The rise of OTT platforms and online media has led to a plethora of web series spanning various genres becoming the new standard in entertainment.
The use of compelling storylines and complex setups, with long and driven characters interacting within a small universe, captivated audiences and encouraged them to watch various stories on their devices.
With the growth of web series, shows began to be produced in various languages, including Malayalam. The rise of Malayalam web series on platforms like YouTube and OTT has succeeded in capturing the attention of viewers, keeping them entertained and engaged.
A lot of Malayalam web series are often adapted into short web series or limited season shows, featuring a mix of actors from movies, TV, and popular internet content creators. Listed below are the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series available now for you to enjoy with your family or friends.
1. Perilloor Premier League
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Perilloor Premier League is a political comedy-drama and one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series directed by Praveen Chandran in his first effort and written by Deepu Pradeep. The series centers around Malavika, who unexpectedly becomes the Panchayat president of Perilloor Grama Panchayat due to a series of unforeseen and surprising events in her life.
Nikhila Vimal stars in the main role of the series, alongside actors such as Sunny Wayne, Vijayaraghavan, Ashokan, Aju Varghese, Sajin Cherukayil, and others who play important roles in the show.
2. Thera Para
IMDb rating: 8.9/10
Where to watch: YouTube
Thera Para is a short mini-series that first aired on the renowned YouTube channel Karikku (tender coconut) formed by Nikhil Prasad. This one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series depicts the experiences of four pals George, Lolan, Shibu, and Shambu sharing a home in the outskirts of Kochi, facing joblessness and various challenges in their daily routines, and their efforts to overcome them.
The show includes Anu K Aniyan, Shabareesh Sajjin, Binoy John, and Anand Mathews as the main cast, alongside several other actors. Additionally, Aju Varghese and Saniya Iyappan were also seen in brief roles in the show.
3. Master Peace
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Master Peace is a comedy and one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series created by Praveen S and directed by Sreejith N. The show centers around Ria and Binoy, an unorthodox couple consisting of a devoted homemaker and a struggling businessman, and their journey of managing their family.
The main cast of the show includes Nithya Menen, Sharaf U Dheen, Renji Panicker, Maala Parvathi, Ashokan, and Shanthi Krishna, with supporting actors Roshan Mathew, Jude Anthany Joseph, and Divya Pillai.
4. Kerala Crime Files
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Kerala Crime Files is a crime drama and one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series that tracks the Ernakulam North police station officers as they race against time to capture a killer on the loose. The inaugural season, named Kerala Crime Files - Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara, showcased popular actors like Aju Varghese, Lal, Zhinz Shan, Navas Vallikkunnu, and others in key roles.
A second season of the series, directed by Ahammed Khabeer, has been approved and is expected to focus on a new case and its investigation.
5. Scoot!
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch: YouTube
Scoot! is one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series on YouTube about two young men working in IT and wanting to start a sports turf business, joined by a new friend. But things go wrong when they clash with some goons. Arjun Ratan, Jeevan Stephen, and Kiran Viyyath star in the main roles in the series.
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6. Instagraamam
IMDb rating: 5.5/10
Where to watch: NeeStream
Instagramam is a Malayalam mini-series of comedy genre directed by Mridul Nair, known for his work in films like B Tech and Kasargold. The cast of the show includes Deepak Parambol, Ganapathi, Balu Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, and several other actors playing key roles. The show is a humorous comedy series that unfolds across multiple episodes.
7. MeenAviyal
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: YouTube
MeenAviyal is one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series (a mix of Malayalam and English) that depicts the occurrences that occur when Arun, a playful young man, comes to live in his older sister Amrita's flat. In addition to the typical sibling competition, the series also shows them adapting to fresh customs while dealing with familiar irksome behaviors and competition.
The show includes cast members such as Archana Kavi, Arun Kurian, Vaishnavi Venugopal, Praveen Premnath, Ann Jameela Saleem, and others. Archana Kavi co-wrote the series with director Dominic Arun, who directed the film Tharangam in 2017.
8. Poacher
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Poacher is a crime drama and one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series created by Richie Mehta, based on real incidents of ivory poaching in Malayattoor involving Triad and Yakuza. Kerala Forest Department's Operation Shikkar carried out the enforcement and investigation.
Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kani Kusruti, Ranjitha Menon, and Maala Parvathi lead the series, which has received excellent reviews from critics.
9. Average Ambili
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Where to watch: YouTube
Average Ambili is a Malayalam drama web series directed by Adithyan Chandrashekar that focuses on Ambili's life, where she has always been teased for being average in both academic and non-academic aspects during her school years.
Despite having ambitions and dreams, Ambili is currently held back in her life due to her "averageness." The series depicts the unexpected events in her life and teaches that it is acceptable to be average. Arsha Baiju stars in the lead role of the series, with Vishnu Agasthya, Zhinz Shan, and others in important supporting roles.
10. Priyapettavan Piyush
IMDb rating: 7/10
Where to watch: YouTube
Piyush, created by Priyapettavan Goutham Soorya, is one of the Top 10 Malayalam Web Series featuring actors like Jeevan Stephen, Kiran Viyyath, Annu Antony, Maala Parvathi, Jayaraj Warrier, and others. The web series centers on Piyush, portrayed by Jeevan, facing challenges in his romantic life and dealing with the issues with the help of his friend.
These series are just a few of the selections available on YouTube and OTT platforms that are enjoyable to watch with friends and family, featuring a cheerful tone.
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