Malayalam cinema, renowned for its captivating storytelling and cinematic experiments, offers an array of genres that cater to diverse tastes. While many associate it with feel-good movies, Malayalam cinema, however, encompasses a wide spectrum of genres, including the heart-pounding world of thrillers. These Malayalam thriller movies are not only exhilarating but also a testament to the industry’s willingness to push boundaries and captivate audiences across the globe.

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 had released recently 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.

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 skills. 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 takes storytelling to a whole new level. This movie invites you into the world of Joseph, a retired police officer who’s not your typical hero. With a past that still haunts him, Joseph finds himself entangled in a series of puzzling cases. As he unravels each mystery, you’re in for a roller-coaster of suspense and unpredictability. The performances are on point. Joseph is more than just a movie; it’s an immersive experience that weaves emotion, suspense, and mystery together flawlessly.

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