The Ultimate List of New Malayalam Movies to Watch Right Now (Hotstar)

Malayalam films are among the finest among Indian cinema. Yes? YES! And Hallellujah! Many of these are available to stream on the internet right now. They are my guilty pleasure, so here are lists full of crackling new-ish Malayalam movies. Among the many digital platforms, Hotstar has the best collection of movies other regional languages. There are a few handful of good movies on Netflix and Prime too. But good films on Hotstar are much more in number than the Best Malayalam films on Netflix, so this list of nearly forty films on Hotstar comes as no surprise. Read on for small town dramas, thrillers, road movies, romcoms and more to tune into.

This list contains mostly new-ish or after-2000 movies. The earlier ‘golden period’ of the Malayalam cinema probably calls for a much longer list. The movies are roughly put into categories to help you navigate easier — most of them fall into more than one genre and some fall into none (Anandabhadram is a dark fantasy but is listed under ‘drama’). Don’t forget to check out the Best Malayalam films on Amazon Prime too. If you are a beginner into Malayalam movies, start with a thriller (That’s my favourite in this list).

PS: The translation of the titles given in the brackets is my own and not the official title.

DRAMA

1.Bangalore Days (2014)

Bangalore Days follows three cousins — ambitious-but-married-early-Kunju, the naïve and loving Kuttan and reckless-bike-race-enthusiast-Aju — navigating careers, first loves, marriage and family politics. Written and directed by Anjali Menon, this romantic drama is an entertainer that’ll make you miss the cousins you grew up with

2. Ustad Hotel (2012)

Usually I dislike music remixes but the folk and western rendition of ‘Appangal embadum‘, based on the traditional Maappilappattu was my constant companion after a dull day. Written by Anjali Menon and directed by Anwar Rasheed, Ustad Hotel follows a young chef, Faizi, who aspires to work abroad but is stranded as his father (who is horrified that went to a culinary school instead of choosing a more lucrative degree like MBA) takes away his passport. The movie is both a love story, and a look at the bond between Faizi and his grandfather, Karimkka, who has unmatched culinary skills and owns an almost hole-in-the-wall place called Ustad Hotel. Be prepared for Malabar biriyani, suleimani, Calicut street food and of course Kerala porotta.

3.Thanmathra (2005)

Thanmatra (transl. Molecule) follows Ramesan Nair, a government employee, who leads a happy life with his wife and two kids. He dreams of seeing his son crack IAS (Indian Administrative service) exam but is slowly affected by Alzheimer’s. The film shows the middle-class family life, decline of a man due to illness, and consequences of such an illness on the family. Based on Padmarajan’s short film, Orma, and directed by Blessy, Thanmathra won five state awards and the national award for the Best Malayalam Film. Keep tissues at hand, you’ll need a handful.

4. Thondimuthalum Driksakhiyum (2017)

Dileesh Pothen magic, need I say more? A newly married couple are in financial difficulty and a petty thief, played by Fahadh Faasil, steals (and swallows) the wife’s gold chain on a bus. Then ensues a series of hilarious events to prove the case. Characteristic of Pothen traits, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (transl. Mainour and Witness) pays attention to the tiniest details, has an amazing cast with excellent acting and heart warming moments.

5.Iyobinte Pustakam (2014)

One of my cherished movie watching memories involves Iyobinte Pusthakam (transl. The Book of Iyob) which happened (completely unintentional, I swear) to be playing on our laptop over breakfast and compelled me and the husband to take half a day off (it was too late when the movie got over) from work.

This period drama set in Munnar in 1900s follows Iyob, a servant to a white man who later gains control of the household, and his sons, Ivan, Dmitry and Aloshy. It shows the master-servant relationships, rise (and suspicion) of Communism and the battle for power. Beautiful, tense, cinematic with striking characters — don’t skip this one.

6.Parava (2017)

You know Soubin Shahir from his incredible performance as Saji in Kumbalangi Nights. Parava (transl. Bird) is his directorial debut and he slips into a villainous role in the film with ease. Set in Mattanchery and revolving around pigeon races (my first film on it, and my! What a world), this is a movie follows two school boys who have a passion for training pigeons for race and a local cricket club whose members are best friends. Watch it for the food (pathiri and coconut milk anyone?), first loves, friendship, and business rivalry.

7.Captain (2018)

Captain is a biographical film of V. P. Sathyan, former captain of the Indian national football teams. Prajesh Sen’s directorial debut promises an honest look at the man, his battle with depression, his supportive wife and the politics in the police force. Jayasurya gives an unmatched performance as V. P. Sathyan, changing his mannerisms, as he ages. I cried. You’ll cry too.

8. Anandabhadram (2005)

Anandabhadram is a dark fantasy love story between Anandan and Bhadra set in the ancient village of Sivapuram. Cimplete with dark magic, an evil magician, serpents, superstitions, folk lore and martial arts, this movie is a visual treat in every scene (truly!). Check out ‘Pinakkamano’ song which is entirely recreated from Raja Ravi Varma paintings.

9.Kali (2016)

Kali (transl. Rage) follows a young newly married couple in love — a brash, angry young man and his wife who has tries to help him with his anger management issues but ends up bearing the brunt of it. When they are stranded in a region in Tamil Nadu, the movie moves into a darker tone. Emotional outbursts and the typical hero-as-saviour trope dot the film but Sai Pallavi and Dulquer Salmaan ease into their roles effortlessly.

ROMANCE

1. Premam (2015)

A coming of age movie that follows three friends, mainly George (Nivin Pauly), through school, college and adulthood. Premam (transl. Love) is a nostalgic look at first love, boys trying to woo their crushes, and college vs adulthood friendships. The movie won hearts be it for the humour, or casting of unconventional (but so wonderfully realistic) heroines and catchy songs. It is a one-man-many-loves movie; I loved it!

2. Ohm Shanti Oshana (2014)

Jude Jospeh’s coming of age romcom follows a tomboy who loves bikes, and a socially conscious young man who is also a part time farmer. This is a lovely watch for the happily-ever-after days.

3. Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)

A tragic, eternal love story between a Muslim man and a Hindu woman in the Kozhikode of 1960s. Ennu Ninte Moideen (transl. Yours truly, Moideen) is based on a true story of B. P. Moideen and Kanchanamala who were not allowed to get married because of the social taboo but did not stop loving one another. Kanchana lives today as Moideen’s widow even though they could not get married. Their life story was also made into an award winning documentary by the same director, R. S. Vimal, called ‘Jalam kondu murivettaval’ (transl. She who was wounded by water). Be prepared to cry all night after this watch.

Read : Best Malayalam movies on Netflix

4. Classmates (2006)

This doesn’t really fit singularly into romance, it is more of a romantic thriller. One classmate is almost murdered at a college reunion. The movies brings alive the nostalgic college life of 1990s (CMS college shots, people!) and is filled with secrets, betrayal and strong friendships.

5. Annayum Rasoolum (2013)

A Romeo-Julietesque tragic love story between a Muslim man and a Christian woman set in Kochi. This one (transl. Anna and Rasool) is for the patient viewer because it is extremely sluggish in pace. Warning : You might feel it is too stalkerish.

COMEDY

1.Kunjiramayanam (2015)

Kunjiraman is in love with his cousin Thankamani, but a family fight gets in the way. Add in curses, superstitions, quintessential Gulf returnees, weddings and Salsa (you have to watch to know what it is). With brilliant characters like Well-done Vasu (known storyteller who loves narrating stories praising himself), Laalu (Vasu’s son who fails SSLC every year), tailor Kuttan and more, this simple story set in the fictional land of Desam promises to be a laugh riot.

2. ABCD: American Born Confused Desi (2013)

Two spoilt American youngsters, John and Korah, are forced to enroll at a local college in Kerala and live off a meagre amount of pocket money — a plot to get them to be more responsible. But these two work their way around the loopholes and land in some hilarious situations.

3.Aadu (2015)

Slap stick comedy with Shaji Pappan, captain of a tug-of-war-team, a quirky group of team mates including the innocent Lolan and cowardly Arackkal Abu, a police officer who specializes in squeezing lemons for sherbet (that he drinks later on) with the foreheads of criminals, a drug dealer who rules the high range, underworld dealers lead by Mr.Dude, and a goat — this one (transl. Goat) is a no brainer with many entertaining moments.

4. Vellimoonga (2014)

A political satire (transl. Barn Owl) — a 40+ year old politician who is more-talk-than-deeds and the drama that befalls the villagers. Be warned for older man falling for very young woman (aka daughter of his old flame) trope.

5. Action Hero Biju (2016)

Action Hero Biju follows a sub inspector (Nivin Pauly) of the Kochi City Police and his team. The movie branches out plot-less and presents life of those in police force, cases filed, the chase for criminals, mishaps at the station — all mixed with comedy. Warning : There are a couple of racist dialogues.

SOCIAL COMMENTARY

1.Kammatipaadam (2016)

Directed by Rajeev Ravi, Kammatipaadam is mostly set in the namesake slum in Kochi where Dalits are forced to give up their lands, the evil real estate mafia is strong and the encroaching urbanization changes the face of the city. More than being an action thriller, I loved Kammatipaadam for the character arcs and nuanced acting as age, society and changing principles take a toll on the characters (brilliant performances by Dulquer Salmaan and Vinayakan).

2. Unda

Unda (transl. Bullet in the actual context but can be interpreted as a double meaning too) is based on a real life incident in the the 2014 Lok Sabha election when a Kerala police unit was sent to a Maoist affected region in Chhattisgarh. It is hilarious and thought provoking — innocent in flavor — with a wonderful cast. Black comedy laced with social constrictions such as caste in work place, inefficiency of government offices and inadequacy of arms and ammunition make this a worthwhile watch.

3.Spirit (2012)

Directed by Ranjith, Spirit follows the alcoholic Raghunandan —played by Mohanlal — who hosts a popular TV show named ‘Show the Spirit’. The movie shines light on the rise of alcoholism in society as well as warms your heart with an unlikely friendship (so rare in movies!) between Raghunandan, his ex-wife and her husband. It is a movie of loss, but also a reminder to celebrate life and relationships on a second chance.

4.Trivandrum Lodge (2012)

Written by Anoop Menon and directed by V. K. Prakash Trivandrum Lodge is a structure less movie revolving around a lodge and some men. Dark in parts and realistic in others, sex, lust and pleasure direct the course of the movie. Cutest song — ‘Kanninullil nee kanmani‘ (about a school love).

5.Gaddamma (2011)

Inspired by real life incidents of house maids in the Gulf, Gaddamma (transl. colloquial Maid) directed by Kamal follows a lower middle-class woman who works as a housemaid in an Arab’s house in Saudi Arabia and has to endure torture and abuse. The movie was banned in the Middle East.

Read : Best Malayalam movies on Prime

THRILLER

1.Traffic (2011)

Told with multiple POVs — an actor who cares about his popularity, his teenage daughter with a heart condition, a journalist, a doctor, a policeman who accepted a bribe and many minor characters — this movie changed the course of Malayalam cinema in 2011 because it was unlike any film we had seen so far. Ample flash backs, tension, tangled narratives and nail-biting shots — this is simply wonderful.

2. Beautiful (2011)

Beautiful is best called a slow thriller. Directed by V. K. Prakash, this is the story of a quadriplegic rich man (played by Jayasurya) and a musician (played by Anoop Menon who wrote the film too). The duo seems inspired by the French film, Intouchables. Family drama, the beautiful nurse, Annie, and a love triangle add mystery to the movie. Watch it for the lovely music and heartwarming moments. ‘Panineer thullikal‘ will surely be your new ear worm.

3. Drishyam (2013)

Brilliant! Drishyam (transl. Visual) had a misleading trailer (and a clever one too) that gave off whiffs of being a family drama but it is SO NOT. An intruder disrupts the peace of a middle class family but the father, played by Mohanlal, hatches a plan to save his wife and kids. Kerala film lovers have got August 2^nd etched to their hearts (and memes).

If you’ve not watched the remakes of this film in other languages, please don’t; if you have, erase it forcefully and savour this drama-thriller in the original.

4.Take Off (2017)

What makes Take Off such an uneasy watch is the fact that it is inspired from the incident of 19 Malayali nurses held hostage at the Tikrit Teaching College, an Iraqi government hospital, by the ISIS. The hyper realistic movie ends with footage of the real-life-nurses who land at Cochin. Parvathy won the Kerala state film award for the Best Actress for this movie.

5. Mumbai Police (2013)

Mumbai Police, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is a tight, crime thriller which begins with a phone call and kind of ends with one — ACP Antony (Prithviraj) meets with an accident while talking about the murder that he was investigating and loses his memory. The movie follows him rediscovering himself by piecing the past, recollecting the times with his two best friends and trying to solve the case. The film was much praised for its unexpected climax; though thinking back, I am unsure whether it is a justifiable twist.

6. Varathan (2019)

A young. married couple, madly in love, move to live in a house in small town Kerala — this movie left me scared for a week about taking a shower and living in small towns. Varathan (transl. Outsider) begins slow (very slow in fact) and ends with a mad adrenaline rush over the last thirty minutes. The movie does get trapped in the man-being-the-saviour mode without enough importance to the molested woman, but it does open up topics about ‘listening’ to women especially when they have a bad feeling about something.

7.Athiran (2019)

A psychological thriller set in an isolated, mental asylum in the heart of a forest. When a new doctor comes to inspect the place, he discovers a patient whose name is not on the records. I find it difficult to recommend Athiran because while I loved the immersing experience and ‘feel’ of the movie — creepy and dark — I found nothing to cherish when it ended — almost like coming out of a hypnotic state. So this is a hit or miss.

8. God’s Own Country (2014)

An NRI, a taxi driver and an advocate chase their problems in this multi narrative thriller. God’s Own Country has its promising moments as well as occasional dips in energy. It presents a social commentary and also bares the humane side of man — a good remedy for a movie-hangover after Traffic.

9. 7^th Day (2014)

A man wearing thick rimmed glasses crosses path with two young men. Accidents, deaths and secrets and an incredible climax — also perfect cinematography that lifts the mood of the film into an eerie, dark story — will make you slap your thighs and say ‘Ohh’ at the end of this crime thriller.

ON THE ROAD/TRAVEL

1. North 24 Katham (2013)

A man suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, an old man who is travelling to be with his ailing wife and a young social worker who decides to accompany the old man embark on a road trip together. Though I am unsure how realistic the movie’s climax is (I don’t think it works that way at all), it is a heartwarming watch.

2. Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi (2013)

A road thriller inspired by The Motorcycle Diaries (based on the travels of Che Guvera). The movie (transl. Blue Sky, Green Sea, Red Earth) follows Kasi and Suni on a road trip from Kerala to Nagaland. You’ll be yearning to kick start a Bullet Enfield and ride away after watching this movie

3. Bhramaram (2009)

Blessy’s road thriller follows a mysterious man (Mohanlal) who intrudes into the life of his childhood classmates and tricks them into a road trip. Brahmaram (transl. Beetle) follows buried secrets, shattered dreams and major changes in characters’ temperament.The movie drags towards the end, and has a few loose ends, but promises to be a compelling watch.

4. Rani Padmini (2015)

Two women, played by Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal, meet under unexpected circumstances and undertake a journey together. Directed by Amal Neerad, I did not love it — probably because I wasn’t entirely sure of the climax — but watch it for the blossoming friendship between the ladies and breathtaking natural scenery.

5.Idukki Gold (2013)

A group of men (and hardly any women characters in the entire film) go in search of the ‘Idukki Gold’ marijuana that they have smoked as teens, simultaneously slipping into old memories and present-day realities. The film, directed by Ashiq Abu, is one of male camaraderie and was well received for the nostalgia it evoked.

Some more MAYBE-s?

If you’ve combed your way through all the above, here are a few more films. This is a ‘hit-or-miss’ mixed bag — I didn’t love some, some bothered me in parts, some were highly praised by others but didn’t sit well with me. You might enjoy these films:

• Koode (2018) — This might be Anjali Menon film that I enjoyed the least. Koode (transl. With) was unnecessarily, sensationally tragic; watch the original Marathi movie, Happy Journey, instead.

• Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015) — A comedy film (transl. A Northerner’s Selfie) that touches on the more serious topic of girls getting duped by strangers on the internet.

• June (2019) — A role reversed version of Premam but I found it quite underwhelming as a girl’s POV into crushes and loves.

• Aravindante Athithikal (2018)— Watch it for Urvashi’s performance as the mother and also the setting of the movie around Mookambika (so atmospheric and brill), but otherwise skip it (transl. Aravindan’s Guests).

• Njandukalude Naattil Oru Edavela (2017) — Another hit or miss (transl. An Interval in the Land of Crabs) comedy drama. A middle aged couple want to break the news of the mother’s cancer to their grown up kids.

• Notebook (2006) — I enjoyed this as a child but I don’t feel as invested as an adult. About first love and teen pregnancy.

• Ravanaprabhu (2001)— One of those movies that you enjoy when younger but feel horrified at the sexist dialogues as you grow older. This is a sequel to the Malayalam golden film Devasuram, one of Mohanlal’s much acclaimed movies.

And thus we come to the end! There are some amazing movies that are not available on any of the platforms yet. Fingers crossed they make their way soon. Till then, flick through this list of best Malayalam movies on Hotstar. And for more awesome Malayalam movie recommendations, check out my list of the best ones streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

All images are promotional posters of the said films. Please contact me if any need to be removed.
The featured image is by Eea Ikeda (Unsplash)