2023 has been a fantastic year for Malayalam cinema, with the industry delivering a diverse range of high-quality films that have captivated audiences. From heartwarming dramas to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Mollywood has once again proven why it is one of the most respected and innovative film industries in India.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll be counting down the 30 best Malayalam movies of 2023 that you absolutely must watch. Whether you’re a die-hard Mollywood fan or a casual viewer looking to explore some of the best that Indian cinema has to offer, this list has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some truly incredible films.
30. Madanolsavam
Kicking off our list is the delightful family comedy Madanolsavam. Directed by Raffi, the film follows the misadventures of a middle-class family as they navigate the ups and downs of daily life. With a stellar ensemble cast led by Sreenivasan and Mallika Sukumaran, Madanolsavam is a heartwarming and hilarious look at the bonds of family and the power of laughter.
29. Kannur Squad
Next up is Kannur Squad, a gritty action thriller that explores the dark underbelly of Kerala’s political landscape. Directed by Roby Varghese Raj, the film stars Tovino Thomas as a young man who gets caught up in a web of corruption and violence. With pulse-pounding action sequences and a gripping storyline, Kannur Squad is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
28. Nna, Thaan Case Kodu
Nna, Thaan Case Kodu is a courtroom drama with a twist. Directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, the film follows a man who decides to represent himself in court after being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. With a sharp script and powerful performances from Kunchacko Boban and Gayathrie, Nna, Thaan Case Kodu is a thought-provoking look at the Indian legal system.
27. Mukundan Unni Associates
Mukundan Unni Associates is a black comedy that follows the rise and fall of a ruthless lawyer played by Vineeth Sreenivasan. Directed by Abhinav Sunder Nayak, the film is a biting satire of the legal profession and the corruption that often goes hand in hand with it. With a darkly comedic tone and a standout performance from Sreenivasan, Mukundan Unni Associates is a unique and entertaining watch.
26. Thankam
Thankam is a crime thriller that explores the world of gold smuggling in Kerala. Directed by Saheed Arafath, the film stars Biju Menon and Vineeth Sreenivasan as two small-time smugglers who get in over their heads when they take on a dangerous new job. With a tense and gripping storyline, Thankam is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
25. Romancham
Romancham is a horror-comedy that follows a group of friends who decide to spend a night in a haunted house. Directed by Jithu Madhavan, the film is a hilarious and spooky romp that will keep you laughing and screaming in equal measure. With a talented young cast and some genuinely creepy moments, Romancham is a fun and entertaining watch.
24. Rorschach
Rorschach is a psychological thriller that explores the mind of a serial killer. Directed by Nissam Basheer, the film stars Mammootty as a brilliant but troubled detective who becomes obsessed with catching a notorious murderer. With a complex and twisting storyline, Rorschach is a gripping and intense watch that will keep you guessing until the very end.
23. Ela Veezha Poonchira
Ela Veezha Poonchira is a heartwarming drama that explores the bonds of friendship and the power of community. Directed by Shafi, the film follows a group of villagers who come together to help a young man fulfill his dream of becoming a singer. With a touching storyline and beautiful performances from Soubin Shahir and Sudhi Koppa, Ela Veezha Poonchira is a feel-good film that will leave you with a smile on your face.
22. Kooman
Kooman is a mystery thriller that follows a journalist who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film stars Asif Ali as a reporter who stumbles upon a shocking secret that puts his life in danger. With a gripping storyline and some genuinely surprising twists, Kooman is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
21. Falimy
Falimy is a heartwarming family drama that explores the bonds of love and the challenges of parenting. Directed by Boban Samuel, the film follows a couple who struggle to connect with their teenage daughter as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence. With a touching storyline and beautiful performances from Joju George and Darshana Rajendran, Falimy is a moving and relatable film that will resonate with viewers of all ages.
20. Madura Manohara Moham
Madura Manohara Moham is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the misadventures of a young woman who falls in love with a man from a different caste. Directed by Stephy Xaviour, the film is a hilarious and heartwarming look at the challenges of inter-caste relationships in modern India. With a charming lead performance from Aparna Balamurali, Madura Manohara Moham is a fun and entertaining watch.
19. Padmini
Padmini is a coming-of-age drama that explores the challenges of growing up in a conservative society. Directed by Senna Hegde, the film follows a young woman who struggles to find her place in the world as she navigates the expectations of her family and community. With a powerful lead performance from Karthika Muralidharan, Padmini is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film.
18. Iratta
Iratta is a gritty crime thriller that explores the dark underbelly of Kerala’s police force. Directed by Rohit M.G. Krishnan, the film stars Joju George in a dual role as twin brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. With a tense and gripping storyline, Iratta is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
17. Purusha Pretham
Purusha Pretham is a supernatural thriller that explores the world of black magic and possession. Directed by Vipin Das, the film stars Darshana Rajendran as a young woman who becomes possessed by an evil spirit. With some genuinely creepy moments and a gripping storyline, Purusha Pretham is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.
16. Neru
Neru is a heartwarming drama that explores the bonds of family and the power of forgiveness. Directed by Gireesh Damodar, the film follows a man who returns to his hometown after many years to reconnect with his estranged family. With a touching storyline and beautiful performances from Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha Sajayan, Neru is a moving and emotionally resonant film.
15. Garudan
Garudan is an action-packed thriller that follows a group of vigilantes who take on a powerful crime syndicate. Directed by Arun Kumar Aravind, the film stars Tovino Thomas as a man seeking revenge for the death of his family. With pulse-pounding action sequences and a gripping storyline, Garudan is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
14. Obaby
Obaby is a heartwarming drama that explores the challenges of single parenthood. Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, the film follows a young woman who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand and decides to raise the child on her own. With a touching storyline and a powerful lead performance from Rajisha Vijayan, Obaby is a moving and emotionally resonant film.
13. Manjummel Boys
Manjummel Boys is a coming-of-age drama that follows a group of young men as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a small town. Directed by Ratheesh Kumar, the film is a heartwarming and relatable look at the bonds of friendship and the power of community. With a talented ensemble cast and a touching storyline, Manjummel Boys is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
12. Ayyappanum Koshiyum
Ayyappanum Koshiyum is a gripping action thriller that explores the conflict between two powerful men. Directed by Sachy, the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon as a retired army officer and a police officer who clash over a personal dispute. With intense performances and a tense storyline, Ayyappanum Koshiyum is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
11. Premam
Premam is a heartwarming romantic drama that explores the different stages of love and relationships. Directed by Alphonse Puthren, the film follows a young man as he navigates the ups and downs of love and heartbreak. With a charming lead performance from Nivin Pauly and a touching storyline, Premam is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
10. Kumbalangi Nights
Kumbalangi Nights is a powerful family drama that explores the bonds of brotherhood and the challenges of toxic masculinity. Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, the film follows four brothers as they navigate the ups and downs of life in a small fishing village. With stunning performances from Shane Nigam and Fahadh Faasil, Kumbalangi Nights is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
9. Anweshippin Kandethum
Anweshippin Kandethum is a heartwarming drama that explores the power of love and the challenges of long-distance relationships. Directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, the film follows a young couple who are forced to navigate the ups and downs of a long-distance relationship. With a touching storyline and beautiful performances from Tovino Thomas and Aishwarya Lekshmi, Anweshippin Kandethum is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
8. Premalu
Premalu is a delightful romantic comedy that explores the challenges of modern dating. Directed by Alphonse Puthren, the film follows a young man who falls in love with a woman he meets online, only to discover that she is not who she seems. With a charming lead performance from Nivin Pauly and a hilarious storyline, Premalu is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
7. Bramayugam
Bramayugam is a gripping supernatural thriller that explores the world of black magic and possession. Directed by Nirmal Sahadev, the film follows a young woman who becomes possessed by an evil spirit and the efforts of her family to save her. With some genuinely creepy moments and a powerful lead performance from Nimisha Sajayan, Bramayugam is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.
6. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam is a perplexing tragicomedy that follows a strict theater troupe owner who walks out of his company bus and into the life of a man who has been missing for years. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and the masks we wear. With a stunning lead performance from Mammootty, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam is a must-watch for fans of experimental cinema.
5. Kannur Squad
Kannur Squad is a gritty action thriller that explores the dark underbelly of Kerala’s political landscape. Directed by Roby Varghese Raj, the film stars Tovino Thomas as a young man who gets caught up in a web of corruption and violence. With pulse-pounding action sequences and a gripping storyline, Kannur Squad is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
4. RDX: Robert Dony Xavier
RDX: Robert Dony Xavier is an ultra-cool action movie that reinvented the notion that you need one major mass superstar to create a 100 crore blockbuster. Directed by Nahas Hidayath, the film follows the lives of three mysterious individuals whose faces get exposed, leading to a thrilling turn of events. With a gripping storyline and stunning action sequences, RDX: Robert Dony Xavier became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year.
3. Kaathal – The Core
Kaathal – The Core is a powerful drama that explores the challenges of coming out and the complexities of marriage. Directed by Jeo Baby, the film follows a retired bank secretary who reluctantly enters politics for a by-election, leading to a deep dive into his marriage dynamics, justice, and personal fulfillment amidst a tight-knit village community. With stunning performances from Mammootty and Jyotika, Kaathal – The Core is a must-watch for fans of socially conscious cinema.
2. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam is a perplexing tragicomedy that follows a strict theater troupe owner who walks out of his company bus and into the life of a man who has been missing for years. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and the masks we wear. With a stunning lead performance from Mammootty, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam is a must-watch for fans of experimental cinema.
1. 2018
And finally, topping our list of the best Malayalam movies of 2023 is 2018, a disaster film set during the devastating 2018 Kerala floods. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the film follows people from all walks of life as they face catastrophic consequences and put in collective efforts to survive the calamity. With a gripping storyline and stunning performances from Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, and Asif Ali, 2018 became the biggest hit of the year, proving once again that any film can end up becoming the industry’s biggest hit if it connects with the audience. 2018 is a must-watch for fans of powerful, socially conscious cinema.
And there you have it, our list of the 30 best Malayalam movies of 2023. From heartwarming dramas to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this year has truly been a banner year for Mollywood. We hope this list has inspired you to check out some of these incredible films and discover the magic of Malayalam cinema for yourself. Happy watching!