Throughout the last few decades, the Malayalam film business has grown at an accelerating rate. It has been providing one success after another, entertaining and pushing its viewers to reflect on many areas of life via movies. With so many movies entering theatres each week, it may be difficult for you to stay abreast. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the best Malayalam films of all time. We compiled the list centered on critics’ recommendations and audience feedback.
Chemmeen (1965)
Chemmeen is a masterpiece, & this is also the first ever South Indian movie to get the National Award for Best Movie in 1965. It is a Malayalam love drama movie inspired by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai’s book with the same title.
Amma Ariyan (1986)
It is considered among the most daring masterpieces of Indian cinema and is still debated for its multi-layered plot. The plot centers on the events that occur after the demise of a young Naxalite, after which his companions come to the village wherein his mother resides to tell her of her beloved son’s passing.
Yavanika (1982)
K. G. George co-wrote and helmed the 1982 Malayalam suspense mystery film Yavanika. The film’s main actors are Bharath Gopi, Mammootty, and Jalaja. The movie delves into the behind-the-curtains turmoil of a traveling theatre troupe.
Nadodikattu (1987)
Sathyan Anthikad and Sreenivasan’s director-writer partnership is credited for a number of Malayalam films’ funniest flicks. Following having lost their employment in Kerala, the 2 protagonists plan to travel to Dubai in order to establish a better life for themselves. They are duped, unfortunately, and wind themselves in neighboring Tamil Nadu, whereupon they are misidentified as 2 police detectives by a bunch of criminals.
Vidheyan (1994)
Adoor Gopalakrishnan helmed the Malayalam feature film Vidheyan, which follows the life of a servant and his master. The events of the story tell the tyrannical summation of slavery amongst the affluents in Kerala and the faithful slaves. Mammootty and Sabitha Anand star in Vidheyan.
Bharatham (1991)
This Mohanlal starrer is a classic – true representation of what Malayalam movies stood for in that era. The story of 2 classical musician siblings: the older of which wastes his career and skill, whereas the younger fulfill their shared responsibility to his home.
Vadakkunokkiyanthram (1989)
Sreenivasan directed and starred in this 80s masterpiece. The story revolves around Sreenivasan’s character who is stricken by his own personal insecurities related to his appearance. This gets worsens when he gets married to a beautiful girl, what follows are events of humor and drama in a way that is unique to Malayalam film industry.
Kireedam (1989)
The story follows a youth’s life and how it is turned on its head after he gets involved in a quarrel to save his father (policemen) from a violent local criminal. The heartbreaking theme of this Malayalam masterpiece is an unintentional fit of fury and the succession of unintended consequences that ensue.
These 8 movies are in no way in any order or even close to the cream of what the Malayalam movie industry churns out on a regular basis. However, this surely gives you a guide to start your Malayalam movie binge.
Also Read: List of Best Tamil Movies