25 Must-Watch Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Are you a fan of suspenseful, gripping crime thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end? Look no further than the world of Malayalam cinema! Known for their realistic storytelling and nuanced performances, Malayalam films have produced some of the most riveting crime thrillers in recent years.

In this post, we’ll count down the 25 best Malayalam crime thriller movies that are sure to keep you hooked from start to finish. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the best of what Malayalam cinema has to offer in this genre!

25. Utharam (1989)

Kicking off our list is the 1989 classic Utharam, directed by Pavithran. The movie follows a CBI officer played by Mammootty as he investigates a series of murders. With a tight plot and suspenseful twists, Utharam set the standard for crime thrillers in Malayalam cinema. If you want to see where it all began, this is a must-watch.

24. Nadiya Kollappetta Rathri (2007)

Fast forward to 2007 and we have Nadiya Kollappetta Rathri, a tense thriller that takes place over the course of one night. When a couple’s car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, they take shelter in an isolated house, only to find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With great performances from Sidharth Bharathan and Kavya Madhavan, this is an underrated gem.

23. Memories (2013)

Memories is a stylish and atmospheric crime thriller from director Jeethu Joseph. Prithviraj stars as a troubled cop battling alcoholism and guilt over his wife’s death as he hunts for a serial killer. With stunning visuals and a haunting background score, Memories is a neo-noir thriller that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

22. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)

Part crime thriller, part social commentary, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is a unique and thought-provoking film. When a thief swallows a gold chain to avoid getting caught, what follows is a complex and darkly humorous exploration of the criminal justice system. Featuring a brilliant performance from Fahadh Faasil, this is a crime movie with a lot more on its mind.

21. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)

One of the most talked about crime thrillers in recent years, Anjaam Pathiraa follows a criminologist who gets pulled into the hunt for a twisted serial killer. Kunchacko Boban delivers a stellar performance as the determined investigator, while the movie keeps you guessing with its many twists and turns. If you’re looking for a gripping, edge-of-your seat thriller, this is it.

20. Nayattu (2021)

Nayattu is a taut and gripping thriller that follows three police officers who go on the run after they are falsely accused of murder. More than just a crime movie, it’s a scathing indictment of corruption and politics in the police force. With intense performances from Kunchacko Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan, Nayattu is a must-watch for fans of socially conscious thrillers.

19. Unni Mukundan Films’ Meppadiyan (2022)

Meppadiyan is a twisty crime thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Unni Mukundan stars as Jayakrishnan, a mysterious man who inserts himself into the investigation of a high-profile murder case. As the layers are peeled back, shocking secrets are revealed. The movie marks a strong debut for director Vishnu Mohan and features suspenseful storytelling.

18. Forensic (2020)

Forensic brings together two powerhouse talents – Tovino Thomas and Mamta Mohandas – as a pair of forensic experts hunting down a serial killer. The movie is slickly shot and features several edge-of-your-seat moments. While it doesn’t quite stick the landing, the strong performances and stylish direction make it well worth watching for crime thriller fans.

17. Puthiya Niyamam (2016)

Puthiya Niyamam stars Mammootty and Nayanthara as a married couple whose lives are upended by a brutal crime. What follows is a tense and emotionally charged thriller as they navigate a corrupt system in their pursuit of justice. The movie is elevated by raw, powerful performances from its two leads.

16. Ranam (2018)

Set in Detroit, Ranam is a gritty crime saga about a cop who goes undercover to infiltrate a gang of ruthless drug dealers. Prithviraj is in top form as the conflicted protagonist caught between duty and loyalty. While the plot can be convoluted at times, the slick action sequences and brooding atmosphere make it a solid crime flick.

15. Joji (2021)

Dileesh Pothan’s Joji transplants Shakespeare’s Macbeth to modern day Kerala to chilling effect. Fahadh Faasil delivers a knockout performance as the titular Joji, a meek and unassuming young man who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of ambition and power. A slow-burn thriller with impeccable craft, Joji is a must-see for fans of atmospheric crime dramas.

14. Anjaam Pathira (2020)

Anjaam Pathira is a gripping serial killer thriller that follows a criminal psychologist (a fantastic Kunchacko Boban) as he aids the police in tracking down a vicious murderer. Tightly plotted and full of suspense, the movie keeps you hooked as the investigation unfolds. The performances are top-notch across the board, especially from Unnimaya Prasad as a key witness.

13. Nayattu (2021)

A hard-hitting thriller that pulls no punches, Nayattu follows three police officers who go on the run after they are framed for a heinous crime. More than just a crime movie, it’s a damning critique of systemic corruption and the abuse of power. Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, and Nimisha Sajayan all deliver intense, committed performances.

12. Mumbai Police (2013)

Mumbai Police is a slick and stylish crime thriller with a killer twist. Prithviraj stars as Antony Moses, a cop investigating the murder of his own brother-in-law. But there’s more to the case than meets the eye. Featuring stellar performances, taut direction, and a knockout ending, this is an endlessly rewatchable thriller that keeps you guessing.

11. Drishyam (2013)

The thriller that spawned remakes in multiple languages, Drishyam is a masterclass in suspense. Mohanlal stars as a family man who will go to any lengths to protect his wife and daughters when they accidentally commit a crime. The movie’s brilliance lies in how it puts you in the protagonist’s shoes, making you question how far you would go for your loved ones.

10. Memories (2013)

Prithviraj delivers one of his career-best performances in Memories as a troubled cop battling alcoholism and guilt while on the hunt for a twisted serial killer. Atmospherically shot and hauntingly scored, the movie is a masterful slow-burn thriller that gets under your skin. It’s a must-watch for fans of dark, brooding crime dramas.

9. Joseph (2018)

Joseph is an expertly crafted thriller that tells the story of a retired cop who gets pulled back into the game when his ex-wife is murdered. The movie keeps you hooked with its non-linear structure, as the various threads slowly come together in a devastating climax. Joju George is phenomenal in the title role, delivering a layered, emotionally powerful performance.

8. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)

Midhun Manuel Thomas’ Anjaam Pathiraa is a gripping serial killer thriller that follows a criminal psychologist as he assists the police in tracking down a vicious murderer. The movie is tightly plotted and keeps you on the edge of your seat as the twisty investigation unfolds. Kunchacko Boban delivers a fantastic performance as the determined psychologist.

7. Unda (2019)

Unda is a tense and gripping thriller that follows a team of policemen as they travel to a Maoist-affected area in Chhattisgarh for election duty. More than just a crime movie, it’s a sharp commentary on the challenges faced by underprepared and under-equipped police forces. Mammootty is in fine form as the weary sub-inspector leading the team.

6. Nayattu (2021)

A hard-hitting thriller that pulls no punches, Nayattu follows three police officers who are forced to go on the run after they are framed for a heinous crime. The movie is a damning indictment of systemic corruption and abuse of power, anchored by intense performances from Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, and Nimisha Sajayan.

5. Drishyam 2 (2021)

The rare sequel that lives up to the original, Drishyam 2 picks up seven years after the events of the first film, as Georgekutty and his family find their lives upended once again. The movie is a masterclass in suspense, as the various threads slowly come together in a nail-biting climax. Mohanlal is brilliant as always as the protective father pushed to his limits.

4. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)

Dileesh Pothan’s Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is a sly and subversive crime thriller that follows the fallout of a petty theft on a bus. Fahadh Faasil is fantastic as the wily thief who swallows a gold chain to avoid getting caught, kicking off a darkly comic chain of events. More than just a crime movie, it’s a sharp critique of the flaws in the justice system.

3. Memories (2013)

Memories is a haunting and atmospheric crime thriller that follows a troubled cop as he hunts for a twisted serial killer. Prithviraj delivers a knockout performance as the guilt-ridden, alcoholic officer battling his inner demons. With stunning visuals and a memorable score, the movie is a masterful example of neo-noir storytelling.

2. Drishyam (2013)

The thriller that started it all, Drishyam is a masterclass in suspense storytelling. Mohanlal delivers an unforgettable performance as Georgekutty, a family man who will stop at nothing to protect his loved ones when they accidentally commit a crime. The movie’s brilliance lies in how it puts you in the protagonist’s shoes, making you question how far you would go in a similar situation.

1. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988)

Topping our list of the best Malayalam crime thrillers is the 1988 classic Oru CBI Diary Kurippu. Mammootty is iconic as the brilliant and eccentric CBI officer Sethurama Iyer, who is tasked with investigating the mysterious death of a young woman. The movie set the template for the investigative thriller in Malayalam cinema, with its taut plotting, memorable characters, and clever twists. More than three decades later, it remains the gold standard of the genre.

So there you have it – our picks for the 25 best Malayalam crime thriller movies of all time. From classic whodunits to gritty neo-noirs, these films represent the finest the genre has to offer. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of crime thrillers or just looking for a gripping movie to watch, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Do you agree with our list? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below! And happy watching – just make sure to keep the lights on and the doors locked. After all, you never know what twists and turns these movies might take.

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