Whether you're craving a gripping investigation drama or a heartwarming buddy comedy, you can dive into these Malayalam films to satisfy your binge-needs.
Thalavan
Directed by: Jis Joy
Cast: Asif Ali, Biju Menon, Miya George, Anusree, Dileesh Pothan and Kottayam Nazeer
Thalavan is a high-stakes investigation drama revolving around two police officers — Jayashankar (Biju Menon) and Karthik (Asif Ali) — entangled in a case. It highlights the mental and emotional strain law enforcement officers endure. Jayashankar, the superior officer, does not tolerate disobedience and Karthik is known for his outspoken nature, resulting in frequent transfers. Surrounding them are various police officers, each with their own motives and grudges, which further deepens the rift between the two. When a dead body is discovered under mysterious circumstances, all past events and internal department tensions come to the forefront.
Streaming on: SonyLIV
Adios Amigo
Directed by: Nahas Nazar
Cast: Asif Ali and Suraj Venjaramoodu
Adios Amigo, directed by Nahas Nazar and starring Asif Ali and Suraj Venjaramoodu, is a feel-good buddy comedy film. The plot follows two strangers — Priyan (Suraj Venjaramoodu) and Prince (Asif Ali) — who meet at a bus stop and embark on an impromptu journey, experiencing life and friendship in unexpected ways. During the trip, Priyan helps Prince confront his ex-girlfriend while Prince helps Priyan get over his financial woes.
Streaming on: Netflix
Grrr
Directed by: Jay K
Cast: Kunchacko Boban and Suraj Venjaramoodu
Grrr, directed by Jay K and starring Kunchacko Boban and Suraj Venjaramoodu, is a comedy-drama based on a real-life incident that took place in Kerala, where a man jumped into a lion’s enclosure at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in 2018. The story revolves around Rejimon Nadar (Kunchacko Boban), who is heartbroken over his breakup and spirals into drunkenness, and Haridas Nair (Suraj Venjaramoodu), a corrupt zoo employee struggling with his own troubles. When Haridas discovers that Reji is trapped in the lion’s den, he rushes to rescue him. However, upon arrival, they end up fighting each other for survival and the media captures the chaotic scene.
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
Nunakkuzhi
Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Cast: Basil Joseph, Grace Antony, Nikhila Vimal, Siddique
Set over the course of a single day, Nunakkuzhi is a crime-comedy film that follows the fallout from one lie. /// The story follows a wealthy young businessman who gets entangled in a web of deception and mistaken identities. He faces a series of chaotic situations, which ends up in a missing laptop, a sex tape and even a murder accusation. To clear his name and save his wife, he partners with an income tax officer to recover the laptop and untangle the web of intrigue surrounding him.
Streaming on: ZEE5
Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys
Directed by: Anand Menen
Cast: Siju Sunny, Amith Mohan Rajeswari, Joemon Jyothir, Anuraj O. B., Anshid Anu, Saaf Bros
Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys explores the lives of five friends navigating societal judgment and personal challenges. These carefree teenage boys are labeled ‘vaazhas’ (good-for-nothing) by their strict parents for failing to live up to expectations. The film portrays their journey of self-discovery and friendship, delving into the strength they find through their struggles.
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
Vishesham
Directed by: Sooraj Thomas
Cast: Anand Madhusoodanan, Chinnu Chandni, Baiju Johnson, Althaf Salim
Directed by Sooraj Thomas, Vishesham follows a middle-aged man (Anand Madhusoodanan) and his newlywed wife (Chinnu Chandni), who struggle with family pressures to have a child. The film sheds light on societal expectations and the emotional toll that struggling to conceive can take on a couple.
Streaming on: Prime Video
Kondal
Directed by: Ajith Mampally
Cast: Antony Varghese Pepe, Raj B Shetty and Shabeer Kallarakkal
Antony Varghese plays an action hero in Kondal, the story of a man haunted by his past, grappling with lingering guilt and painful memories. His quest is one of redemption and self-discovery as he attempts to liberate himself from emotional burdens by taking revenge against those who wronged his dear ones. Through the course of his journey, he encounters daunting challenges that compel him to face his fears.
Streaming on: Netflix