Malayalam cinema has a rich history of producing gripping, edge-of-your-seat thrillers that keep audiences guessing until the very end. From psychological mind-benders to gritty crime dramas, Malayalam thrillers are known for their intelligent scripts, nuanced performances, and skillful direction. Here are the 25 best Malayalam thriller movies of all time that every fan of the genre needs to watch:
1. Drishyam (2013)
Directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal in a career-defining role, Drishyam is a taut thriller about an ordinary man who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his family after they commit an accidental crime. Mohanlal delivers a masterful performance as Georgekutty, a cable TV operator whose quick-thinking and clever schemes keep him one step ahead of the police. The gripping plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeps you on the edge of your seat until the shocking climax. Drishyam is a must-watch for any fan of intelligent, well-crafted thrillers.
2. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
Anjaam Pathiraa is a dark and disturbing serial killer thriller that marks the directorial debut of Midhun Manuel Thomas. Kunchacko Boban stars as a criminologist who gets entangled in the hunt for a deranged killer targeting seemingly unconnected victims. The movie delves deep into the psyche of the killer, exploring themes of childhood trauma and the cycle of violence. With its grim atmosphere, graphic violence, and complex characters, Anjaam Pathiraa is not for the faint of heart but is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller.
3. Mumbai Police (2013)
Mumbai Police is a stylish and suspenseful mystery thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews. Prithviraj stars as Antony Moses, a cop investigating the murder of his own colleague and friend. But as he delves deeper into the case, he starts uncovering dark secrets that hit close to home. The movie keeps you guessing with its non-linear narrative and shocking plot twists. Prithviraj delivers an intense and emotionally charged performance in this slick and engrossing police procedural.
4. Memories (2013)
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Memories stars Prithviraj as a troubled cop battling alcoholism and past trauma while investigating a series of gruesome murders. The atmospheric thriller follows his character’s dark journey as he obsessively pursues the serial killer, leading to a mind-bending and emotionally devastating climax. Prithviraj’s haunting performance and Jeethu Joseph’s taut direction make Memories a disturbing and unforgettable thriller.
5. Forensic (2020)
Forensic is a gripping crime thriller that revolves around a serial killer who brutally murders young girls. Tovino Thomas stars as a medico-legal advisor who teams up with a police officer played by Mamta Mohandas to hunt down the psychopath. The movie delves into forensic science and criminal psychology as the duo race against time to catch the killer before he claims his next victim. With its fast-paced plot, shocking twists and grisly crime scenes, Forensic is a nail-biting thriller that will keep you hooked till the end.
6. Drishyam 2 (2021)
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2013 blockbuster, Drishyam 2 takes place six years after the events of the first film. Georgekutty and his family are now under scrutiny again as the police reopen the case with new evidence. Mohanlal reprises his role as the protective father forced to take desperate measures to save his family. With even higher stakes and smarter schemes, Drishyam 2 is a worthy follow-up that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat with its unpredictable plot.
7. Nayattu (2021)
Nayattu is a hard-hitting police thriller directed by Martin Prakkat. Kunchacko Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan star as three cops on the run after they are falsely implicated in the death of a Dalit political activist. The movie is a scathing commentary on caste politics, police brutality and the abuse of power. It keeps you riveted with its intense performances, realistic action and thought-provoking social message. Nayattu is a gripping and socially relevant thriller that stays with you long after it ends.
8. Ratsasan (2018)
Although it’s technically a Tamil film, Ratsasan was dubbed into Malayalam and became a huge hit with audiences. Directed by Ram Kumar, the movie stars Vishnu Vishal as an aspiring filmmaker who becomes a cop to hunt down a psychotic serial killer brutally murdering school girls. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intense cat-and-mouse game between the cop and the killer leading to a nail-biting climax. Ratsasan is a must-watch for fans of dark and gritty serial killer thrillers.
9. Anjam Pathira (2020)
Anjam Pathira is a gripping crime thriller directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas in his directorial debut. Kunchacko Boban stars as a criminologist who gets entangled in the hunt for a deranged serial killer targeting seemingly random victims. The movie delves deep into the psyche of the killer, exploring themes of childhood trauma and the cyclical nature of violence. With its dark atmosphere, graphic violence, and complex characters, Anjam Pathira is a disturbing but thought-provoking thriller that marks a promising start for the director.
10. Joji (2021)
Directed by Dileesh Pothan, Joji is a crime drama loosely based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Fahadh Faasil stars as the titular character, the youngest son of a rich plantation family who plots and schemes to take over his father’s property after he falls ill. The slow-burn thriller expertly builds tension as it explores themes of greed, power, and moral decay. Fahadh Faasil delivers a chilling and masterful performance as the manipulative and ruthless Joji. The movie is a haunting character study that will keep you hooked with its unpredictable plot.
11. Athiran (2019)
Athiran is a psychological thriller directed by Vivek and starring Fahadh Faasil and Sai Pallavi. The movie is set in a remote mental asylum where a patient has mysteriously disappeared. Fahadh plays a doctor who arrives to investigate, but soon finds himself trapped and questioning his own sanity. The atmospheric thriller keeps you guessing with its mind-bending plot and creepy visuals. Fahadh and Sai Pallavi deliver intense performances as their characters engage in a battle of wits. Athiran is a trippy and unsettling thriller that messes with your mind.
12. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)
Directed by Dileesh Pothan, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is a tense and gripping thriller that revolves around a petty thief who swallows a gold chain when caught, turning into a battle of wits between him and the police to recover the evidence. Fahadh Faasil stars as the wily thief and Suraj Venjaramoodu as the determined cop, both delivering stellar performances. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat as it expertly builds tension and anticipation. It’s a smart and realistic thriller that provides sharp commentary on police procedures and the justice system.
13. Oppam (2016)
Oppam is a crime thriller directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal as a blind elevator operator who becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. The movie follows his character’s attempts to prove his innocence and find the real killer. Mohanlal delivers a brilliant performance, convincingly portraying a blind man using his other heightened senses to navigate the world. The film is a well-crafted whodunit with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. Oppam is a gripping thriller that showcases Mohanlal’s versatility as an actor.
14. Neram (2013)
Directed by Alphonse Puthren, Neram is a fast-paced thriller that takes place over the course of a few hours. Nivin Pauly stars as a young man who has to pay back a loan to a ruthless moneylender by 5 pm or face dire consequences. The race-against-the-clock thriller follows his desperate attempts to arrange the money while evading goons and crooked cops. With its stylish visuals, dark humor, and adrenaline-pumping action, Neram is a fun and entertaining thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
15. Yavanika (1982)
A classic Malayalam thriller directed by K.G. George, Yavanika revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a tabla player in a traveling drama troupe. Bharat Gopy stars as the cop investigating the case, uncovering shocking truths as he interviews each member of the troupe. The movie uses a unique narrative structure, revealing different perspectives on the events leading to a stunning climax. Yavanika is a landmark film in Malayalam cinema, paving the way for more experimental and unconventional thrillers.
16. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988)
The first installment in the popular CBI series, Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is a gripping murder mystery directed by K. Madhu. Mammootty stars as the smart and dedicated CBI officer Sethurama Iyer investigating the suspicious death of a young woman. The well-crafted whodunit keeps you guessing with its twists and red herrings as Iyer meticulously puts together the clues. Mammootty is brilliant as the no-nonsense cop and would go on to reprise the iconic role in four more films. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu set the standard for investigative thrillers in Malayalam cinema.
17. Drishyam (2015)
A Hindi remake of the Malayalam blockbuster, Drishyam stars Ajay Devgn as a common man who uses his intelligence to save his family from a false murder charge. While it follows the same plot as the original, the remake is still a gripping and well-made thriller in its own right. Ajay Devgn delivers a restrained but impactful performance and the rest of the cast, including Tabu and Shriya Saran, provide able support. For Hindi-speaking audiences, this version of Drishyam is definitely worth watching.
18. Iratta (2023)
Iratta is a dark and moody crime thriller directed by Rohit M.G. Krishnan. Joju George stars in a dual role as twin brothers – one a principled cop investigating a murder and the other a shady small-time crook. The neo-noir thriller delves into themes of morality, family dynamics and the blurred lines between good and evil. Joju George delivers a tour-de-force performance, skillfully portraying the contrasting characters. With its brooding atmosphere, intense performances and shocking twists, Iratta is a gripping and thought-provoking addition to Malayalam thrillers.
19. Kannur Squad (2023)
Kannur Squad is a gritty action thriller directed by Roby Varghese Raj and starring Mammootty as a tough cop leading a special team to hunt down a dangerous criminal gang. The movie follows their challenging mission across the country filled with brutal action and tense confrontations. Mammootty is in top form as the no-nonsense officer determined to complete the task despite the odds. With its stylish action sequences, pulsating score and edge-of-the-seat thrills, Kannur Squad is an adrenaline-pumping ride.
20. Aavanazhi (1986)
Directed by I.V. Sasi, Aavanazhi is a political thriller that stars Mammootty as a young IAS officer caught in the web of corruption and crime. The movie provides a searing commentary on the nexus between politicians, criminals and law enforcement. Mammootty delivers a powerful performance as the idealistic officer who faces threats and temptations as he tries to do his duty. The well-written thriller keeps you engaged with its gripping plot and hard-hitting dialogues. Aavanazhi is a thought-provoking film that remains relevant even today.
21. Ee. Ma. Yau (2018)
Ee. Ma. Yau is a dark comedy thriller directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. The movie revolves around the death of an elderly man and his son’s attempts to arrange an honourable funeral while dealing with colorful relatives, financial difficulties and an interfering church. Chemban Vinod Jose stars as the hapless son and Vinayakan as his irresponsible cousin in this quirky and irreverent satire. With its absurdist humor, unpredictable plot and sharp social commentary, Ee. Ma. Yau is an unconventional thriller that showcases Lijo Jose Pellissery’s unique style.
22. Varathan (2018)
Directed by Amal Neerad, Varathan is a revenge thriller that stars Fahadh Faasil and Aishwarya Lekshmi as a couple who move from Dubai to a remote rubber estate in Kerala. But their peaceful life is shattered when the wife is brutally assaulted by a gang of local goons. The movie follows the mild-mannered husband’s transformation into a ruthless vigilante as he hunts down the perpetrators. Fahadh Faasil delivers an intense performance as a man pushed to the edge. Varathan is a hard-hitting thriller that provides a cathartic payoff.
23. Uyare (2019)
Uyare is a powerful survival thriller directed by Manu Ashokan and starring Parvathy Thiruvothu as an acid attack survivor. The movie follows her character’s inspiring journey as she overcomes the trauma and fights against the odds to reclaim her life and dreams of becoming a pilot. Parvathy delivers a brilliant and emotionally devastating performance, showcasing her character’s pain, resilience and ultimate triumph. Uyare is a moving and empowering thriller that sheds light on an important social issue.
24. Anjaam Paathira (2019)
Anjaam Paathira is an investigative thriller directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. Kunchacko Boban stars as a criminologist who gets embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer brutally murdering women. The movie delves into the killer’s twisted psyche and the impact of media sensationalism on such cases. With its dark themes, tense atmosphere and shocking violence, Anjaam Paathira is a disturbing but gripping thriller. Kunchacko Boban delivers a solid performance as the determined investigator racing against time to catch the psychopath.
25. Joseph (2018)
Directed by M. Padmakumar, Joseph is an emotional thriller that stars Joju George as a retired cop haunted by his past. He reluctantly gets pulled back into an old case that has surprising connections to his own tragic history. The movie skillfully weaves together a murder mystery with a poignant character study. Joju George delivers a understated but impactful performance, conveying his character’s pain and guilt. With its mature storytelling, affecting performances and intelligent script, Joseph is a thriller that hits you hard in the feelings.
Malayalam cinema has consistently pushed the boundaries of the thriller genre, delivering films that are gripping, thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. From classic murder mysteries to gritty crime dramas to psychological mind-benders, this list of the 25 best Malayalam thrillers showcases the incredible range and depth of talent in the industry. These films will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you think, and stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Malayalam cinema or a casual viewer looking for a good thriller, these movies are a must-watch.
