Once known for global content, Netflix has altered its strategy in India to appeal to the Indian audience. As a part of this transformation, Netflix currently houses some of the finest pieces of regional content, Malayalam movies being one of them. Hidden gems, blockbuster hits, and cinematic masterpieces that form the heart and soul of Malayalam cinema on Netflix, I scoured the platform to curate a list that showcases the best of Malayalam movies on Netflix, spanning various genres, time periods, and storytelling styles. Let’s dive in.

1.Varane Avashyamund (2020)

Genre: Comedy Drama

Cast: Dulquer Salman, Kalyani, Sobhana, Suresh Gopi

The stellar cast was the first thing that excited me about this beautiful film. Shobhana and Suresh Gopi, one of the most anticipated on-screen couples of the 90s reunite in Varane Avashyamund. Veteran director Priyadarshan’s daughter Kalyani Priyadarshan also makes her debut in Malayalam opposite Dulquer Salman (The film is Dulquer’s maiden production venture). If I were to describe Varane Avashyamund in one word I would say, soulful. The movie is successful in emotionally connecting us with the stories of all the central characters. While we laugh our hearts out, we also tear up in the most pivotal scenes. It leaves us with a big smile on our faces and feels like a warm hug. Varane Avashyamund is one of the best Malayalam movies on Netflix.

2.Uyare (2019)

Genre: Social Drama

Cast: Parvathy, Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas

Parvathy Thiruvoth shines in this Bobby-Sanjay script. The film is about an acid attack survivor who rises above the odds. It is interesting to note how the writers deviate from the clichéd storytelling about acid attacks. The film covers many layers and is an intense drama that will make you think as you watch. Asif Ali is another highlight of Uyare. His brilliant portrayal of the antagonist makes us hate him so much!

3. Comrade in America (2017)

Genre: Adventure

Cast: Dulquer Salman, Chandani

If communist ideologies excite you, maybe this film will too. Dulquer Salman unites with director Amal Neerad to play Aji, a communist from Kerala who travels all the way to America illegally to reunite with his girlfriend. His journey of overcoming all the odds and challenges along the way makes the film thoroughly entertaining. CIA released on May 5, which happens to be the birthdate of Karl Max , the flag bearer of communist ideologies.

4. Njan Prakshan (2018)

Genre: Coming of age drama

Cast: Fahad Faasil, Anju Kurian, Sreenivasan

There was a time when I thought that maybe director Sathyan Anthikad’s reign over Malayalam cinema had ceased. With new storytelling styles coming up every now and then, he may find it difficult to recreate his 90s magic. But his recent film Njan Prakashan proved me wrong. Using his template of ‘careless young boy learns life’, Sathyan Anthikad recreates his old charisma on the screen. The film is humorous, soulful, and deep. The Fahad Fasil charm works like every time.

5. Kappela (2020)

Genre: Coming-of-age drama

Cast: Anna Ben, Roshan Mathew, Sreenath Bhasi

Kappela is one of those films that could not enjoy a theatrical release due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, the Netflix release of the movie made up for that. Anna Ben plays Jessi, a naïve young girl who finds herself in trouble over a missed call. The film is very raw, real, and visually captivating. Roshan Mathews and Sreenath Bhasi also offer astounding performances.

6. Thallumala (2022)

Genre: Action Comedy

Cast: Tovino Thomas, Kalyani Priyadarshan

Thallumala is a remarkable addition to Malayalam cinema, offering a unique blend of unconventional storytelling and mass appeal. Starring the dynamic duo of Tovino Thomas and Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film is a whirlwind of quirkiness, chaos, and vibrancy. What sets Thallumala apart is its audacious approach, characterized by creative frames, non-linear storytelling, and spectacular performances that give the audience a visual treat. Thallumala exudes boundless energy, making it one of the most energetic Malayalam movies available on Netflix.

7. Angamaly Diaries (2017)

Genre: Action

Cast: Anthony Varghese, Sarath Appani

Angamaly Diaries, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, is an exhilarating and raw cinematic experience that has left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema. This gritty crime drama takes viewers deep into the bustling town of Angamaly in Kerala, immersing them in its vibrant culture and the lives of its residents, particularly a group of young, daring individuals. What sets “Angamaly Diaries” apart is its innovative storytelling style, characterized by long, uncut takes and a sprawling ensemble cast, many of whom are debutants. The film masterfully weaves together elements of friendship, rivalry, and ambition against a backdrop of the local pork business and gang conflicts.

8. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)

Genre: Sports drama

Cast: Soubin Shahir, Samuel

Zakariya Mohammad’s directorial debut Sudani from Nigeria is a feel-good sports drama shot extensively in the backdrop of Northern Kerala. A football fan can never miss this film. Soubin Shahir (he also won the Kerala State Award for Best Actor for this film) plays Majeed, a local football team manager. Samuel, a Nigerian footballer in his team meets with an accident and becomes Majeed’s responsibility. Over the period Samuel recovers, his relationship with Majeed strengthens. The film is all about love, kindness, and love for football.

9. Vikruthi (2019)

Genre: Social Drama

Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sooraj Venjaramoodu

Based on a true incident, Vikruthi is a reminder to be kind with your digital devices in public places. The intensity with which it may tear apart lives can’t be imagined. A mute man’s photo had gone viral on social media. The photo claimed that the man was found drunk and unconscious on the metro. However, this wasn’t the truth. This is the incident that Vikruthi visualizes. Suraj Venjaramoodu amazes us with his mind-numbing performance.

10. Eeda (2018)

Genre: Romantic tragedy

Cast: Nimisha Sajayan, Shane Nigam

There have been many adaptations of the Shakespearean tragedies in Malayalam cinema and Eeda is one of them. It is the adaptation of Shakespeare’s acclaimed novel Romeo and Juliet. Kannur becomes Verona in director Ajithkumar’s version of Romeo and Juliet. The story happens in the backdrop of the political warfare of Kannur. Nimisha Sajayan and Shane Nigam deliver intense and praiseworthy performances.

Related: Adapting Shakespearean Tragedies in Indian Cinema

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