‘2018’ and Six Other Critically-Acclaimed Malayalam Films To Watch
Malayalam films have always been a class apart. And this was proved recently when Jude Anthony Joseph’s 2018: Everyone Is A Hero was selected as India’s entry for Oscars 2024, after being unanimously chosen by a 16-member jury. Given that it recently earned the title of highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, it comes as no surprise that 2018 is the fourth movie from the industry to be selected for the honour.
The survival film is set against the backdrop of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala and is a tribute to the people who came together in the face of the disaster to survive and save others.
2018 is a stellar example of how Malayalam films are continuing to take massive strides forward in terms of storytelling, performances and filmmaking techniques. While you can watch this movie right here, here are a few other critically-acclaimed Malayalam films that you need to add to your watchlist, stat!
Best Malayalam Films To Watch On Netflix, Amazon Prime Video And More
Iratta (2023)
Iratta (2023)
Rohit Krishnan’s directorial follows an investigation after a police officer dies while being on duty at the station. While the murdered policeman’s twin brother is leading this probe, he uncovers the chilling story that’s connected to their past. The tense, fast-paced film packs a gut-wrenching twist in the end that will leave you stunned.
Watch it here
The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)
The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)
Despite what it might look like on the outside (the rom-com style promotions were a clever trick), the movie is hard-hitting and painful to watch in the best way possible. This Malayalam movie tells the story of a newlywed woman who struggles to adjust to the expectations society places on women in India. A Hindi remake starring Sanya Malhotra is also in the works.
Watch it here
Virus (2019)
Virus (2019)
Set against the backdrop of the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak, this was a first-of-its-kind medical thriller for Malayalam cinema. The movie follows a group of individuals who have to deal with the ensuing chaos as they try to survive. The multi-starrer was lauded for being uncompromising in its retelling of the crisis that shook the state and highlighting the humanity of the people who came together to beat the disease.
Watch it here
Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Upon its release, the movie was declared to be one of the finest films of modern times. The drama revolves around four brothers who live together in a dysfunctional home and deal with themes of toxic masculinity and familial trauma passed down through generations.
Watch it here
Bhoothakalam (2022)
Bhoothakalam (2022)
If you’re a fan of the horror genre but struggle to find something to watch that doesn’t resort to cliches for chills, then Rahul Sadasivan’s Bhoothakalam is a must-watch for you. This unsettling film follows a depressed mother and alcoholic son who discover that they might not be the only ones in the house.
Watch it here
Bheeshma Parvam (2022)
Bheeshma Parvam (2022)
Legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty stars in this action-thriller about a contentious business head appointment and the power struggle that follows. The film has some of the most brilliantly crafted action sequences of recent times that are complemented by powerful performances by the ensemble cast.
Watch it here
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022)
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022)
A spiritual cousin to The Great Indian Kitchen, this black comedy is a satire on gender stereotypes. It follows a newlywed’s realisation that she has to take matters into her own hands if she wants to survive her abusive marriage.
Watch it here
