2017 began on a subdued note for Malayalam cinema, with a spate of releases being stalled due to a strike by theatre associations. But once the films started arriving one after another, the industry enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, delivering both box office success and widespread critical acclaim. Interestingly, the year saw several superstar vehicles fail to impress critics or even satisfy their own fan bases, while a handful of modestly budgeted films struck gold by backing fresh ideas with unwavering conviction.
Here are the Best Malayalam Films of 2017, ranked not by their box office performance but by their artistic merit and the unique contributions they made to the industry.
The Best Malayalam Films of 2017 showcased an extraordinary range of storytelling, from intimate family dramas and inventive comedies to gripping thrillers and socially conscious narratives. Together, they reflected one of the strongest years in the industry’s recent history.
10. Tharangam
First, let’s applaud the ever-rising Tovino Thomas for constantly taking risks. Whether it was Oru Mexican Aparatha, Godha, the recently released Mayaanadhi, or this film, the actor has consistently pushed his own boundaries while also raising the bar for Malayalam cinema’s younger generation of leading men.
In debutant Dominic Arun’s audacious black comedy Tharangam, Tovino embraces a narrative style rarely explored in Malayalam cinema. This isn’t a loud, slapstick comedy. Instead, it is a quirky, genre-bending ride whose layered screenplay, despite a few minor hiccups, keeps you invested throughout, comfortably earning it a place on this list.
9. Ezra
I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for films centred on Jewish history, especially when they’re set in the present day and emerge from regions where the Jewish community is relatively small.
Jay K’s Ezra fits that description perfectly. Drawing from the fascinating mythology of the Dybbuk, the film crafts an atmospheric supernatural thriller that is as intriguing as it is unsettling. Beautifully shot by Sujith Vaassudev, this Prithviraj-Priya Anand starrer transports us to the pre-Independence era through an engrossing flashback narrative. And did I mention that “Lailakame” is easily one of the most beautiful love songs of the year?
8. C/O Saira Banu
Currently enjoying a dream run at the Kerala box office, Malayalam screen icon Manju Warrier continues to fine-tune her craft with every performance.
Director Antony Sony’s C/O Saira Banu is a fitting response to those who believe women-centric cinema cannot thrive in an industry driven by testosterone. Warrier is exceptional as a determined mother who proves that sheer willpower can move mountains. In a key supporting role, Shane Nigam sparkles, providing the perfect counterbalance to her commanding performance.
7. Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela
Althaf Salim’s directorial debut is remarkably confident in its unhurried pacing. The film follows an upper-middle-class family grappling with an unexpected crisis, finding warmth, humour and hope in the most ordinary moments.
Marking the return of ’80s and ’90s favourite Shanthi Krishna, the film is filled with heartfelt scenes that gently tug at your emotions. Very little here feels manufactured for commercial appeal, although one wishes the romantic subplot had been fleshed out further. Nevertheless, this Nivin Pauly starrer quietly reminds us to cherish life and embrace its unpredictability.
6. Adventures of Omanakkuttan
It’s been a long time since Malayalam cinema delivered a genuinely eccentric comedy that didn’t rely on WhatsApp-forward humour for its laughs.
Debutant Rohith VS’s screenplay for Adventures of Omanakkuttan is among the trippiest and most delightfully convoluted of the year. Demanding your complete attention, the film leaves no room for distraction, as even a brief lapse could make you miss one of its many cleverly planted layers. Asif Ali and Bhavana shine in this inventive comedy, although trimming about 15 minutes from the runtime would have made it even sharper.
5. Parava
Featuring Dulquer Salmaan in a memorable extended cameo, Soubin Shahir’s Parava is a film that quietly warms your heart.
Centred on childhood, friendship and simple dreams, the film captivates with its evocative visuals and emotionally resonant storytelling. Despite its deeply rooted regional flavour, Parava remains universally relatable. Rex Vijayan’s soulful music further elevates Shahir’s beautifully crafted debut, which is anchored by excellent performances from Govind V. Pai, Amal Shah and the rest of its outstanding ensemble.
4. Mayaanadhi
There are several ways to interpret Aashiq Abu’s Mayaanadhi. Some may see it as a Breathless-style conversational romance, while others may even find traces of the supernatural beneath its surface.
Breaking several conventions of mainstream Malayalam cinema, Mayaanadhi blends life’s harsh realities with a dreamlike atmosphere, leaving ample room for interpretation. Tovino Thomas and Aishwarya Lekshmi share electrifying chemistry, while the cinematography and music beautifully sustain the film’s melancholic, immersive mood from beginning to end.
3. Take Off
Portraying panic and emotional breakdown on screen is never easy. Actors often end up either overplaying the hysteria or reducing it to something emotionally hollow.
With a performer as accomplished as Parvathy leading the cast, however, director Mahesh Narayanan has already won half the battle. His gripping Middle East evacuation drama is technically outstanding, with production design, cinematography and sound design adding remarkable texture to an already compelling narrative. Kunchacko Boban is equally wonderful, conveying warmth, empathy and quiet resilience through expressions that often speak louder than words.
2. Angamaly Diaries
The first time I watched Angamaly Diaries in a suburban Mumbai theatre, I was left overwhelmed by its relentless energy. On my second viewing, I found myself completely addicted to its rhythm and visual grammar. The film gave me a bigger adrenaline rush than many entries in the Fast & Furious and Harry Potter franchises.
The chemistry between editor Shameer Muhammed and cinematographer Girish Gangadharan is nothing short of extraordinary, but what truly sets the film apart is how organically it captures its setting. When was the last time an Indian film made its location feel like a living, breathing character? Angamaly is not merely a backdrop here. It is the film’s very soul.
Besides doing complete justice to the local dialect and its colourful personalities, director Lijo Jose Pellissery immerses the audience in the town’s chaotic rhythm and everyday life. While several big-budget productions struggled to leave a lasting impact, the Best Malayalam Films of 2017 proved that originality and strong writing mattered far more than star power. For that reason alone, Angamaly Diaries stands among the finest Indian films of 2017.
1. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
Choosing the top spot among the Best Malayalam Films of 2017 was no easy task. However, one film stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of writing, performances and cinematic craftsmanship.
Undoubtedly the finest Indian film of 2017, Dileesh Pothan’s second feature, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, is a masterclass in understated filmmaking.
With remarkable subtlety, the film examines Kerala’s caste dynamics, everyday corruption and the contradictions embedded within society, all without resorting to melodrama or cinematic artifice. As I mentioned in my original review, the film builds upon the realism that Pothan so memorably established in Maheshinte Prathikaaram, once again creating deeply authentic cinema free from theatrical excess.
Writer Sajeev Pazhoor deserves equal praise for crafting one of Malayalam cinema’s most enigmatic and unconventional protagonists. Ultimately, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is the kind of film that strengthens India’s place on the global cinematic stage while remaining unapologetically rooted in its own culture. And yes, Pothan’s cinema has songs too. Otherwise, how else could we have been gifted “Kannile Poika”, easily the Malayalam song of the year, both musically and visually?
Conclusion
Looking back, the Best Malayalam Films of 2017 represent a landmark year for the industry. They demonstrated that Malayalam cinema could be deeply rooted in its culture while appealing to audiences across India and the world, setting a benchmark that filmmakers continue to aspire to.
From the understated brilliance of Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum and the kinetic energy of Angamaly Diaries to the emotional resonance of Take Off, Mayaanadhi and Parava, these films collectively showcased the extraordinary diversity of Malayalam cinema. Years later, they remain as compelling and relevant as they were upon release, proving that 2017 was one of Malayalam cinema’s defining years.
