.png)
However, Malayalam cinema flourished in these difficult circumstances, particularly as compared to the previous year. Not merely passably well, but exceptionally well; remarkable well; brilliantly well; breathtakingly well. The industry has reaped such rewards from the year that five out of the ten highest-grossing Malayalam films ever released took place in 2024. Not just in terms of box office receipts but also in terms of the overall caliber of the films produced in the first half of this year, Malayalam cinema surpassed all other major industries in the nation. Even though the procedure might be very annoying, here are the Best Malayalam Movies that have been in theaters over the last six months that we think are the greatest.
1) Manjummel Boys
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
The survival thriller directed by Chidambaram is presently the highest-grossing and one of the Best Malayalam Movies ever made. Manjummel Boys, which is based on a true story from 2006, does a fantastic job of instantly engrossing viewers in its universe because of the outstanding work of practically its entire cast and crew. Manjummel Boys is undoubtedly a terrific picture that makes spectators feel something, even though the screenplay misses opportunities to capitalize on emotionally charged scenes.
2) Premalu
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
When a film is billed as a romantic comedy, we can be certain that the main characters will eventually reconcile, even if their love is shown as one-sided for a sizable amount of the film. We can see another movie created in the same style because it is the traditional format to which we are used. But how a filmmaker tells the story is where the difficulty is. It is not enough for the relationship to be charming; it must also strike a chord with the viewer, elicit the same feelings that the protagonists have, and inspire them to support the couple's union.
In order to accomplish this, a hint of novelty is required to keep the audience interested without leading them to make blatant assumptions. Here's where Premalu has an impact. In order to create a dynamic cinematic experience, writer-director Girish AD not only expertly sets the Malayalam film in a lesser-known city with new scenery, but he also masterfully incorporates real-life situations, tensions, and humor. Premalu stays true to its genre throughout, helped by the lead actors' superb performances and lovely chemistry. This makes it one of the Best Malayalam Movies.
3) Bramayugam
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: SonyLIV
Actor Mammootty is unstoppable once he gets going, as director Rahul Sadasivan's Bramayugam amply demonstrates. Not only is this black-and-white period folk horror picture one of the Best Malayalam Movies in the history of the business, but it also shows what can be accomplished with careful filmmaking. The movie also brilliantly examines the dynamics of power and the important role caste plays in it by drawing on mythology.
4) Aavesham
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Even though Fahadh Faasil achieved great success, played a variety of parts, and received positive reviews, many questioned his capacity to take on a heavy role and live up to the title of "superstar." Director Jithu Madhavan's gangster comedy Aavesham completely silenced all critics, despite the fact that Fahadh never aspired for this title. This all-encompassing one of the Best Malayalam Movies is as much fun as it is entertaining, and it serves as a model for how to reinvent a tried-and-true formula and make a new film without making viewers feel nostalgic for earlier productions.
5) Aadujeevitham
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Few Malayalam films have probably created as much excitement as Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life. The fact that it's not a big-name performer or a platform for hero worship makes it intriguing. Rather, the main reason for the excitement was that it was an adaptation of the same-titled, wildly popular novel. Director Blessy skillfully captured Najeeb's turbulent journey with the help of an impressive crew and an amazing performance from actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker made calculated choices to increase the film's appeal while staying true to the source material, particularly as it was unable to explore every aspect of Najeeb's mind as the novel did. Najeeb's hardships, helplessness, hope, resilience, and grit are all expertly and powerfully captured by Aadujeevitham.
Also Read: 8 Telugu Comedy Movies That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
6) Ullozhukku
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Audiences are treated to a captivating work such as Ullozhukku when a filmmaker fully comprehends the world they have created—trust me, most "directors" don't. It is evident from the outset that writer-director Christo Tomy is fully aware of all the subtleties within his story. Although the Malayalam film addresses a number of topics, including women's agency, morality, the role of patriarchy in Indian families, and paternalistic parenting, Ullozhukku never comes off as a didactic picture produced purely for the sake of spreading a message devoid of artistic value. Ullozhukku is one of the Best Malayalam Movies, thanks to its well-considered narrative, precise technical elements (particularly the music and cinematography), and an outstanding performance by Urvashi.
7) Paradise
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Under the direction of the renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, Paradise is a contemporary masterpiece that functions as a complex microcosm. In addition to addressing the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the ensuing statewide protests, Paradise delves into a number of other issues, including elitism, compassion, empathy, lack of empathy, loneliness, manipulation, and the system's oppression and harassment of Eelam Tamils and their resistance. Even though the film begins as a feel-good romance, it progressively slithers through many settings, occasionally defying genres, and skillfully combines Malayalam, Sinhala, Tamil, Hindi, and English into its story. The film is elevated to the status of a masterpiece because of the efforts of renowned cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, numerous crew members, and outstanding performances by Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew.
8) Aattam
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Anand Ekarshi's film Aattam is one of those that keeps you feeling tingly in the neck the entire time, and the reason for this is due to a variety of internal aspects in ourselves, including hypocrisy, avarice, shamelessness, and self-centeredness. The film's highly detailed screenplay, which includes witty dialogue, is its finest asset. Eleven guys who sit and "discuss/investigate" a situation in which a woman from their play troupe was sexually raped while she was with the team members makes up a large portion of the Best Malayalam Movies.
9) Family
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Family examines how traditional, close-knit societies, religious organizations, and families encourage child sex abuse and provide a haven for predators. It is a multi-layered slow-burner. The initial mention of a sly leopard in the area at the start of the movie eventually becomes a metaphor for this raptorial might. The film also questions the idea of rural places and its people's supposed innocence, which is sometimes applied without question. Don weaves a frightening yet captivating story that is attention-grabbing, thanks to great technical craftsmanship, outstanding performances by Vinay Forrt, Divya Prabha, and Nilja K Baby.
Also Read: September 2024: Upcoming Tamil Movies That Will Set the Box Office on Fire
