The year 2023 was a mixed bag in terms of Malayalam movies. Of course, there was no shortage of good and innovative video. But the quality of these films failed to replicate in their box office collections. There have been less than five clear cuts in the industry this year. But the films that were successful commercially became blockbusters. For example, consider Romancham, which was the most surprising of the year, or 2018, which was the leader. the richest Malayalam film of all time.
Alas, the theatrical success of these films is a discussion for another day. For now, let’s take a look at the best Malayalam movies that came out in the first half of this year, in no particular order.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
- Video type: Comedy, Drama
- Running Time: 1 is 44m
- Video Actors: Mammootty, Ramya Suvi, Ramya Pandian, Ashokan
- Leader: Lijo Jose Pellissery
- Author: It’s Hareesh
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
When Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam brought together a film legend and a foreign artist, people had voted the film very highly even before watching it. Lijo Jose Pellissery and Mammootty he made a film that wasn’t as disturbing as the filmmaker’s previous work but it was impressive. Mammootty’s big presence attracted the audience to show up. Pellissery, one of the most exciting voices of filmmakers in the country today, never took any spoon food and let the audience think for themselves.
2018
- Video type: Happy survival
- Running Time: 2 and 34 m
- Video Actors: Tovino ThomasKunchacko Boban, Narain, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali
- Leader: Jude Anthony Joseph
- Author: Akhil P. Dharmajan, Jude Anthony Joseph
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
- IMDb rating: 8.5/10
The floods in Kerala in 2018 were devastating for the people of the state. As the film is based on real events that affected the life of every person living in Kerala, in some ways, people connected with the film in an unprecedented way. Jude Anthany Joseph made a film that tugged at people’s hearts and spoke to the audience. In addition to its success, 2018 was also a technically strong film.
Purusha Pretham
- Video type: Procedural drama, Satirical comedy
- Running Time: 2 and 33m
- Video Actors: Alexander Prasanth, Jagadish, Darshana Rajendran, Maala Parvathi
- Leader: Krishna
- Author: Ajith Haridas, Manu Thodupuzha
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
The latest cop movie had the star of the year, Alexander Prasanth. The film is a humorous commentary on the daily life of police officers. With the amazing performance of its lead, SI Sebastian, Purusha Pretham was captivating, inventive, and captivating. The film is interesting in its main story, and the way the story was explored was unique.
Iratta
- Video type: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
- Running Time: 1 h52m
- Video Actors: Joju George, Anjali, Arya Salim, Srikant Murali
- Leader: Rohit MG Krishnan
- Author: Rohit MG Krishnan
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
With Joju George in two roles, Iratta was a nuisance in every word. Joju played a major role in drawing the audience into the world of Iratta with his performance. The movie will keep you wondering until the end, and the reveal will give you a real thrill. Also, just to note, this is not a favorite watch for anyone looking for a good time at the movies. Iratta is a disturbing watch that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Thank you
- Video type: Crime, Drama
- Running Time: 2h25m
- Video Actors: Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali
- Leader: Saheed Arafat
- Author: Syam Pushkaran
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Thankam is written by one of the most reliable writers in Malayalam cinema at the moment, who has been delivering excellent content. Written by Syam Pushkaran, Thankam was an immersive watch that deserves a lot of praise for what it did with an intriguing plot. A well-made and well-made film revolves around the golden land of Thrissur. What makes this movie so interesting is that it is based on true events.
Romancham
- Video Type: Comedy, Horror
- Running Time: 2h9m
- Video Actors: Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny
- Leader: Jithu Madhavan
- Author: Jithu Madhavan
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Disney + Hotstar
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Romancham may not be the most layered or complex film in the series, but it managed to connect with the Malayali audience in a way that no other film has in recent times. The popular Ouija board friendship video has struck a chord with many people. It was a movie made for theater, as Romancham reminded everyone that movies, at the end of the day, are collective experiences. It’s the kind of movie you watch with your friends to have fun and relax.
Pachuvum Athutha Vilakkum
- Video Type: Comedy, Drama
- Running Time: 2 is 51m
- Video Actors: Fahadh Faasil, Anjana Jayaprakash, Dhwani Rajesh, Viji Venkatesh
- Leader: Akhil Sathyan
- Author: Akhil Sathyan
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, which is part of Sathyan Anthikad’s universe of happy films, is very challenging. That is the beauty of it. I am Fahadh FaasilWith amazing acting timing and three amazing women from three generations, the film succeeded in what it set out to achieve. Fahadh had returned to Njan Prakashan and Oru Indian Pranayakadha this zone. Anjana Jayaprakash as Hamsadhwani, Dhwani Rajesh as Nidhi, and Viji Venkatesh as Laila were magical in their roles.
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