandemic which wreaked havoc everywhere.
Why to watch
- A movie inspired by real-life events
- Virus outbreak in Kerala
- A super star cast including Kunchacko Boban, Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali, Parvathy Thiruvothu.
- No nonsense, simple and to the point
- Entertaining, thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat
Android Kunjappan ver 5.25
Comedy Drama – 2 Hr 20 min
Imdb – 8.2/10
A son working abroad, unable to take care of his elderly father, develops a robot that can do the job. Watch this endearing tale of how the father and robot connect on an emotional level. There is a scene where he buys a mundu (traditional Kerala attire) for the robot to cover his modesty which makes for a funny and heartwarming sight. Laugh and cry as they go through life together. But can a robot ever replace a human touch?
Why to watch
- A unique tale presented very well
- Superb acting by Suraj as the ailing father ( He received best actor in Kerala film awards)
- A movie that makes you think about how much technology has changed our lives
- Funny and endearing
Driving license
Comedy Emotion Drama – 2 Hr 15 min
Imdb – 7.2/10
The main theme of the movie is quite similar to Ayappanum Koshiyum, two headstrong men going against each other.
Superstar Hareendran loses his driving license and needs a new one issued immediately.
The vehicle inspector who is in charge of Hareendran’s case is an ardent fan, so things should go smoothly right? But wait, certain misunderstandings will cause egos to clash and the movie changes its direction from then on.
An exciting movie to watch with a lot of funny moments embedded in the clever script.
Why to watch
- Clash of the male egos
- Funny, entertaining, full of suspense
- Superb acting by the lead actors and the entire cast
- A movie with a good message
Kumbalangi Nights
Romantic Drama – 2 Hr 15 min
Imdb – 8.6/10
Four (step) brothers, who don’t always get along with each other, find themselves in a sticky situation. It could make or break the already thin relationship they share. Will love really conquer all, is to be seen in this humorous yet touching tale. One of the best malayalam movies to watch on prime
Why to watch
- Riveting plot supported by powerful characterizations
- Endearing tale of love and relationships
- Funny
Thattathin Marayathu
Romantic Drama – 2 Hr 7 min
Imdb – 7.4/10
On the surface it may seem like a typical love story between a Hindu boy and Muslim girl. This movie offers some reprieve from the high intensity drama that usually follows inter-caste relationships. Vinod is captivated by Aisha and tries to woo her. Watch this romantic tale of the two young lovers and reminisce about your good old days.
Why to watch
- Romantic drama
- A perfect couple in the form of Nivin Pauly and Isha Talwar
- Funny, entertaining and lovable
- Beautiful melodies
Jallikattu
Thriller Drama – 1 Hr 35 min
Imdb – 7.6/10
A slaughter buffalo escapes from the clutches of the butcher about to cut him up. The buffalo wreaks havoc in the village and it then becomes about the capture of this wild beast. The movie is shocking yet thrilling. The movie not only makes for an entertaining watch but also gives us some really thought provoking messages. At the end of it, you will wonder who is really the beast, the buffalo trying to run for his life or man himself.
Why to watch
- Indian entry for the Oscars
- Man vs. animal
- Realistic cinema
- A visual delight
- Thought provoking
Trance
Action Drama – 2 Hr 50 min
Imdb – 7.3/10
Viju Prasad, a lesser known but enthusiastic motivational speaker, finds himself in the ‘city of dreams’, after a personal tragedy forces him to make a new start. What follows is nothing short of a roller coaster ride that shows Viju’s highs and lows.
Why to watch
- Fabulous Fahadh at it again
- Real life couple Fahadh and Nazriya on screen
- Mental health and depression
- Rags to riches
- Psychological drama
Rappakal
Emotional Family Drama – 2 Hr 17 min
Imdb – 7.1/10
Sharada, a wealthy lady all alone in the big family house finds companionship in the care taker, who she has raised since he was a little boy. Krishnan also treats Sharada like his own mother. Their bond is the most endearing thing you’ll see in the movie.
Then her greedy family arrives in the hopes of turning a profit selling the ancestral home. Watch this touching story set in a simple and realistic backdrop.
Why to watch
- Love between mother and son (even if he is not her actual son)
- Mammootty’s moving performance sure to bring tears in your eyes
- Beautiful story
- Love for Family
Chandralekha
Romantic Drama – 2 Hr 52 min
Imdb – 7.5/10
Appukuttan, moves across cities in search of a job. One day, he is forced to take a lady involved in a car accident to the hospital. The girl’s family mistakes him for the husband. Due to some unexpected reasons he is forced to play the part. He realizes she is an heir to a huge fortune and uses it to his advantage in getting a loan to help his financial condition.
Pure of heart and with no malicious intentions, Appu and gang go on this hilarious roller coaster of misunderstandings. There are some sweet moments too which make you side with the “pretender”. Movie may seem long but so many twists, turns, and laughable moments keep you engaged till the very end. Every malayalee can say they would have seen it about a million times, even today. It never gets old and that’s the beauty of it!
Why to watch
- The famous Priyadarshan-Mohan Lal combo
- Epic lead duo of Mohan Lal and Srinivasan. They don’t disappoint.
- Supporting cast adds a great flavor
- Entertaining family movie
- Cameo by Anil Kapoor
- Great story
Manoharam
Comedy Drama – 2h 17m
Imdb – 6.8/10
Manu, a talented poster artist, struggles to find work with the advent of digital technology. After being jilted by his fiancee, he attempts to rebuild his life.
Why to watch
- A story of hope
- Hearth touching, feel good movie
Also check out Best of Fahadh Faasil Movies
