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If there is one genre where Malayalam cinema, and Indian cinema as a whole, has frequently lagged behind, it is classic horror. While a handful of successful and critically acclaimed horror movies stand out, the industry has generally struggled to produce well-written films that are both scary and rewatchable. This very dearth, however, has pushed filmmakers to constantly reinvent the genre, especially in recent years, leading to some truly original and fear-inducing Malayalam horror movies that also carry substantial narratives.
One of the most anticipated Malayalam horror movies of 2024 is Rahul Sadasivan’s Mammootty-starrer Bramayugam, set for release on February 15. The film follows Thevan (Arjun Ashokan), a folk singer from the oppressed Paanan caste, who has a fateful encounter with an aged feudal lord (Mammootty) while escaping slavery. The film’s trailer, featuring stunning black-and-white visuals and Mammootty’s shadowy aura of dark magic, has already ignited the internet.
As we await the goosebumps, let’s look at some of the most inventive, must-watch Malayalam horror movies from the past few years.
Romancham (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
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Jithu Madhavan’s directorial debut, Romancham, was a sleeper hit centered around seven Malayali bachelors in Bengaluru whose lives take a hilarious but terrifying turn when they dabble with a Ouija board. The ensemble of Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny, Abin Bino, Anantharaman Ajay, and Afsal PH vividly brings to life the film's endearing and quirky characters. Their quirky personalities and relatable struggles provide several laugh-out-loud moments. This film walks the tightrope between humor and horror, tickling your funny bone while sending shivers down your spine.
Bhoothakaalam (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Where to Watch: SonyLIV
Following the death of her ailing mother, Asha (Revathy) and her son Vinu (Shane Nigam) start encountering bizarre occurrences that lead them into a spiral of paranoia and desperation. Rahul Sadasivan’s Bhoothakaalam goes beyond the conventional haunted house storyline, providing a chilling exploration of psychological horror intertwined with raw depictions of strained mother-son relationships, clinical depression, and addiction. Instead of relying on cheap jump scares, the film opts for a creepy, slow-burn atmospheric horror.
Kumari (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.1
Where to Watch: Netflix
Blending elements of folklore and fantasy with cosmic horror, Kumari directed by Nirmal Sahadev delves into darker themes. Aishwarya Lekshmi takes on the lead role, portraying a woman married to the younger son (Shine Tom Chacko) of a feudal family in the remote village of Kanhirangat, where a sinister presence lurks. She soon realizes her husband’s family holds a dark secret involving a generations-old pact and a horrific sacrifice. Despite notable inspiration from the Hindi horror film Tumbbad, Kumari offers a fresh take on the supernatural genre in Malayalam cinema.
Praana (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Where to Watch: Not currently available for streaming
Nithya Menen delivers a powerful solo act in Praana, featuring her as the only actor on screen while others appear as voices on a telephone or on a television. Director VK Prakash manages to pull off a legitimately scary horror film with a well-written protagonist, hell-bent on disproving the existence of ghosts in a creepy old abandoned mansion. A psychological horror thriller, the film builds suspense and fear through its chilling atmosphere and delicate character exploration.
Nine (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Nine spans over nine days and centers on a troubled astrophysicist (Prithviraj) dealing with a disturbing anomaly affecting his son and the local community. Directed by Januse Mohammed Majeed, the film merges striking visuals with an eerie soundscape, guiding viewers through alternate realities. It blurs the lines between science and the supernatural, raising questions about existence, the boundaries of reality, and the depths of the human mind. The film's experimental nature alone makes it a must-watch.
In summary, the landscape of Malayalam horror movies has evolved significantly over the past few years. Films like Romancham, Bhoothakaalam, Kumari, Praana, and Nine showcase the genre's reinvention, offering unique and original narratives that captivate and terrify. These movies are testament to the fact that Malayalam horror movies are not just about scares but also about substantial storytelling that engages viewers deeply. As the genre continues to evolve, we can look forward to more innovative and spine-chilling Malayalam horror movies in the future.
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