When it comes to portraying love stories on the big screen, Malayalam cinema has always been a step ahead. With realistic characters, heartfelt emotions, and soulful music, these films strike a chord with audiences of all ages. Here’s our curated list of the 20 best Malayalam love movies that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again:
1. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Kumbalangi Nights is a heartwarming tale of love and family, set in the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. The film revolves around four brothers who share a love-hate relationship with each other. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Bobby, the youngest, falls in love with Baby, a girl from a conservative family.
What makes Kumbalangi Nights stand out is its realistic portrayal of relationships and the subtle yet powerful performances by the ensemble cast. Shane Nigam as Bobby and Anna Ben as Baby are a delight to watch, and their chemistry is palpable. Fahadh Faasil, as the antagonist Shammi, delivers a chilling performance that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
With stunning visuals, soulful music, and a heartwarming story, Kumbalangi Nights is a must-watch for all lovers of Malayalam cinema.
2. Ustad Hotel (2012)
Ustad Hotel is a coming-of-age story that explores the relationship between a young man and his grandfather. Faizi, an aspiring chef, is forced to assist his grandfather in running a small restaurant in Kozhikode. As he learns the ropes of the trade, Faizi discovers the true meaning of love, life, and family.
Dulquer Salmaan, in one of his earliest roles, shines as Faizi, a man torn between his dreams and his duties. Thilakan, as the wise and loving grandfather, is a scene-stealer. The film’s exploration of food as a metaphor for life is beautifully executed, and the mouth-watering visuals of the dishes will leave you craving for more.
Ustad Hotel is a heartwarming tale of love, family, and the pursuit of one’s passion. It’s a film that will make you laugh, cry, and hungry all at once.
3. Premam (2015)
Premam is a romantic comedy that follows the life of George, a young man who falls in love three times in his life. From his high school crush to his college sweetheart and finally, his true love, the film explores the different facets of love and relationships.
Nivin Pauly as George is a revelation, and his portrayal of a man who grows and matures with each relationship is spot-on. Sai Pallavi, as Malar, George’s college lecturer, is a scene-stealer, and her performance is one of the highlights of the film.
With its relatable characters, witty dialogues, and soulful music, Premam is a film that will make you fall in love with love itself. It’s a must-watch for anyone who has ever been in love or dreams of finding their soulmate.
4. Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal (1986)
Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal is a classic romance that has stood the test of time. The film tells the story of Solomon, a young man who falls in love with Sofia, a girl from a troubled family. Despite the opposition from their families, the two dream of a life together in Solomon’s vineyard.
Mohanlal and Shari, as Solomon and Sofia, deliver performances that are nothing short of iconic. Their chemistry is electric, and their portrayal of young lovers who are willing to fight for their love is heartwarming.
With its stunning visuals, soulful music, and powerful performances, Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move audiences even today.
5. Annayum Rasoolum (2013)
Annayum Rasoolum is a gritty and realistic portrayal of love in the time of communal tensions. The film tells the story of Rasool, a Muslim taxi driver, and Anna, a Latin Christian salesgirl, who fall in love despite their differences.
Fahadh Faasil and Andrea Jeremiah, as Rasool and Anna, deliver raw and intense performances that will leave you spellbound. The film’s exploration of the challenges faced by interfaith couples is honest and thought-provoking.
With its realistic setting, powerful performances, and hard-hitting story, Annayum Rasoolum is a love story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
6. Thoovanathumbikal (1987)
Thoovanathumbikal is a classic romance that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The film tells the story of Jayakrishnan, a young man who is torn between his love for two women – Clara, a sex worker, and Radha, a girl from a conservative family.
Mohanlal, as Jayakrishnan, delivers a nuanced performance that captures the inner turmoil of a man caught between two worlds. Sumalatha and Parvathy, as Clara and Radha, are equally impressive in their roles.
With its poetic dialogues, stunning visuals, and soulful music, Thoovanathumbikal is a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
7. Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)
Ennu Ninte Moideen is a period romance that tells the true story of Moideen and Kanchanamala, a Muslim man and a Hindu woman who fell in love in the 1960s. Despite the opposition from their families and society, the two fought for their love until the very end.
Prithviraj and Parvathy, as Moideen and Kanchanamala, deliver performances that are nothing short of brilliant. Their chemistry is palpable, and their portrayal of a couple who are willing to sacrifice everything for their love is heartbreaking.
With its grand scale, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, Ennu Ninte Moideen is a love story that will stay with you forever.
8. Aniyathipravu (1997)
Aniyathipravu is a coming-of-age romance that explores the innocence and beauty of first love. The film tells the story of Sudhi and Mini, two high school students who fall in love despite the differences in their social backgrounds.
Kunchacko Boban and Shalini, as Sudhi and Mini, are a delight to watch, and their portrayal of young lovers is both endearing and relatable. The film’s exploration of the challenges faced by young couples is honest and thought-provoking.
With its simple yet powerful story, stunning visuals, and soulful music, Aniyathipravu is a film that will take you back to the innocence and magic of your first love.
9. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014)
Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a quirky and unconventional love story that follows the life of Pooja, a young girl who falls in love with a much older man. As she navigates the challenges of love and life, Pooja discovers the true meaning of happiness and self-love.
Nazriya Nazim, as Pooja, is a revelation, and her portrayal of a young girl who is unapologetically herself is both endearing and inspiring. Nivin Pauly, as the older man, is equally impressive in his role.
With its witty dialogues, quirky characters, and heartwarming story, Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a love story that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with life itself.
10. Neelakuyil (1954)
Neelakuyil is a classic romance that explores the social and cultural barriers that stand in the way of love. The film tells the story of Neeli, a Dalit woman, and Sreedharan Nair, an upper-caste man, who fall in love despite the opposition from their families and society.
P. Bhaskaran and Miss Kumari, as Neeli and Sreedharan Nair, deliver performances that are both powerful and poignant. The film’s exploration of caste and class issues is honest and thought-provoking.
With its simple yet powerful story, stunning black and white visuals, and soulful music, Neelakuyil is a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
11. Mayaanadhi (2017)
Mayaanadhi is a gritty and realistic portrayal of love in the time of crime and betrayal. The film tells the story of Mathew and Aparna, two former lovers who are forced to confront their past when Mathew becomes a suspect in a murder case.
Tovino Thomas and Aishwarya Lekshmi, as Mathew and Aparna, deliver raw and intense performances that will leave you spellbound. The film’s exploration of the dark side of love and the consequences of one’s actions is honest and thought-provoking.
With its realistic setting, powerful performances, and hard-hitting story, Mayaanadhi is a love story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
12. Njan Prakashan (2018)
Njan Prakashan is a heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery. The film tells the story of Prakashan, a young man who dreams of becoming a nurse in Germany. As he navigates the challenges of love, life, and his own limitations, Prakashan discovers the true meaning of happiness and success.
Fahadh Faasil, as Prakashan, delivers a performance that is both endearing and relatable. Sai Pallavi, as Prakashan’s love interest, is equally impressive in her role.
With its witty dialogues, quirky characters, and heartwarming story, Njan Prakashan is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with life itself.
13. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is a classic romance that tells the story of Chandu, a legendary warrior, and his love for Unniyarcha, a beautiful and fierce woman. Set against the backdrop of the Vadakkan Pattukal (Northern Ballads), the film explores the themes of love, honor, and sacrifice.
Mammootty, as Chandu, delivers a powerful performance that captures the essence of a true warrior. Madhavi, as Unniyarcha, is equally impressive in her role.
With its grand scale, stunning visuals, and soulful music, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
14. Oru Adaar Love (2019)
Oru Adaar Love is a coming-of-age romance that explores the innocence and beauty of first love. The film tells the story of a group of high school students who navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and growing up.
Priya Prakash Varrier, who became an overnight sensation with her wink in the film’s teaser, delivers a charming performance as the lead actress. The film’s exploration of the joys and pains of teenage love is both relatable and endearing.
With its simple yet powerful story, stunning visuals, and catchy music, Oru Adaar Love is a film that will take you back to the innocence and magic of your first love.
15. Hridayam (2022)
Hridayam is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The film follows the life of Arun, a young man who navigates the challenges of college life, relationships, and finding his true calling.
Pranav Mohanlal, as Arun, delivers a nuanced performance that captures the growth and transformation of his character. Kalyani Priyadarshan and Darshana Rajendran, as Arun’s love interests, are equally impressive in their roles.
With its relatable characters, soulful music, and heartwarming story, Hridayam is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with life itself.
16. Yatra (2019)
Yatra is a biopic that tells the story of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and his famous padayatra (foot march) across the state. While not a traditional love story, the film explores the love and affection between a leader and his people.
Mammootty, as Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, delivers a powerful performance that captures the essence of a true leader. The film’s exploration of the bond between a leader and his people is both inspiring and heartwarming.
With its grand scale, stunning visuals, and soulful music, Yatra is a film that celebrates the power of love and the human spirit.
17. Bangalore Days (2014)
Bangalore Days is a coming-of-age romance that follows the lives of three cousins who move to Bangalore for different reasons. As they navigate the challenges of love, life, and finding their true selves, the three discover the true meaning of friendship and family.
Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, and Nazriya Nazim, as the three cousins, deliver performances that are both endearing and relatable. The film’s exploration of the bond between family and friends is both heartwarming and inspiring.
With its witty dialogues, quirky characters, and heartwarming story, Bangalore Days is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with life itself.
18. Mayanadhi (2017)
Mayanadhi is a gritty and realistic portrayal of love in the time of crime and betrayal. The film tells the story of Mathan and Aparna, two former lovers who are forced to confront their past when Mathan becomes a suspect in a murder case.
Tovino Thomas and Aishwarya Lekshmi, as Mathan and Aparna, deliver raw and intense performances that will leave you spellbound. The film’s exploration of the dark side of love and the consequences of one’s actions is honest and thought-provoking.
With its realistic setting, powerful performances, and hard-hitting story, Mayanadhi is a love story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
19. Ishq (2019)
Ishq is a romantic thriller that explores the dark side of love and obsession. The film tells the story of Sachi and Vasudha, a young couple who are forced to confront the consequences of their actions when a night of passion turns into a nightmare.
Shane Nigam and Ann Sheetal, as Sachi and Vasudha, deliver performances that are both intense and vulnerable. The film’s exploration of the thin line between love and obsession is both chilling and thought-provoking.
With its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and stunning visuals, Ishq is a love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
20. Thattathin Marayathu (2012)
Thattathin Marayathu is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of interfaith love. The film tells the story of Vinod, a Hindu boy, and Aisha, a Muslim girl, who fall in love despite the opposition from their families and society.
Nivin Pauly and Isha Talwar, as Vinod and Aisha, deliver performances that are both endearing and relatable. The film’s exploration of the challenges faced by interfaith couples is both honest and heartwarming.
With its witty dialogues, quirky characters, and heartwarming story, Thattathin Marayathu is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love.
Conclusion
Malayalam cinema has always been known for its realistic and heartfelt portrayal of love stories. From classic romances to coming-of-age tales, these films explore the different facets of love and relationships with honesty and sensitivity.
Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or a cynical realist, these 20 best Malayalam love movies are sure to tug at your heartstrings and make you believe in the power of love. So grab some tissues, cuddle up with your loved ones, and get ready to fall in love all over again with these timeless classics.
