Malayalam Thriller Movies to Pump Up the Adrenaline Rush!
Malayalam cinema, celebrated for its rich storytelling and bold experiments, has something for everyone. While it’s often known for feel-good films, there’s so much more to explore, especially in the thrilling world of Malayalam suspense and thrillers. These movies aren’t just exciting—they’re proof of the industry’s knack for pushing boundaries and keeping audiences hooked, both in India and beyond.
1.Drishyam (2013)
if there’s one thriller that’s an absolute gem in Indian cinema, it’s Drishyam. The narrative takes an unexpected turn, transitioning from a serene first half to an electrifying and intense second act. Drishyam is a story about a common man’s struggle to protect his family from the consequences of a fatal accident that can put them behind bars. The climax will leave you stunned. The sequel of Drishyam was released on Amazon Prime and was an unexpected hit.
2. Love (2020)
Who doesn’t love a thriller that takes a detour from the usual path? Love is exactly that. Set primarily within the confines of an apartment, the movie delves into the intricate conversations between a couple. Their dialogues unveil a sense of dissatisfaction in their relationship, intriguing the audience with unspoken tensions. I can’t give away more about the plot as it is something you need to explore for yourself.
Read: Love-Malayalam Movie Review
3. Traffic (2011)
Inspired by true events, Traffic turned out to be a game-changer for Malayalam cinema. It marked the beginning of what we call the ‘new-gen movies’. The plot revolves around transporting a human heart from one hospital to another for heart transplantation surgery. The time constraint makes this transportation even more challenging. The entire mood of the movie is so thrilling that you would not want to miss a moment of it.
4. Our Kuprasidha Payyan (2018)
Not many talk about this amazing Malayalam thriller movie directed by Madhupal. Oru Kuprasidha Payyan stars Tovino Thomas, Nimisha Sajayan, and Anu Sithara in primary roles. The movie follows the trial of a young, orphaned, innocent man accused of murdering an old woman. There is not much mystery involved but the way the trial proceeds builds in the much-needed adrenaline rush. There are some twists and turns to heat up things.
Also Read: Underrated Malayalam Movies You Might Have Missed
5. Anveshanam (2020)
A child is rushed to the hospital by his mother due to a severe head injury. What happened to the child? How did he get injured so brutally? You have to wait till the end to figure it out. The movie leaves us in shock. Sometimes, our harmless intentions can cost so much.
6. Athiran (2019)
Loosely inspired by the Hollywood movie Shutter Island, Athiran is a compelling Malayalam psychological thriller. Dr. Kannan Nair (played by Fahad Faasil) is a psychiatrist who comes to an eerie mental asylum set in the wilderness for inspection. There is something fishy about the place and Dr. Kannan Nair is resolute to find out the dirty business in this asylum. But things are far from what we imagine. While watching Athiran, we are in for a mesmerizing experience.
7. Theevram (2012)
Theevram was Dulquer Salman’s third movie after two box-office successes. The movie introduced us to another aspect of Dulquer’s acting prowess. He plays Harsha, a young musician whose wife is brutally raped and murdered by an auto driver. He pledges to take revenge on the man by making him go through the same pain his wife had gone through. From a simple lad, Harsha turns into a criminal-minded man.
8. Joseph (2018)
Joseph is a Malayalam thriller that elevates storytelling to a masterful level. The film immerses you in the world of Joseph, a retired police officer whose haunted past is as complex as the cases he encounters. Unlike the conventional hero, Joseph is a deeply layered character, drawing you into a labyrinth of suspense and intrigue. As he methodically unravels each enigma, the narrative takes you on a gripping journey, where every twist is as unexpected as it is thrilling. The performances are exceptional, enhancing the film’s emotional depth and mystery.
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