0
0
If international acclaim is the cinematic equivalent of puberty, Malayalam films were hit by it like a truck in 2024. If Prabhayay Ninachathellam (All We Imagine as Light) is in the running for several global awards including the Oscars and the Golden Globes, films like Aavesham are not only earning big at the box office but are also entering the national music charts. For every Aadujeevitham that projects the grueling life of a labourer, there’s a frothy Premalu to deliver the right kind of mush.
Here are the year’s 10 best Malayalam films of 2024, ranked in reverse order:
10. Manjummel Boys
The biggest Malayalam blockbuster of 2024, Manjummel Boys, directed by Chidambaram, carves a riveting account of a real-life incident with a skillful blend of flashbacks and pop culture references. Boasting some of the year’s finest production design, editing, and costumes, the film delivers a level of suspense—along with a satisfying payoff—that is rarely seen in mainstream Indian cinema.
9. Ullozhukku
Set against the backdrop of torrential rains and flooding in Alappuzha, the film’s characters barely have a moment to lament nature’s wrath. Leelamma (Urvashi) is mourning the loss of her son (Prasant Murali) when her daughter-in-law Anju (Parvathy) makes a startling revelation. For a traditional mother who believed marriage was the ultimate fix to actual issues, the news and its timing couldn’t have been worse. Despite being diligent in her responsibilities, Anju still harbors feelings for Rajeev (Arjun Radhakrishnan). Conditioned by societal norms, Leelamma views the world through a lens of patriarchy, making her hesitation to rely on her daughter understandable rather than villainous. Christo Tomy’s film offers a keenly observed critique of traditional Indian society, masterfully employing sound, visuals, and atmospheric details to enhance its narrative potency.
8. Aavesham
From Romancham to this year’s Aavesham, Jithu Madhavan offers a glimpse into a world that may stir a sense of nostalgia for Malayalis who migrated in the ’90s or early 2000s, though it might not resonate as strongly with late millennials or Gen-Z. Fahadh Faasil dominates the screen with his electrifying energy, physicality, and dialogue delivery—his Bangalore Malayalam is a standout—elevating Ranga into the pantheon of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic on-screen badasses. The young cast, in their maiden outing, impresses with distinctive personalities and good performances, adding depth and originality to the narrative.
7. Bramayugam
In his third directorial venture, Rahul Sadasivan crafts a tale infused with the chilling precision of a grandmother’s bedtime story. Bramayugam may defy the conventional syntax of a superstar saga, but it is neither slow-paced nor traditionally arthouse. This horror fantasy captivates with its gripping narrative, performances, and striking black-and-white frames. For many reasons, the film stands as an achievement for Malayalam and Indian cinema, showcasing how to create a high-quality superstar (Mammootty) vehicle on a controlled budget while maximizing creativity.
6. Rifle Club
Set in Kerala’s Western Ghats during the 1990s, Rifle Club tells the story of a large extended family that takes immense pride in their society of guns, affectionately named the Rifle Club. Directed by Aashiq Abu, the film portrays guns with the tenderness one might reserve for a newborn, underscored by the haunting line, “A gun can never have a price, it can only have a successor.” Visually and aesthetically stunning, the film masterfully employs pans, zooms, Jimmy jib shots, and slow motion in an action-packed narrative. Filled with eccentric characters and gunfire that seldom leaves room for dialogue, Rifle Club, released at the close of the year, secures its place as one of the best Malayalam films of 2024.
5. A.R.M
Jithin Laal’s film stands out as a rare Malayalam feature in 3D, a genre that perfectly complements the Amar Chitra Katha-inspired narrative lenses with dexterity by Jomon T. John. A.R.M. delivers grandeur, while Sujith Nambiar’s story brims with sharp social critiques and intriguing touches of mild magical realism. Tovino Thomas excels in his triple roles, embodying them with a mix of passion and the charm of a relatable boy-next-door. A milestone in many ways, Jithin Laal’s vision elevates the Malayalam film industry, showcasing its capacity to conceptualize and execute a grand spectacle with finesse.
Filmmaker Blessy returns to cinema after a gap of 11 years with Aadujeevitham, a deeply emotional survival drama brimming with heart. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, it is based on Benyamin’s acclaimed novel which recounts the real-life struggles of a Malayali man in 1990s Saudi Arabia. The actor delivers a transformative performance, elevating himself into the ranks of the greats with an intense and profoundly humbling act. Interestingly, the most striking aspect of his technique is not just the craft he exhibits or his ability to morph into his character, but the way his performance and the film hold the power to humble its audience.
Set in a lush green village bordering a fictional reserve forest in Kerala, Kishkindha Kaandam by Dinjith Ayyathan is true to its title. It centers around mysterious happenings in an ancestral home surrounded by troops of monkeys. The gripping narrative is anchored by the restrained performances of Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali. In an intriguing examination of masculinity, the film pits three generations against one another. With an imaginative screenplay, it captures how even the simplest lives are often marked by blood, tears, and layers of complexity.
2. Premalu
I know it is brave of me to give a seemingly formulaic romantic comedy a very high billing in a list of the best Malayalam films of 2024. But, how many of you would want to skim through the layers of familiarity and examine the craft on display? Given Girish A.D’s auteurial brilliance, the writing, by default, understands the pulse of modern-day Kerala youth. That aside, the filmmaking is so original and organic that it’s not hard to see a version of you in a Premalu character. The character conflicts hit all the right notes, the love story is contemporary, and the performances are unanimously marvelous. Lastly, with the way he constructs its humor sprinkled with tiny pop culture references, Girish delivers a wholesome film that is best enjoyed in Malayalam by those with native proficiency.
Payal Kapadia’s Grand Prix-winning film Prabhayay Ninachathellam (All We Imagine as Light) is principally in Malayalam, so it earns a deserving spot on this list. Having said that, the film transcends barriers of language, culture, and differences it entrances us in a universal story of three migrant women – two from Kerala and one from coastal Maharashtra. We have encountered these individuals, experienced their struggles, and discussed their tribulations.
Easily the most contemplative film-viewing experience this year in any language, Payal Kapadia’s film is also a symbol of defiance and self-belief. It is steadfastly garnering global acclaim having confidently defeated a system that didn’t seem to recognize its immaculate artistry. If Kapadia’s journey to prominence doesn’t inspire you to dream big, nothing will.
Special Mention: Sookshmadarshini
P.S.: Aattam and Family were watched in 2023, and therefore were not considered in the list.
