2021 was a challenging yet remarkable year for the Malayalam film industry. Despite the ongoing pandemic and lockdowns, Malayalam cinema delivered an impressive array of movies across genres that entertained, moved and provoked audiences. From big budget blockbusters to small indie gems, 2021 had something for every kind of movie lover.
In this post, we’ll count down the 30 best Malayalam movies that released in 2021. These films stood out for their engaging stories, powerful performances, stunning visuals, and overall impact. Whether you caught them in theaters or on streaming, these movies represent the finest that Malayalam cinema had to offer last year.
30. Ellam Sheriyakum
Release Date: November 19, 2021
Cast: Asif Ali, Rajisha Vijayan, Siddique, Balu Varghese
Director: Jibu Jacob
Ellam Sheriyakum is a heartwarming drama that provides a balanced look at the issues plaguing both major political parties in Kerala. Without taking sides or being preachy, the film holds up a mirror to the problems on both ends of the political spectrum.
Asif Ali and Rajisha Vijayan lead the cast with their earnest performances as an idealistic young couple navigating the messy world of politics and relationships. The film benefits from a sharp script that finds humor and insight in everyday situations. Ellam Sheriyakum makes a strong case that despite our differences, decency and humanity can still triumph.
29. Vellam
Release Date: January 22, 2021
Cast: Jayasurya, Samyuktha Menon
Director: Prajesh Sen
Vellam is an unflinching look at alcoholism and how the disease destroys lives and families. Jayasurya delivers a career-best performance as Murali, a promising young man whose life spirals out of control due to his drinking problem.
The film pulls no punches in depicting the grim realities of substance abuse. But it also offers a ray of hope and the possibility of redemption. Vellam works because of its well-etched characters, especially the women who bear the brunt of Murali’s alcoholism. Samyuktha Menon is especially good as his long-suffering wife.
Director Prajesh Sen and writer Yadhu Pushkaran deserve credit for tackling a grim subject with sensitivity and nuance. Vellam is a tough but essential watch.
28. Kunjeldho
Release Date: December 24, 2021
Cast: Asif Ali, Gopika Udayan
Director: Mathukutty Xavier
Kunjeldho is a breezy campus romance that charms you with its wit, warmth and likeable leads. The film follows the blossoming relationship between two engineering students and the ups and downs they navigate.
Rather than rely on melodrama, Kunjeldho finds poetry in the little moments between the couple. The easy chemistry between Asif Ali and debutante Gopika Udayan is the film’s biggest strength. Even the supporting characters are written and performed with care.
In his directorial debut, Mathukutty Xavier shows a knack for capturing the joys and pains of young love without resorting to cliches. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with charming performances, Kunjeldho is the perfect pick.
27. Bheemante Vazhi
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Chemban Vinod Jose, Jinu Joseph
Director: Ashraf Hamza
Bheemante Vazhi is a slice-of-life drama that explores what happens when the residents of a housing colony are told a road will be built through their colony. Kunchacko Boban plays Bheeman, a local goon who offers to help the residents, for a price.
Director Ashraf Hamza and writer Chemban Vinod Jose mine humor and warmth from this premise, while also offering incisive commentary on the politics of road development and land acquisition. The film humanizes its characters, even Bheeman who starts out as an unsavory fellow but reveals hidden depths.
Bheemante Vazhi coasts on its quirky characters and situational comedy. Even when it occasionally meanders, the film keeps you invested in its motley crew of characters. It’s an entertaining movie that also leaves you with something to chew on.
26. Kala
Release Date: March 25, 2021
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Sumesh Moor, Divya Pillai
Director: Rohith V.S.
Kala is a visceral, uncompromising thriller that pushes the boundaries of Malayalam cinema’s depiction of violence and toxic masculinity. Tovino Thomas plays Shaji, a man who’s slowly losing his grip on sanity. When a new worker joins his plantation, it triggers a brutal chain of events.
Director Rohith V.S. creates an atmosphere of dread and tension that never lets up. He uses the lush forest setting to create a primal world where civility is stripped away and man’s worst impulses come to the fore. Tovino Thomas is scarily good as the unhinged Shaji.
Kala is not an easy watch. It is gory, intense and leaves you shaken. But it’s also a daring experiment in form and storytelling that showcases Malayalam cinema’s willingness to push the envelope. Love it or hate it, you won’t be able to shake off Kala easily.
25. The Priest
Release Date: March 11, 2021
Cast: Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Baby Monica
Director: Jofin T. Chacko
After a string of disappointing films, Mammootty roared back to form with the supernatural mystery thriller The Priest. He plays a priest and psychologist investigating a series of mysterious deaths in a wealthy family.
The Priest works best in its first half as it builds an eerie atmosphere and a compelling central mystery. Mammootty is in fine form, ably supported by Manju Warrier and a terrific Baby Monica. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat as it peels away one layer after another.
The second half does get a tad overcomplicated and stretches plausibility at times. But the film never loses its grip on the viewer. The Priest is proof that even after all these years, Mammootty can still command the screen like few others.
24. Nayattu
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan
Director: Martin Prakkat
Nayattu is a searing police drama that cuts uncomfortably close to the bone. The film follows three police officers who are implicated in a crime and find themselves on the run from their own department.
Director Martin Prakkat and writer Shahi Kabir paint an unvarnished picture of the rot within the system and how easily power can be abused. Kunchacko Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan all deliver powerful performances as the cornered cops.
Nayattu is a thriller that’s all the more effective because of how realistic it is. Every beat and every twist feels authentic and earned. The film is a damning indictment of systemic corruption and the way it destroys even the best of intentions. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves hard-hitting cinema.
23. Joji
Release Date: April 7, 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj, Unnimaya Prasad
Director: Dileesh Pothan
Joji is a deliciously dark adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in contemporary Kerala. Fahadh Faasil plays the titular character, the youngest son of a rich plantation owner who decides to hasten his inheritance.
Director Dileesh Pothan and writer Syam Pushkaran transplant the bard’s iconic play to the setting of a dysfunctional Malayali family. In their able hands, Macbeth becomes a slow-burn thriller and a scathing look at patriarchy and toxic family dynamics.
Fahadh Faasil is brilliant as the simmering Joji, a layered performance that ranks as one of his best. Baburaj and Unnimaya Prasad also shine in crucial roles. Joji is a masterful movie that proves yet again that Malayalam cinema is at the forefront of Indian cinema when it comes to creative reinvention of classic tales.
22. Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam
Release Date: July 24, 2021
Cast: Rima Kallingal, Jithin Puthenchery
Director: Don Palathara
Shot in a single 85-minute take inside a car, Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam is an intimate relationship drama that unfolds in real-time. A couple on their way to a clinic have a conversation that starts casually but soon turns into a revealing fight.
Rima Kallingal and Jithin Puthenchery are excellent as Maria and Jithin, nailing the passive aggression and unsaid resentments that mark long-term relationships. The film gives us a fly-on-the-wall view of a make-or-break moment for the couple.
Director Don Palathara’s experimental film strips away the bells and whistles of cinema to give us something raw and real. Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam is a testament to the power of simplicity and how the most personal stories can also be the most universal.
21. Chathurmukham
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Cast: Manju Warrier, Sunny Wayne
Director: Ranjeet Kamala Sankar and Salil V
Chathurmukham is a taut horror thriller that taps into our collective technophobia. Manju Warrier plays a woman who is convinced that her phone is possessed by a ghost. Her claims are initially dismissed as hallucinations, but chilling events soon make everyone believe her.
The film takes a familiar premise and executes it with panache. Directors Ranjeet Kamala Sankar and Salil V build a creepy atmosphere and pepper the film with well-crafted scares. Manju Warrier anchors the film with a terrific performance that keeps you invested.
Chathurmukham is further proof that Manju Warrier is one of the most versatile actors working in Malayalam cinema today. It’s also a smart horror film that’s aware of genre tropes and uses them effectively. The film is a spooky good time.
20. Aanum Pennum
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Cast: Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran, Joju George
Directors: Aashiq Abu, Jay K, Venu
Aanum Pennum is an anthology film that tells three stories of love, longing, and everything in between. The three shorts – Savithri, Rachiyamma, and Rani – are directed by Aashiq Abu, Jay K, and Venu respectively.
The three films explore different facets of relationships with sensitivity and nuance. Savithri is a bittersweet tale of a woman torn between desire and duty. Rachiyamma is a quirky love story with a twist. And Rani is a heartbreaking look at a woman’s quiet desperation.
Aanum Pennum benefits from a stellar cast that includes Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran, Joju George, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Asif Ali. The performances are pitch-perfect across the board. Even though the films deal with heavy themes, there’s a lightness of touch that makes them immensely watchable.
19. Kaanekkaane
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Tovino Thomas, Aishwarya Lekshmi
Director: Manu Ashokan
Kaanekkaane is an emotionally charged drama about a grieving father seeking answers about his daughter’s death. Suraj Venjaramoodu plays the father who confronts his son-in-law, played by Tovino Thomas, leading to a series of devastating revelations.
Director Manu Ashokan and writer Bobby-Sanjay have crafted a sensitive film about loss, guilt, and the burden of secrets. The film unfolds like a thriller but its focus is always on the characters and their emotional journeys.
Suraj Venjaramoodu and Tovino Thomas are both excellent, portraying the different ways in which the two men deal with their shared grief. Aishwarya Lekshmi also leaves a mark in a brief but crucial role. Kaanekkaane is a moving film that lingers long after the credits roll.
18. Kuruthi
Release Date: August 11, 2021
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Roshan Mathew, Mamukkoya
Director: Manu Warrier
Kuruthi is a gripping chamber drama set over one tense night. A group of strangers find themselves trapped in a house as communal tensions boil over outside. As the night progresses, secrets are revealed and allegiances are tested.
Prithviraj Sukumaran leads the ensemble cast as the man of the house, trying to keep everyone safe. It’s a restrained performance that’s a far cry from his usual hero roles. Roshan Mathew and Mamukkoya also stand out among the supporting cast.
Director Manu Warrier keeps the tension simmering throughout, aided by a taut script and Abhinandan Ramanujam’s atmospheric cinematography. Kuruthi is a thriller that also serves as a commentary on the times we live in, where hate can turn even the most peaceful of places into a powder keg.
17. Malik
Release Date: July 15, 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George
Director: Mahesh Narayanan
Malik is an ambitious crime saga spanning decades and generations. Fahadh Faasil plays Sulaiman, a charismatic leader who rises from humble beginnings to become the savior of his coastal community, only to face opposition from forces that seek to destroy his legacy.
Director Mahesh Narayanan paints on a sprawling canvas, weaving together multiple storylines and characters into a cohesive whole. At the center of it all is Fahadh Faasil’s towering performance as Sulaiman. He imbues the character with grace, gravitas and a simmering intensity that’s a sight to behold.
Malik is a complex film that demands your attention. But it rewards that attention with a rich, immersive story that touches on themes of faith, community, and the price of power. The film is a testament to Mahesh Narayanan’s growth as a filmmaker and Fahadh Faasil’s undeniable talent.
16. Drishyam 2
Release Date: February 19, 2021
Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan
Director: Jeethu Joseph
Seven years after the first film, Drishyam 2 revisits the Georgekutty family and the aftermath of the fateful night that changed their lives. Mohanlal returns as the patriarch who has to once again protect his family when the past comes back to haunt them.
Writer-director Jeethu Joseph cleverly builds on the events of the first film while also crafting a satisfying standalone story. The film is a masterclass in suspense, with each scene ratcheting up the tension until the explosive climax.
Mohanlal is fantastic as always, portraying Georgekutty’s quiet determination and sharp mind. The rest of the cast, including Meena and Ansiba Hassan, also slip back into their roles effortlessly. Drishyam 2 proves that sometimes, a sequel can be just as good, if not better, than the original.
15. Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam
Release Date: November 26, 2021
Cast: Manoj K.U., Anagha Narayanan, Arun Kurian
Director: Senna Hegde
Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is a charming slice-of-life comedy set in a small town in Kerala. The film follows the events leading up to a wedding and the various characters who get caught up in the chaos.
Director Senna Hegde captures the quirks and eccentricities of small-town life with a keen eye for detail. The film is filled with delightful moments and memorable characters, brought to life by a wonderful ensemble cast.
Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is a film that will make you laugh and warm your heart in equal measure. It’s a celebration of the little joys and absurdities of life, told with wit and affection. In a year filled with heavy films, this was a much-needed breath of fresh air.
14. Minnal Murali
Release Date: December 24, 2021
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Guru Somasundaram, Aju Varghese
Director: Basil Joseph
Minnal Murali is a delightful superhero origin story rooted firmly in the milieu of rural Kerala. Tovino Thomas plays Jaison, a tailor who gains superpowers after being struck by lightning. As he learns to harness his powers, he must also face a villain who has his own plans for the village.
The film is a loving homage to the superhero genre, with plenty of nods to classic tropes. But it’s also very much its own thing, infused with a distinctly Malayalam flavor. Director Basil Joseph and writers Arun Anirudhan and Justin Mathew have crafted a story that’s both familiar and fresh.
Tovino Thomas is endlessly charming as the reluctant hero, and Guru Somasundaram is a hoot as the eccentric villain. Minnal Murali is a film that will appeal to both superhero fans and those who just want a fun, feel-good watch. It’s a triumph of homegrown storytelling.
13. #Home
Release Date: August 19, 2021
Cast: Indrans, Sreenath Bhasi, Vijay Babu
Director: Rojin Thomas
#Home is a heartwarming drama that explores the generation gap and the role of technology in our lives. Indrans plays Oliver Twist, a technophobic father trying to reconnect with his social media-obsessed sons.
Director Rojin Thomas treats his characters with empathy and understanding, even as he gently pokes fun at their quirks. The film is a reminder that despite the differences, what ultimately binds a family is love and understanding.
Indrans is the heart of the film, delivering a performance that’s both funny and poignant. Sreenath Bhasi and Vijay Babu also shine as the sons. #Home is a film that will resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to keep up with the times. It’s a warm hug of a movie.
12. Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam
Release Date: July 24, 2021
Cast: Rima Kallingal, Jithin Puthenchery
Director: Don Palathara
Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam is an intimate relationship drama that unfolds in real-time. A couple on their way to a clinic have a conversation that starts casually but soon turns into a revealing fight.
Rima Kallingal and Jithin Puthenchery are excellent as Maria and Jithin, nailing the passive aggression and unsaid resentments that mark long-term relationships. The film gives us a fly-on-the-wall view of a make-or-break moment for the couple.
Director Don Palathara’s experimental film strips away the bells and whistles of cinema to give us something raw and real. Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam is a testament to the power of simplicity and how the most personal stories can also be the most universal.
11. The Great Indian Kitchen
Release Date: January 15, 2021
Cast: Nimisha Sajayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu
Director: Jeo Baby
The Great Indian Kitchen is a searing indictment of the patriarchy and how it oppresses women within the confines of marriage. Nimisha Sajayan plays a newlywed woman who finds herself slowly suffocated by the demands and expectations of her new household.
Director Jeo Baby uses the kitchen as a potent metaphor for the ways in which women are confined and controlled. The film is an uncomfortable but necessary watch, shining a light on the casual sexism and misogyny that often goes unquestioned.
Nimisha Sajayan is brilliant as the protagonist, conveying volumes with her silences and expressions. Suraj Venjaramoodu is also excellent as the entitled husband. The Great Indian Kitchen is a landmark film that started important conversations about gender roles and equality.
10. Nayattu
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan
Director: Martin Prakkat
Nayattu is a searing police drama that cuts uncomfortably close to the bone. The film follows three police officers who are implicated in a crime and find themselves on the run from their own department.
Director Martin Prakkat and writer Shahi Kabir paint an unvarnished picture of the rot within the system and how easily power can be abused. Kunchacko Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan all deliver powerful performances as the cornered cops.
Nayattu is a thriller that’s all the more effective because of how realistic it is. Every beat and every twist feels authentic and earned. The film is a damning indictment of systemic corruption and the way it destroys even the best of intentions. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves hard-hitting cinema.
9. Joji
Release Date: April 7, 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj, Unnimaya Prasad
Director: Dileesh Pothan
Joji is a deliciously dark adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in contemporary Kerala. Fahadh Faasil plays the titular character, the youngest son of a rich plantation owner who decides to hasten his inheritance.
Director Dileesh Pothan and writer Syam Pushkaran transplant the bard’s iconic play to the setting of a dysfunctional Malayali family. In their able hands, Macbeth becomes a slow-burn thriller and a scathing look at patriarchy and toxic family dynamics.
Fahadh Faasil is brilliant as the simmering Joji, a layered performance that ranks as one of his best. Baburaj and Unnimaya Prasad also shine in crucial roles. Joji is a masterful movie that proves yet again that Malayalam cinema is at the forefront of Indian cinema when it comes to creative reinvention of classic tales.
8. Aarkkariyam
Release Date: April 1, 2021
Cast: Biju Menon, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Sharafudheen
Director: Sanu John Varughese
Aarkkariyam is a meditative drama that explores themes of guilt, redemption and the power of forgiveness. Biju Menon plays Ittyavira, a man haunted by a secret from his past. When his daughter and son-in-law come to stay with him during the lockdown, old wounds are reopened.
Director Sanu John Varughese lets the story unfold at its own pace, allowing the characters to breathe and develop. The film is a masterclass in understated storytelling, with each revelation hitting hard.
Biju Menon delivers a career-best performance as Ittyavira, a man weighed down by his choices. Parvathy Thiruvothu and Sharafudheen are also excellent as the couple grappling with their own issues. Aarkkariyam is a beautiful film about the human capacity for change and the healing power of empathy.
7. Kaanekkaane
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Tovino Thomas, Aishwarya Lekshmi
Director: Manu Ashokan
Kaanekkaane is an emotionally charged drama about a grieving father seeking answers about his daughter’s death. Suraj Venjaramoodu plays the father who confronts his son-in-law, played by Tovino Thomas, leading to a series of devastating revelations.
Director Manu Ashokan and writer Bobby-Sanjay have crafted a sensitive film about loss, guilt, and the burden of secrets. The film unfolds like a thriller but its focus is always on the characters and their emotional journeys.
Suraj Venjaramoodu and Tovino Thomas are both excellent, portraying the different ways in which the two men deal with their shared grief. Aishwarya Lekshmi also leaves a mark in a brief but crucial role. Kaanekkaane is a moving film that lingers long after the credits roll.
6. Sara’s
Release Date: July 5, 2021
Cast: Anna Ben, Sunny Wayne
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Sara’s is a refreshing take on a woman’s right to choose, both in her career and her personal life. Anna Ben plays Sara, an ambitious filmmaker who faces a dilemma when she gets pregnant just as her debut film is about to take off.
Director Jude Anthany Joseph tackles the sensitive subject of abortion with maturity and nuance. The film never gets preachy, instead letting Sara’s journey speak for itself. It’s a film that respects a woman’s agency and her right to make her own decisions.
Anna Ben is wonderful as Sara, portraying her character’s dreams and fears with equal conviction. Sunny Wayne is also impressive as her supportive partner. Sara’s is a film that every young woman should watch. It’s a bold and empowering story that needs to be told.
5. Malik
Release Date: July 15, 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George
Director: Mahesh Narayanan
Malik is an ambitious crime saga spanning decades and generations. Fahadh Faasil plays Sulaiman, a charismatic leader who rises from humble beginnings to become the savior of his coastal community, only to face opposition from forces that seek to destroy his legacy.
Director Mahesh Narayanan paints on a sprawling canvas, weaving together multiple storylines and characters into a cohesive whole. At the center of it all is Fahadh Faasil’s towering performance as Sulaiman. He imbues the character with grace, gravitas and a simmering intensity that’s a sight to behold.
Malik is a complex film that demands your attention. But it rewards that attention with a rich, immersive story that touches on themes of faith, community, and the price of power. The film is a testament to Mahesh Narayanan’s growth as a filmmaker and Fahadh Faasil’s undeniable talent.
4. The Great Indian Kitchen
Release Date: January 15, 2021
Cast: Nimisha Sajayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu
Director: Jeo Baby
The Great Indian Kitchen is a searing indictment of the patriarchy and how it oppresses women within the confines of marriage. Nimisha Sajayan plays a newlywed woman who finds herself slowly suffocated by the demands and expectations of her new household.
Director Jeo Baby uses the kitchen as a potent metaphor for the ways in which women are confined and controlled. The film is an uncomfortable but necessary watch, shining a light on the casual sexism and misogyny that often goes unquestioned.
Nimisha Sajayan is brilliant as the protagonist, conveying volumes with her silences and expressions. Suraj Venjaramoodu is also excellent as the entitled husband. The Great Indian Kitchen is a landmark film that started important conversations about gender roles and equality.
3. Nayattu
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan
Director: Martin Prakkat
Nayattu is a searing police drama that cuts uncomfortably close to the bone. The film follows three police officers who are implicated in a crime and find themselves on the run from their own department.
Director Martin Prakkat and writer Shahi Kabir paint an unvarnished picture of the rot within the system and how easily power can be abused. Kunchacko Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan all deliver powerful performances as the cornered cops.
Nayattu is a thriller that’s all the more effective because of how realistic it is. Every beat and every twist feels authentic and earned. The film is a damning indictment of systemic corruption and the way it destroys even the best of intentions. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves hard-hitting cinema.
2. Joji
Release Date: April 7, 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj, Unnimaya Prasad
Director: Dileesh Pothan
Joji is a deliciously dark adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in contemporary Kerala. Fahadh Faasil plays the titular character, the youngest son of a rich plantation owner who decides to hasten his inheritance.
Director Dileesh Pothan and writer Syam Pushkaran transplant the bard’s iconic play to the setting of a dysfunctional Malayali family. In their able hands, Macbeth becomes a slow-burn thriller and a scathing look at patriarchy and toxic family dynamics.
Fahadh Faasil is brilliant as the simmering Joji, a layered performance that ranks as one of his best. Baburaj and Unnimaya Prasad also shine in crucial roles. Joji is a masterful movie that proves yet again that Malayalam cinema is at the forefront of Indian cinema when it comes to creative reinvention of classic tales.
1. Drishyam 2
Release Date: February 19, 2021
Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan
Director: Jeethu Joseph
Seven years after the first film, Drishyam 2 revisits the Georgekutty family and the aftermath of the fateful night that changed their lives. Mohanlal returns as the patriarch who has to once again protect his family when the past comes back to haunt them.
Writer-director Jeethu Joseph cleverly builds on the events of the first film while also crafting a satisfying standalone story. The film is a masterclass in suspense, with each scene ratcheting up the tension until the explosive climax.
Mohanlal is fantastic as always, portraying Georgekutty’s quiet determination and sharp mind. The rest of the cast, including Meena and Ansiba Hassan, also slip back into their roles effortlessly. Drishyam 2 proves that sometimes, a sequel can be just as good, if not better, than the original.
