Regional cinema has always offered the audience engaging stories and memorable performances. While Tamil and Telugu film industries have witnessed a major boom and worldwide recognition recently, Malayalam cinema has never been appreciated enough. Over the last many decades, the Malayalam film industry has delivered a wide range of movies and some of them have even gained cult status. We have listed some blockbuster and classic Malayalam movies that you can enjoy on OTT.
Classic Malayalam Movies:
1. Elippathayam (1982)
This Malayalam film features Karamana Janardanan Nair, Sharada, Jalaja, and Rajam K. Nair. The movie portrays the fading era of feudal life in Kerala, marked by sorrow and a hint of rebellion through indifference. The main character feels disconnected and imprisoned within his own world, resisting or unable to adapt to the evolving societal shifts happening around him. The film was screened at Cannes Film Festival (1982). It was even screened at London Film Festival where it won the Sutherland Trophy. It is one of the best Indian films ever made.
Where to watch: YouTube
2. Irakal (1985)
It is a psychological thriller film written and directed by K. G. George and produced by Sukumaran. It is said to be the first dark movie in Malayalam and is considered an all time classic film. Featuring K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Thilakan, Sukumaran, Ashokan, and Radha, the film also won two Kerala State Film Awards.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
3. Oridathu (1987)
It is a satirical drama film which explores the challenges encountered by the residents of a remote hamlet before the arrival of electricity. However, as the electric supply finally reaches the area, it draws the conclusion that life might actually be improved without this modern convenience. The film’s central theme revolves around the complexity of the human psyche. Despite addressing a significant issue, the movie’s approach to it is remarkably straightforward and uncomplicated. The film features Nedumudi Venu, Sreenivasan, Thilakan and Vineeth. The film turned out to be a major critical success. G. Aravindan won the best director award at the state and national film awards.
Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar
4. Utharam (1989)
It is a mystery thriller film starring Mammootty, Suparna, Sukumaran and Parvathy. It is considered one of the best investigative thrillers in Malayalam. This film was directed by VK Pavithran.
Where to watch: YouTube
5. Kilukkam (1991)
It is a popular comedy drama film directed by Priyadarshan. It ran for more than 365-days at the theaters and became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 1991. It is considered as one of the best comedy films of Malayalam cinema. The film’s stellar cast includes Mohanlal, Revathi and Jagathy Sreekumar.
Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar
6. Godfather (1991)
The story of this film revolves around the rivalry between two families and thngs that happen when two members from these families fall in love. This action comedy film was a major blockbuster of 1991. It ran for 404 days in theatres and was later remade in Hindi as Hulchul featuring Kareena Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna.
Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar
7. Manichitrathazhu (1993)
It is a psychological horror film inspired by a real tragedy. When it was released in 1993, it became such a big hit that it successfully ran for 300 days in theatres. It was even remade in four languages which includes Rajinikanth starrer popular Tamil film Chandramukhi. Manichitrathazhu is considered one of the best films ever made in Malayalam cinema and has developed the cult status over the years. The film features Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Shobana.
Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar
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