Malayalam cinema has been on a roll in recent years, delivering some of the most original, thought-provoking and entertaining films coming out of India. And luckily for all of us, Amazon Prime Video has an excellent collection of Malayalam movies available to stream. From intense thrillers to heartwarming dramas to rib-tickling comedies, Malayalam filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Malayalam cinema or just want to catch up on some of the best films of the last few years, here are the 25 must-watch Malayalam movies currently streaming on Prime Video. Get your watchlist ready!
1. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, Kumbalangi Nights is a poignant tale of four brothers living together in the fishing village of Kumbalangi. The film delves into their strained relationships and how they ultimately come together as a family. With themes of toxic masculinity, mental health, and human connection, the film strikes an emotional chord.
Kumbalangi Nights is brilliantly acted by its ensemble cast including Soubin Shahir, Shane Nigam, Fahadh Faasil and Sreenath Bhasi. Fahadh Faasil is especially chilling as the patriarchal villain Shammi. The cinematography captures the raw beauty of the village. And the music, especially the song “Cherathukal”, will stay with you long after.
A critical and commercial success, Kumbalangi Nights is a must-watch for its sensitive portrayal of flawed but relatable characters. It’s an ultimately hopeful film about the power of love and family to help us overcome our inner demons.
2. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)
The Great Indian Kitchen, directed by Jeo Baby, is a scathing indictment of the patriarchy deeply rooted in many Indian households. Through the story of a newly married woman struggling to fit into the role of a submissive wife, the film shines a light on the unsung and unappreciated labor of women.
As the nameless protagonist toils away in the kitchen day after day, chopping, cooking, cleaning, the film makes you viscerally feel her building frustration and despair at being reduced to an unpaid maid. Nimisha Sajayan is brilliant in the lead role, her expressive eyes conveying a gamut of suppressed emotions.
The Great Indian Kitchen doesn’t offer any easy solutions but it forces us to confront the injustice of defined gender roles. It makes a strong case for women’s autonomy and freedom. The film is a rallying cry for change, for all the women who silently suffer in the confines of their kitchens and homes.
3. Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020)
Ayyappanum Koshiyum pits two strong-willed men against each other in an intense battle of male egos. Biju Menon plays Ayyappan Nair, an upright policeman, and Prithviraj Sukumaran plays retired army havildar Koshy Kurien. A minor altercation between them soon snowballs into a dangerous rivalry.
Directed by Sachy, the film is a gripping exploration of power dynamics and how bruised pride can lead men to commit heinous acts. Biju Menon and Prithviraj are both in top form, embodying their characters’ strengths and flaws. The tension keeps building until it explodes in a nail-biting, violent climax.
Ayyappanum Koshiyum is a masterfully crafted thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s also a sobering look at toxic masculinity and how easily male honor can turn into ugly aggression. The film won several awards including the National Film Award for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor.
4. Virus (2019)
Inspired by the real-life events of the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, Virus is a gripping medical thriller directed by Aashiq Abu. The film follows the doctors, nurses, and government officials racing against time to contain the deadly epidemic.
With an ensemble cast including Kunchacko Boban, Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Revathi, the film realistically captures the fear and paranoia of a populace in the grip of a mysterious illness. It also celebrates the courage and selflessness of the frontline medical workers putting their lives at risk.
Virus is a taut and intense film that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Given the current pandemic reality, the film has become even more relevant and impactful in hindsight. It’s a fitting tribute to the real-life heroes in the medical community.
5. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016)
Maheshinte Prathikaaram (Mahesh’s Revenge) is a delightful comedy drama about a small-town photographer’s quest to defend his honor after getting beaten up in public. Directed by Dileesh Pothan, the film has a charming slice-of-life quality that draws you into its world and characters.
At its core, Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a story about pride, redemption and standing up for oneself. But it tells that story with such wit, heart and rootedness, it feels both relatable and refreshing. It’s the kind of film that leaves you with a big smile on your face.
The film was a sleeper hit and won two National Film Awards – for Best Original Screenplay and Best Feature Film in Malayalam. It’s a testament to the rising quality of Malayalam cinema.
6. Drishyam (2013) & Drishyam 2 (2021)
The Drishyam films are landmark thrillers in Malayalam cinema, keeping audiences enthralled with their clever plotting and edge-of-the-seat suspense. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, both films center around Georgekutty (played by Mohanlal), a family man who goes to extreme lengths to protect his wife and daughters.
In the first film, Georgekutty devises an ingenious plan to cover up an accidental crime committed by his family, staying one step ahead of the police investigation. In the sequel, set seven years later, the case resurfaces as the police find new evidence, once again threatening to tear his family apart.
What makes the Drishyam films so compelling is how they subvert the “perfect crime” trope by focusing on an ordinary man’s desperate attempts to save his family. Mohanlal is brilliant as the protective father, portraying Georgekutty’s cunning and his moral anguish with equal skill.
Drishyam 2, in particular, is a masterclass in suspense, unraveling its twists at a skillfully measured pace. It’s a rare sequel that lives up to and even surpasses the original. Together, the Drishyam films are a must-watch for any fan of intelligent thrillers.
7. Nayattu (2021)
Nayattu (The Hunt) is a hard-hitting police procedural that doesn’t shy away from exposing the rot within the system. Directed by Martin Prakkat, the film follows three police officers who go on the run after being framed for a political murder.
Kunchacko Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan deliver intense performances as the cornered cops, conveying the desperation and anger of being betrayed by their own institution. The film keeps up a relentless pace as the trio try to evade capture and clear their names.
More than just a thriller, Nayattu is a damning critique of how politics and corruption have compromised the police force. It’s a bleak but necessary portrait of a broken system failing its honest foot soldiers. The film leaves you shaken and angry, but also with a renewed respect for the few good cops fighting the good fight.
8. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
Anjaam Pathiraa (The Fifth Night) is a gripping psychological crime thriller that keeps you guessing till the very end. Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the film follows a criminologist and a police team on the hunt for a serial killer.
Kunchacko Boban delivers a standout performance as the brilliant but troubled criminologist Anwar Hussain, who must confront his own demons while trying to get into the mind of a psychopath. The film does a great job of building tension and dread as the killer’s twisted methods are slowly revealed.
Anjaam Pathiraa is a well-crafted whodunit that subverts expectations and delivers genuine surprises. It’s also a rare Malayalam film that creates a memorable and chilling antagonist. If you’re a fan of dark and gritty crime thrillers, this one’s for you.
9. Ee. Ma. Yau (2018)
Ee. Ma. Yau (R.I.P) is a satire disguised as a funeral drama, offering a darkly comical look at death and its absurd rituals. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film is set in a coastal village and follows a son’s increasingly frustrating attempts to give his father a grand funeral.
Vinayakan gives a moving performance as the grief-stricken son Eeshi, trying to fulfill his father’s last wish while navigating family politics, money problems and religious traditions. The film walks a fine line between humor and heartbreak, finding absurdity in tragedy and vice versa.
Ee. Ma. Yau is a unique and uncompromising film that examines the performative nature of death rituals and how they can often overshadow genuine grief. It’s a celebration of life in all its messy glory, even as it pokes fun at our attempts to make sense of mortality.
10. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)
Sudani from Nigeria is a heartwarming slice-of-life drama about the unlikely friendship between a local football club manager and his team’s Nigerian import. Directed by Zakariya Mohammed, the film is a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together across cultures.
Soubin Shahir is endearing as the small-time manager Majeed, who takes the stranded Samuel under his wing after the latter gets injured. The two men bond over their shared love for football and their struggles in life. Samuel’s fish-out-of-water experiences in Kerala also lead to some hilarious cultural misunderstandings.
At its core, Sudani from Nigeria is a simple story about empathy, kindness and embracing our shared humanity. It’s a feel-good film that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. In a world increasingly divided by hate and prejudice, it’s a much-needed reminder that friendship knows no boundaries.
11. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (The Mainour and the Witness) is a clever crime caper that unfolds through multiple perspectives. Directed by Dileesh Pothan, the film follows a petty thief’s attempts to get back a gold chain he stole and swallowed, after getting caught by the police.
Fahadh Faasil is in top form as the wily thief Prasad, trying every trick in the book to get out of his predicament. Suraj Venjaramoodu is equally impressive as the weary constable Sreenivasan, who engages in a battle of wits with Prasad. The film keeps you engaged with its twisty plot and wry humor.
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is a smartly written film that keeps subverting your expectations. It’s also a subtle commentary on the class divide and how the justice system often fails the poor and marginalized. The film won three National Film Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.
12. Angamaly Diaries (2017)
Angamaly Diaries is a raucous and wildly entertaining gangster film set in the small town of Angamaly. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film follows a group of young men as they navigate the town’s volatile pork trade and gang rivalries.
With 86 debutant actors and a pulsating energy, the film immerses you in the sights, sounds and flavors of small-town Kerala. The characters feel authentic and relatable, even as they get embroiled in increasingly dangerous situations. The film’s famous 11-minute long single-shot climax is a technical marvel that needs to be seen to be believed.
Angamaly Diaries is a film that celebrates the chaos and vibrancy of life. It’s a rowdy and unapologetic romp that will leave you exhilarated. It’s also a showcase for Lijo Jose Pellissery’s bold and kinetic filmmaking style, marking him as one of Malayalam cinema’s most exciting voices.
13. Unda (2019)
Unda (Bullet) is a rare Malayalam war comedy that strikes a balance between humor and social commentary. Directed by Khalid Rahman, the film follows a group of policemen from Kerala deployed for election duty in a Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh.
Mammootty leads the ensemble cast as Sub-inspector Manikandan, a veteran officer struggling to keep his unit together in the face of inadequate supplies and rising tensions. The film mines a lot of humor from the fish-out-of-water situation of the Malayali cops, but it also doesn’t shy away from addressing serious issues like the Maoist insurgency and the plight of the tribals.
Unda is a well-acted and finely crafted film that entertains you while also making you think. It’s a welcome departure from the chest-thumping patriotism of typical war films, instead offering a more nuanced and humane look at the men in uniform.
14. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Kumbalangi Nights is a beautifully crafted film about love, family and redemption. Set in the picturesque islands of Kumbalangi in Kochi, the film follows the lives of four brothers living in a dysfunctional household.
Soubin Shahir, Shane Nigam, Sreenath Bhasi and Mathew Thomas play the brothers, each dealing with their own struggles and demons. Into their lives comes a group of women, played by Grace Antony, Anna Ben and Rima Kallingal, who help them heal and find a new purpose. But their fragile peace is threatened by the arrival of the tyrannical Shammi, played with chilling menace by Fahadh Faasil.
Kumbalangi Nights is ultimately a hopeful film about the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a must-watch for its sensitive portrayal of complex characters and relationships. It’s a film that will make you laugh, cry and believe in the goodness of people.
15. Moothon (2019)
Moothon (The Elder One) is a gritty and uncompromising crime drama that takes you into the underbelly of Mumbai. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film follows a young boy’s search for his elder brother, which leads him into a world of drugs, violence and sexual exploitation.
Nivin Pauly delivers a raw and intense performance as Akbar/Bhai, the long-lost brother who has been hardened by his circumstances. The film doesn’t flinch from showing the harsh realities of life on the streets, and how cycles of abuse and trauma can perpetuate themselves. It’s a dark and disturbing film, but also one that offers glimmers of hope and humanity.
Moothon is a technically accomplished film, with stunning cinematography that captures the grit and grime of Mumbai. It’s also a film that pushes the boundaries of Malayalam cinema, tackling themes of sexuality and violence.
16. Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019)
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 is a heartwarming sci-fi drama about an elderly man and his robot caretaker. Directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, the film explores themes of loneliness, aging and the human-machine bond.
Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers a moving performance as the grumpy but lovable Bhaskara Poduval, who is initially resistant to the robot but gradually warms up to it. The film balances humor and emotions beautifully, making you laugh and cry in equal measure. It’s also a subtle commentary on how technology can help bridge generational gaps.
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 is ultimately a feel-good film about the importance of companionship and embracing change. It’s a unique and inventive addition to Malayalam cinema’s sci-fi genre.
17. Trance (2020)
Trance is a trippy and audacious film that takes you into the dark underbelly of faith healing and organized religion. Directed by Anwar Rasheed, the film follows a motivational speaker’s descent into the world of godmen and his eventual crisis of faith.
Fahadh Faasil delivers a tour-de-force performance as Viju Prasad, transforming from a cocky conman to a conflicted believer. The film is a sensory overload, with dizzying camerawork and pulsating music that mirrors Viju’s unraveling mental state. It’s a bold and uncompromising take on the power of belief and how it can be exploited.
Trance is not an easy watch, but it’s a film that will shake you up and make you question your own convictions. It’s a testament to Malayalam cinema’s willingness to push boundaries and take risks.
18. Kappela (2020)
Kappela (Chapel) is a poignant love story that takes a dark turn, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Muhammad Musthafa, the film follows a young woman’s search for love and how it leads her into danger.
Anna Ben delivers a standout performance as the naive but determined Jessy, who falls for a stranger’s charms over the phone. When she decides to meet him in person, things take an unexpected and sinister turn. The film keeps you guessing till the very end, building tension and dread masterfully.
Kappela is a cautionary tale about the perils of trusting strangers and the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings. It’s also a critique of how society often blames women for the crimes committed against them. The film will leave you shaken and moved in equal parts.
19. Halal Love Story (2020)
Halal Love Story is a charming and insightful film about a group of deeply religious men attempting to make a “halal” (permissible) romantic film. Directed by Zakariya Mohammed, the film is a meta-commentary on the challenges of making a “clean” film while staying true to one’s faith.
Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Sharaf U Dheen and Grace Antony deliver endearing performances as the amateur filmmakers grappling with issues of morality and artistic integrity. The film gently pokes fun at the absurdities of their endeavor while also respecting their sincerity. It’s a warm and fuzzy film that will leave you with a smile.
Halal Love Story is a refreshing take on the struggles of independent filmmaking and how art and faith can coexist. It’s a film that celebrates the power of cinema to bring people together and bridge divides.
20. Joji (2021)
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Joji is a slow-burn crime drama about greed, ambition and family dysfunction. Directed by Dileesh Pothan, the film follows the youngest son of a wealthy plantation family and his ruthless schemes to gain control of the property.
Fahadh Faasil delivers a chilling performance as the titular Joji, a meek and unassuming man who harbors dark desires. The film slowly unravels his sinister machinations, building a sense of dread and unease. It’s a masterful adaptation that transplants the themes of Macbeth to contemporary Kerala.
Joji is a film that gets under your skin with its atmospheric visuals and unsettling score. It’s a portrait of a family rotting from within, consumed by its own toxicity. It’s a showcase for Fahadh Faasil’s incredible range as an actor and Dileesh Pothan’s skill at crafting immersive worlds.
21. Malik (2021)
Malik is an epic crime saga spanning multiple decades, tracing the rise and fall of a charismatic Muslim leader. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film is a sprawling commentary on power, politics and communal tensions.
Fahadh Faasil delivers a magnetic performance as Sulaiman, a man who goes from smuggler to savior of his community. The film chronicles his complex relationships with his family, friends and foes, painting a rich tapestry of a life lived on the edge. It’s a grand and ambitious film that grapples with weighty themes of loyalty, betrayal and the cost of power.
Malik is a film that demands your attention with its intricate plotting and layered characters. It’s a rare Muslim-centric narrative that humanizes a community often demonized in mainstream media. It’s a testament to Mahesh Narayanan’s vision and Fahadh Faasil’s star power.
22. Minnal Murali (2021)
Minnal Murali (Lightning Murali) is a delightful homegrown superhero film that proves you don’t need a big budget to tell a great story. Directed by Basil Joseph, the film follows a tailor who gains superpowers after being struck by lightning and his clash with a vengeful antagonist.
Tovino Thomas is charming and relatable as the reluctant hero Jaison, grappling with his newfound abilities and responsibilities. Guru Somasundaram is equally impressive as the tragic villain Shibu, a man twisted by his own pain and loss. The film subverts and pays homage to superhero tropes in equal measure, delivering a fresh and fun take on the genre.
Minnal Murali is a film that will make you cheer and laugh with its heart and humor. It’s a love letter to the superhero films of our childhood, made with affection and ingenuity. It’s proof that Malayalam cinema can pull off a large-scale spectacle without losing its soul.
From intimate human dramas to epic crime sagas, from quirky comedies to stylish thrillers, Malayalam cinema truly has something for everyone. These 22 films are just a small sampling of the incredible talent and diversity of the industry. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Malayalam cinema on Amazon Prime Video and discover your new favorite film today!
