When you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up, there’s nothing quite like a good feel-good movie to lift your spirits. And when it comes to heartwarming, uplifting cinema, Malayalam films truly excel. From slice-of-life dramas to coming-of-age tales, Malayalam movies have a way of touching your soul and leaving you with a smile.
So if you’re in need of some cinematic comfort, look no further. Here are 22 of the best feel-good Malayalam movies that are sure to brighten your day:
1. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Director: Madhu C. Narayanan
Duration: 2h 15min
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Cast: Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir, Anna Ben, Fahadh Faasil, Sreenath Bhasi
Kumbalangi Nights follows the story of four brothers living in the fishing village of Kumbalangi. Despite their differences and dysfunctional family dynamics, they ultimately learn the importance of love, acceptance and standing up for each other. With its stunning visuals, soulful music and powerful performances (especially Fahadh Faasil’s iconic portrayal of Shammi), Kumbalangi Nights is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
2. Bangalore Days (2014)
Director: Anjali Menon
Duration: 2h 51min
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim, Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy Thiruvothu
Bangalore Days revolves around three cousins from Kerala who move to Bangalore to pursue their dreams. As they navigate new relationships, careers and the bustling city life, they discover more about themselves and the unbreakable bond they share. Anjali Menon’s heartfelt writing, the charming performances, and the picturesque cinematography make Bangalore Days a delightful watch that celebrates the joys and complexities of family and friendship.
3. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014)
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Duration: 2h 20min
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Cast: Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim, Renji Panicker, Aju Varghese
Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a quirky romantic comedy that follows the love story of Pooja and Giri, spanning from their teenage years to adulthood. While Pooja is head-over-heels in love with Giri, he seems oblivious to her feelings. With its witty dialogues, nostalgic callbacks to the 90s, and the adorable chemistry between Nivin and Nazriya, Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a fun, breezy watch that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
4. Premam (2015)
Director: Alphonse Puthren
Duration: 2h 36min
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Nivin Pauly, Sai Pallavi, Madonna Sebastian, Anupama Parameswaran
Premam is a coming-of-age romance that traces the life of George, from his high school days to adulthood, and the three women he falls in love with along the way. The film beautifully captures the innocence of first love, the pain of heartbreak, and the joy of finding your soulmate. With its relatable characters, hilarious moments, soulful music and Nivin Pauly’s endearing performance, Premam is the ultimate feel-good movie that will make you believe in love again.
5. Ustad Hotel (2012)
Director: Anwar Rasheed
Duration: 2h 31min
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Thilakan, Nithya Menen, Siddique
Ustad Hotel tells the story of Faizi, a young man who dreams of becoming a chef but is forced to take over his father’s business empire. Disillusioned, he moves to his grandfather Kareem’s modest restaurant by the sea, where he rediscovers his passion for cooking and life. A heartwarming tale about food, family and following your dreams, Ustad Hotel will leave you craving for some soul-satisfying Sulaimani tea and life lessons from the lovable Kareem ikka.
6. Charlie (2015)
Director: Martin Prakkat
Duration: 2h 10min
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Aparna Gopinath, Nedumudi Venu
Charlie is a whimsical romantic drama about Tessa, a young woman who sets out to find the eccentric artist Charlie, whose paintings have captured her heart. As she follows his trail, she discovers more about his free-spirited ways and her own self. With its dreamy visuals, enchanting music, and the magical chemistry between Dulquer and Parvathy, Charlie is a delightful escape into a world of art, love and self-discovery.
7. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016)
Director: Dileesh Pothan
Duration: 2h 42min
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, Anusree, Alencier Ley Lopez
Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a slice-of-life comedy-drama about Mahesh, a simple photographer in the town of Prakash, whose life turns upside down after a humiliating fight. Determined to avenge his honor, he sets out on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Fahadh Faasil’s brilliant performance, the authentic small-town setting, witty dialogues and heartfelt moments make Maheshinte Prathikaaram a must-watch feel-good film.
8. Jacobinte Swargarajyam (2016)
Director: Vineeth Sreenivasan
Duration: 2h 30min
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Cast: Nivin Pauly, Renji Panicker, Sreenath Bhasi, Aima Rosmy Sebastian
Inspired by true events, Jacobinte Swargarajyam is an emotional family drama about Jacob and his family’s struggles to rebuild their lives after losing everything in the 2008 Dubai financial crisis. Nivin Pauly delivers a mature, restrained performance as Jacob, who steps up to support his family in their darkest times. A heartwarming tale of resilience, sacrifice and the unbreakable bonds of family, Jacobinte Swargarajyam will leave you inspired and grateful for the loved ones in your life.
9. Kali (2016)
Director: Sameer Thahir
Duration: 1h 47min
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Sai Pallavi, Vinayakan, Chemban Vinod Jose
Kali is an intense romantic thriller that explores the dark side of love and obsession. When Siddharth, a short-tempered young man, gets into a road rage incident, it triggers a chain of violent events that threaten to destroy his relationship with his wife Anjali. Dulquer Salmaan’s explosive performance, Sai Pallavi’s strong presence, and the gripping narrative make Kali a powerful watch that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
10. Godha (2017)
Director: Basil Joseph
Duration: 2h 22min
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Wamiqa Gabbi, Renji Panicker, Aju Varghese
Godha is a heartwarming sports comedy about a small-town wrestler named Anjaneya Das, who falls in love with a champion female wrestler from Punjab. As he tries to win her heart and prove himself in the wrestling arena, he learns valuable lessons about love, gender equality and following your passion. With its feel-good vibes, hilarious moments and the endearing lead performances, Godha is a delightful entertainer that will leave you cheering for more.
11. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)
Director: Dileesh Pothan
Duration: 1h 55min
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nimisha Sajayan, Alencier Ley Lopez
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is a gripping crime drama with a twist of dark humor. When a newly-wed couple’s wedding chain gets stolen on a bus, it sets off a bizarre chain of events involving a petty thief, a DYSP and a mysterious man. Fahadh Faasil’s brilliant performance as the eccentric thief Prasad, the clever writing and the unpredictable plot make Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
12. Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela (2017)
Director: Althaf Salim
Duration: 1h 47min
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Cast: Nivin Pauly, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Lal, Shanthi Krishna
Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela is a heartwarming family drama that deals with the themes of love, loss and moving on. When Kurian, the patriarch of the family, is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, his wife and children struggle to come to terms with the situation. Nivin Pauly delivers a mature, nuanced performance as Kurian’s son Chacko, who steps up to support his family in their time of need. With its relatable characters, emotional depth and touching moments, Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela is a beautiful film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.
13. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)
Director: Zakariya Mohammed
Duration: 2h 4min
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Cast: Soubin Shahir, Samuel Abiola Robinson, Savithri Sreedharan, Sarasa Balussery
Sudani from Nigeria is a heartwarming sports drama about the unlikely friendship between Majeed, a football manager from Malappuram, and Samuel, a Nigerian player who gets injured during a local tournament. As Majeed takes care of Samuel and helps him recover, they form a deep bond that transcends language and cultural barriers. With its simple yet powerful storytelling, endearing performances and the beautiful portrayal of human kindness, Sudani from Nigeria is a gem of a film that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
14. Koode (2018)
Director: Anjali Menon
Duration: 2h 10min
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Nazriya Nazim, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Ranjith Balakrishnan
Koode is a poignant family drama that explores the themes of love, loss, and second chances. When Joshua, a young man working in the Middle East, returns home to attend his sister Jenny’s funeral, he is surprised to find her spirit still lingering around. As Joshua reconnects with his childhood friend Sophie and tries to fulfill Jenny’s last wishes, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. With its soulful performances, beautiful music and Anjali Menon’s sensitive writing, Koode is a moving tale that will tug at your heartstrings.
15. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Director: Madhu C. Narayanan
Duration: 2h 15min
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Cast: Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir, Anna Ben, Fahadh Faasil, Sreenath Bhasi
Kumbalangi Nights is a slice-of-life drama that revolves around the lives of four brothers living in the fishing village of Kumbalangi. Despite their differences and dysfunctional family dynamics, they learn to stand up for each other and find hope in the face of adversity. With its stunning visuals, soulful music and powerful performances (especially Fahadh Faasil’s iconic portrayal of the toxic masculinity embodied by Shammi), Kumbalangi Nights is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you moved and inspired.
16. Unda (2019)
Director: Khalid Rahman
Duration: 2h 9min
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Cast: Mammootty, Shine Tom Chacko, Jacob Gregory, Arjun Ashokan
Unda is a unique blend of action, comedy and social commentary that follows a group of Kerala policemen who are assigned election duty in a Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh. Led by the veteran Sub-inspector Manikandan (Mammootty), the team faces various challenges and learns valuable lessons about bravery, teamwork and the harsh realities of the world. With its witty dialogues, well-crafted characters and Mammootty’s brilliant performance, Unda is a refreshing and thought-provoking film that entertains and enlightens in equal measure.
17. Virus (2019)
Director: Aashiq Abu
Duration: 2h 32min
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Asif Ali, Rahman
Virus is a gripping medical thriller based on the true events of the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. The film follows the efforts of a group of dedicated healthcare workers, government officials and ordinary people who come together to contain the deadly virus and save lives. With its realistic portrayal of the crisis, stellar ensemble cast and edge-of-the-seat storytelling, Virus is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroes who fought bravely against the odds and emerged victorious.
18. Helen (2019)
Director: Mathukutty Xavier
Duration: 1h 58min
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Cast: Anna Ben, Lal, Noble Babu Thomas, Aju Varghese
Helen is a survival thriller that follows the harrowing experience of a young nursing graduate who gets trapped in the freezer room of the fast food joint where she works. As she battles extreme cold, hunger and despair, her father and friends frantically search for her, racing against time to save her life. Anna Ben’s powerful performance, the nail-biting suspense and the film’s emotional core make Helen a gripping and unforgettable watch.
19. Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019)
Director: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
Duration: 2h 2min
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Soubin Shahir, Kendy Zirdo, Saiju Kurup
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 is a heartwarming sci-fi drama that explores the relationship between an elderly man and a robot caregiver. When Bhaskara Poduval, a stubborn old man living alone in a remote village, is forced to accept a robot named Kunjappan as his caregiver, he forms an unlikely bond with the machine. With its quirky humor, touching moments and the endearing lead performances, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 is a unique and thought-provoking film that will leave you with a smile.
20. Hridayam (2022)
Director: Vineeth Sreenivasan
Duration: 2h 52min
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Pranav Mohanlal, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Darshana Rajendran
Hridayam is a coming-of-age drama that beautifully captures the journey of Arun, an engineering student, as he navigates through love, friendships, and self-discovery during his college days in Chennai. Pranav Mohanlal delivers a stellar performance as Arun, perfectly embodying the archetype of a Malayali engineering student who starts off conforming to popular trends but eventually charts his own path. The film’s emotional core is brought to life by the heartfelt performances of the lead cast, including Darshana Rajendran and Kalyani Priyadarshan.
21. Pranaya Vilasam (2023)
Director: Nikhil Muraly
Duration: 2h 3min
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Cast: Arjun Ashokan, Anaswara Rajan, Mamitha Baiju, Manoj K.U.
Pranaya Vilasam is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and understanding in relationships, cleverly juggling multiple time frames to deliver its message. At its core lies a family of three – Rajeevan, Anusree, and their son Suraj – who struggle to understand each other amidst their own personal struggles. An unexpected event leads the father and son on a road trip down memory lane, helping them realize the importance of the woman they had taken for granted.
22. Sulaikha Manzil (2023)
Director: Ashraf Hamza
Duration: 2h
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Cast: Lukman Avaran, Noushad Ali, Chemban Vinod Jose
Sulaikha Manzil is a family drama that explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication. The story revolves around the marriage of Haala and Ameen, which is decided in a short span of time, leading to a dramatic and chaotic journey for both families involved.
The film’s strength lies in its well-crafted characters and the performances of its ensemble cast, particularly Lukman Avaran, Noushad Ali, and Chemban Vinod Jose. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the story, with stunning visuals that add to the emotional depth of the narrative. Sulaikha Manzil delivers a strong message about the significance of open and honest communication in relationships, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch.
These 22 movies showcase the diversity and richness of Malayalam cinema, offering a mix of coming-of-age stories, family dramas, and romantic comedies. Each film brings its own unique flavor, memorable characters, and heartfelt moments that resonate with the audience.
