The 25 Best Malayalam Comedy Movies of All Time

Malayalam cinema has a rich tradition of producing hilarious comedy films that have entertained audiences for decades. From slapstick to satire, these movies showcase the incredible talent of Malayalam filmmakers and actors in the comedy genre. Here are the 25 best Malayalam comedy movies of all time:

1. Kilukkam (1991)

Directed by Priyadarshan, Kilukkam is considered one of the greatest comedy films ever made in Malayalam. The story revolves around Joji (Mohanlal), a tourist guide, and Nischal (Jagathy Sreekumar), a photographer, who meet a wealthy tourist named Nandini (Revathi) in Ooty. Hilarious situations ensue as Joji and Nischal try to impress Nandini.

Kilukkam was a massive commercial success, becoming the first Malayalam film to gross over ₹1 crore at the box office. Mohanlal won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance. The film’s success established Mohanlal and Jagathy Sreekumar as one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved comedic duos.

2. Nadodikkattu (1987)

Nadodikkattu, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, is a satirical comedy that follows the misadventures of two unemployed friends, Dasan (Mohanlal) and Vijayan (Sreenivasan), who dream of making it big in life. The film hilariously portrays the plight of educated but unemployed Malayali youth in the 1980s.

Nadodikkattu was a trendsetter in Malayalam comedy and established Mohanlal and Sreenivasan as a bankable onscreen pair. The film’s success led to two sequels, Pattanapravesham (1988) and Akkare Akkare Akkare (1990), which were also major hits.

3. Ramji Rao Speaking (1989)

Directed by the duo Siddique-Lal, Ramji Rao Speaking is a rib-tickling comedy about three unemployed men – Ramji Rao (Saikumar), Mannar Mathai (Mukesh) and Gopalakrishnan (Innocent) – who run a drama troupe. Their lives take a hilarious turn when they get embroiled in a case of mistaken identity.

The film’s success established Siddique-Lal as prominent directors in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Tamil as Arangetra Velai (1990), in Telugu as Sarada Ramudu (1990), and in Hindi as Hera Pheri (2000).

4. Godfather (1991)

Godfather, directed by Siddique-Lal, is a comedy of errors that revolves around two look-alike brothers, Swami (N. N. Pillai) and Anjooran (Innocent), and their sons, Ramabhadran (Mukesh) and Sachidanandan (Saikumar). The film is known for its witty dialogues and hilarious situations that arise due to mistaken identities.

Godfather was a blockbuster and further cemented Siddique-Lal’s reputation as masters of comedy. The film was remade in Hindi as Hulchul (1995) and in Tamil as Aethirree (2004).

5. Thalayanamanthram (1990)

Directed by Sathyan Anthikad, Thalayanamanthram is a satirical comedy that takes a humorous look at the institution of marriage. The story follows Urvashi (Urvashi), a naive woman who marries Jayakrishnan (Sreenivasan), a man with a severe inferiority complex.

The film is known for its witty dialogues and stellar performances by Urvashi and Sreenivasan. It won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

6. Sandesham (1991)

Sandesham, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, is a political satire that revolves around two brothers, Prabhakaran (Sreenivasan) and Prasanthan (Jayaram), who belong to rival political parties. The film humorously exposes the hypocrisies and corruption in Kerala’s political system.

Sandesham is considered a classic of Malayalam satirical comedy. It won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value.

7. Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986)

Directed by Priyadarshan, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu is a romantic comedy that follows the love stories of Shambhu (Mohanlal) and Devi (Lizy), and Shivan (Sreenivasan) and Parvathi (Karthika). The film is known for its hilarious situations and memorable songs.

Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu was a commercial success and established Priyadarshan as a prominent director in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Hindi as Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998).

8. In Harihar Nagar (1990)

Directed by Siddique-Lal, In Harihar Nagar is a comedy thriller that revolves around four friends – Thomas (Mukesh), Mahadevan (Siddique), Govindan (Ashokan), and Appukuttan (Jagadeesh) – who get entangled in a murder mystery. The film is known for its perfect blend of comedy and suspense.

In Harihar Nagar was a trendsetter in Malayalam cinema and spawned three sequels – 2 Harihar Nagar (2009), In Ghost House Inn (2010), and In Ghost House Inn 2 (2023).

9. Midhunam (1993)

Directed by Priyadarshan, Midhunam is a romantic comedy that follows the marital life of Sethumadhavan (Mohanlal) and Kanchana (Urvashi). The film humorously portrays the challenges faced by a middle-class couple in adjusting to a new lifestyle.

Midhunam was praised for its realistic portrayal of marital life and the chemistry between Mohanlal and Urvashi. It won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

10. Manichitrathazhu (1993)

Although primarily a psychological thriller, Manichitrathazhu directed by Fazil, has strong elements of comedy. The film follows Dr. Sunny (Mohanlal), a psychiatrist, who is tasked with uncovering the mystery behind a supposedly haunted mansion.

Manichitrathazhu is considered a cult classic and is known for its intelligent screenplay and Mohanlal’s brilliant performance. It won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and was remade in several languages, including in Hindi as Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).

11. Pranchiyettan & the Saint (2010)

Directed by Ranjith, Pranchiyettan & the Saint is a satirical comedy that revolves around Chirammal Enashu Francis aka Pranchiyettan (Mammootty), a successful businessman from Thrissur. The film follows Pranchiyettan’s attempts to gain respectability in society and his imaginary conversations with Saint Francis of Assisi.

Pranchiyettan & the Saint was praised for its witty dialogues and Mammootty’s performance. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.

12. Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu (1988)

Directed by Sathyan Anthikad, Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu is a romantic comedy that follows Solomon (Mukesh), a good-hearted thief who falls in love with Aleena (Parvathy), a woman from an orthodox Christian family. The film is known for its hilarious situations that arise due to the clash of two different cultures.

Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu was a commercial success and established Mukesh as a leading actor in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Tamil as Puthiya Mugam (1993).

13. Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989)

Directed by Sreenivasan, Vadakkunokkiyantram is a satirical comedy that revolves around Dineshan (Sreenivasan), a man with an inferiority complex who marries Shobha (Parvathy), a beautiful woman. The film humorously portrays Dineshan’s insecurities and his attempts to keep his wife happy.

Vadakkunokkiyantram was praised for its realistic portrayal of marital life and Sreenivasan’s performance. It won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

14. Vellanakalude Nadu (1988)

Directed by Priyadarshan, Vellanakalude Nadu is a satirical comedy that takes a humorous look at the unemployment crisis in Kerala. The film follows three unemployed friends – Ramdas (Mohanlal), Vijayan (Sreenivasan), and Balan (Thilakan) – who resort to various schemes to make money.

Vellanakalude Nadu was praised for its witty dialogues and performances by the lead actors. It was remade in Tamil as Gopura Vasalile (1991).

15. Aye Auto (1990)

Directed by Sathyan Anthikad, Aye Auto is a romantic comedy that follows Sathyasheelan (Mukesh), an autorickshaw driver who falls in love with Radha (Geetha), a college student. The film is known for its hilarious situations and memorable songs.

Aye Auto was a commercial success and further established Mukesh as a bankable actor in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Tamil as Sendhoorapandi (1993).

16. Yodha (1992)

Although primarily an action film, Yodha directed by Sangeeth Sivan, has strong elements of comedy. The film follows Ashokan (Mohanlal), a Kalarippayattu expert who is tasked with protecting a young Lama from a dangerous cult.

Yodha is known for its perfect blend of action and comedy, and Mohanlal’s brilliant performance. It was a commercial success and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film.

17. Mimics Parade (1991)

Directed by Siddique-Lal, Mimics Parade is a comedy film that features an ensemble cast of popular Malayalam comedians. The film is a collection of comedy skits and parodies of popular Malayalam films.

Mimics Parade was a trendsetter in Malayalam cinema and spawned several sequels and imitators. It is considered a cult classic and is still popular among Malayalam audiences.

18. Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava (1995)

Directed by Rajasenan, Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava is a comedy film that revolves around two brothers, Aniyan (Jayaram) and Chetan (Kalabhavan Mani), who are constantly at loggerheads with each other. The film is known for its hilarious situations and memorable dialogues.

Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava was a commercial success and established Jayaram and Kalabhavan Mani as a popular comedic duo in Malayalam cinema.

19. Azhakiya Ravanan (1996)

Directed by Kamal, Azhakiya Ravanan is a romantic comedy that follows Prasannan (Mammootty), a college lecturer who falls in love with his student, Anju (Bhanupriya). The film is known for its hilarious situations and Mammootty’s performance.

Azhakiya Ravanan was a commercial success and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film. It was remade in Telugu as Pavitra Bandham (1996).

20. Chandralekha (1997)

Directed by Priyadarshan, Chandralekha is a comedy film that revolves around two look-alike women, Lekha (Pooja Batra) and Chandra (Pooja Batra), and the confusion that arises due to their similarity. The film is known for its hilarious situations and Mohanlal’s performance in a dual role.

Chandralekha was a commercial success and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film. It was remade in Hindi as Biwi No.1 (1999).

21. Punjabi House (1998)

Directed by Rafi Mecartin, Punjabi House is a comedy film that revolves around a group of Malayali bachelors who live together in a mansion called Punjabi House. The film is known for its hilarious situations and memorable dialogues.

Punjabi House was a commercial success and established Dileep as a leading actor in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Tamil as Chinna Veedu (1999).

22. Udayananu Tharam (2005)

Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, Udayananu Tharam is a satirical comedy that takes a humorous look at the Malayalam film industry. The film follows Udayabhanu (Mohanlal), a struggling actor who gets his big break in a film directed by Rajappan (Sreenivasan).

Udayananu Tharam was praised for its witty dialogues and performances by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan. It won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

23. Katha Parayumbol (2007)

Directed by M. Mohanan, Katha Parayumbol is a comedy-drama that revolves around the friendship between Balan (Sreenivasan), a barber, and Ashok Raj (Mammootty), a superstar. The film is known for its heartwarming story and performances by Mammootty and Sreenivasan.

Katha Parayumbol was a commercial success and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film. It was remade in Tamil as Kuselan (2008) and in Telugu as Kathanayakudu (2008).

24. Venicile Vyapari (2011)

Directed by Shafi, Venicile Vyapari is a comedy film that revolves around three brothers – Pavithran (Jayasurya), Prabhu (Indrajith), and Pauly (Prithviraj) – who inherit their father’s business empire. The film is known for its hilarious situations and performances by the lead actors.

Venicile Vyapari was a commercial success and established Jayasurya, Indrajith, and Prithviraj as a popular trio in Malayalam cinema.

25. Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015)

Directed by G. Prajith, Oru Vadakkan Selfie is a comedy film that revolves around a group of friends who go on a road trip to Goa. The film is known for its hilarious situations and performances by the lead actors, especially Nivin Pauly.

Oru Vadakkan Selfie was a commercial success and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film. It was remade in Telugu as Nenu Local (2017).

Malayalam cinema has produced some of the finest comedy films in Indian cinema. These 25 films are a testament to the incredible talent of Malayalam filmmakers and actors in the comedy genre. From slapstick to satire, these films have entertained audiences for decades and continue to be popular among Malayalam audiences. Whether it’s the hilarious situations, witty dialogues, or memorable performances, these films have left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema and will continue to do so for generations to come.

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