Everyone has their own way of handling when things seem a little overwhelming. For me, it is watching films that have the power to energize me and uplift my mood. If you somewhere follow the same process, here are some feel good movies in Malayalam that always turn a not-so-good day into a remarkably better one for me, and I hope they do the same to you too.
1. Bangalore Days (2014)
Bangalore Days is one of the best feel good Malayalam movies out there. It is a captivating portrayal of the lives of three cousins, Arjun (Dulquer Salman), Divya (Nazriya), and Kuttan (Nivin Pauly), as they navigate through life in the bustling city of Bangalore. As the three cousins navigate the ups and downs of adulthood, they discover the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment in the most unexpected places.
With its relatable characters and heartwarming narrative, Bangalore Days strikes a chord with audiences of all ages, leaving them with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The film today earns a cult status not just in Malayalam cinema, but in Indian cinema as well.
Also Read: Best Malayalam Movies on Disney Hotstar
2. Charlie (2015)
Charlie is a whimsical tale of love, hope, and serendipity that unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Kerala. Directed by Martin Prakkat, the film follows the mysterious yet lovable Charlie, played by Dulquer Salmaan, and his impact on the lives of those around him. Tessa (Parvathy Thiruvothu) who has never met Charlie gets drawn to him through the stories she hears and sets out to find him.
Through a series of chance encounters, the film explores themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the transformative power of love. With its visually stunning cinematography, eclectic soundtrack, and standout performances, particularly by Dulquer Salmaan and Parvathy Thiruvothu, Charlie immerses viewers in a world of magic and wonder.
3. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
If there’s a movie you should watch before you die, it has to be Kumbalangi Nights. It’s a film I would like to classify under “no plot only vibes”.
One of the best feel good Malayalam movies ever made, Kumbalangi Nights is a beautiful exploration of brotherhood, love, and redemption set against the backdrop of a picturesque village in Kerala. Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, the film follows the lives of four brothers – Saji, Bobby, Bonny, and Frankie – as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and childhood trauma.
Kumbalangi Nights beautifully explores the vulnerabilities and insecurities that the four brothers deal with. With its heartwarming storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and stellar performances, Kumbalangi Nights is a cinematic gem that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Also Read: How Kumbalangi Nights Breaks The Gender Stereotype
4. Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016)
Anuraga Karikkin Vellam is a delightful family comedy that revolves around the lives of Raghu (Biju Menon), a police inspector, and his son Abhi (Asif Ali). Abhi is a lazy and lost young man who doesn’t stick with anything in life.
Certain turn of events make him realize his immaturity and how it hurts those around him. He reconnects with his father and comes out of age to do things that actually matter. He grows out of the lazy and lost guy to become a mature and responsible young man. This journey of transformation and rekindling with your roots is heartwarming to watch.
5. Jacobinte Swargarajyam (2016)
Inspired by a real NRI Malayali family, Jacobinte Swargarajyam is a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, the man who wears multiple hats, the film follows the Zachariah family as they navigate the challenges of life and business.
Jacob (Renji Panicker), the patriarch finds himself in financial difficulty when one of his business partners cheats him. His son Jerry (Nivin Pauly) steps up to regain everything they have lost. This does not come easy for Jerry as he has to start everything from scratch. But with the help of his family and friends, Jerry learns valuable lessons about perseverance, integrity, and the true meaning of success. This feel good Malayalam movie will fill you with hope and happiness.
6. 1983 (2014)
The year 1983 was a milestone for India. It was the year India won its first World Cup, inspiring a generation of cricket enthusiasts. Malayalam movie 1983 is a nostalgic tribute to this historic win of India at the World Cup and the impact it had on the nation.
Rameshan (Nivin Pauly) is obsessed with cricket but this obsession does not lead him anywhere, in fact, it affects his studies and limits his professional journey. But when he notices the interest his son has in cricket, he makes sure to give him the best training possible, which comes with its own set of challenges. But he perseveres and it is just heartwarming to see. 1983 shows us how we can dream as big as we want regardless of where we come from.
7. Philip’s and the Monkey Pen (2013)
Philip’s and the Monkey Pen is a charming coming-of-age story that revolves around the adventures of a young boy named Ryan Philip and a magical pen that finds at his grandfather’s house. Directed by Rojin Thomas and Shanil Muhammed, the film seamlessly blends fantasy with reality as it follows Ryan's journey of self-discovery and imagination.
With its whimsical plot, endearing characters, and a heartwarming message about the power of creativity, Philip’s and the Monkey Pen appeals to audiences of all ages.
8. Punyalan Agarbattis (2013)
Punyalan Agarbattis is a satirical comedy that offers a humorous take on entrepreneurship and bureaucracy in Kerala. Directed by Ranjith Sankar, the film follows the misadventures of Joy Thakkolkaran, played by Jayasurya, as he tries to navigate the challenges of starting his own agarbatti business. With its quirky humor, witty dialogue, and sharp social commentary, Punyalan Agarbattis offers a refreshing take on the pursuit of dreams and the resilience of the human spirit.
9. Pranchiyettan and the Saint (2010)
Featuring Mammootty in the titular role, Pranchiyettan and the Saint is a thought-provoking exploration of faith, identity, and the quest for validation. Directed by Ranjith, the film follows the journey of Pranchi, a successful businessman who is plagued by insecurities about his social status. Through a series of encounters with a mystical saint, Pranchi learns valuable lessons about humility, acceptance, and the true meaning of success.
With its philosophical undertones, nuanced performances, and witty dialogue, Pranchiyettan and the Saint offers a compelling commentary on the human condition and the search for inner peace.
10. Njandukalude Oru Idavela (2017)
Njandukalude Naatil Oru Idavela is a heartwarming family drama that celebrates the bonds of love, resilience, and forgiveness. Directed by Althaf Salim, the film follows a Christian family as they come to terms with a life-altering revelation; the family’s matriarch getting diagnosed with Cancer.
The word cancer instills a sense of fear in us, but with the comic undertone in Njandukalude Naatil Our Idavela, the director lightens our worries and fears. But that in no way means that he compromises on the seriousness of the struggles and adjustments that the family goes through.
With its authentic portrayal of family dynamics, relatable characters, and emotional depth, Njandukalude Naatil Oru Idavela strikes a chord with audiences, reminding us of the importance of unconditional love and acceptance in times of crisis.
11. North 24 Kaatham (2013)
North 24 Kaatham is a captivating road movie that follows the transformative journey of Harikrishnan (played by Fahad Fasil), a reclusive software engineer, as he embarks on an unexpected adventure. Directed by Anil Radhakrishnan Menon, the film unfolds against the backdrop of Kerala's picturesque landscapes and explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and redemption.
As Harikrishnan travels from Kochi to Trivandrum by train, he encounters a diverse cast of characters who challenge his perceptions. With its evocative storytelling, stellar performances, and poignant moments of introspection, North 24 Kaatham is a heartfelt exploration of the human spirit and the power of connection.
12. Godha (2017)
Godha is a spirited sports drama that revolves around the world of wrestling and female empowerment. Directed by Basil Joseph, the film follows the journey of Aditi Singh (played by Wamiqa Gabbi), a spirited young woman from Punjab, as she pursues her dreams of becoming a wrestler and comes to Kerala.
Set against the backdrop of a small town in Kerala, the film explores themes of gender equality, determination, and the transformative power of sports. With its energetic performances, dynamic wrestling sequences, and inspiring message, Godha celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and the importance of breaking stereotypes to pursue one's passions.
13. Ustaad Hotel (2012)
Ustaad Hotel is a delightful tale of love, family, and food. Directed by Anwar Rasheed, the film follows the journey of Faizy (played by Dulquer Salman), a young man who returns to his hometown in Kerala after studying abroad. When Faizy's plans of becoming a chef in London are derailed by his father, he finds solace and purpose in reviving his grandfather's dilapidated restaurant, Ustaad Hotel.
This place opens up a new world for him and makes him see the world through his grandfather, Kareem Ikka’s eyes. He comes to realize that cooking food is not just about a big fancy job in a high-end restaurant but about the act of service in fulfilling the soul of the person.
With its engaging storytelling and authentic portrayal of North Kerala's culinary heritage, Ustaad Hotel resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level, reminding us of the importance of tradition, family, and following our dreams.
14. Varane Avashyamund (2020)
Varane Avashyamund is a charming romantic comedy that celebrates the quirks of love and relationships. Directed by Anoop Sathyan, the film follows the lives of four individuals – Neena, Major Unnikrishnan, Bibeesh, and Nikhita – as they navigate the complexities of modern romance. With its endearing characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments, Varane Avashyamund strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotion, leaving audiences with a smile on their faces and a renewed appreciation for the joy of companionship.
15. Sunday Holiday (2017)
Rounding off this list is Sunday Holiday, a delightful romantic comedy that captures the essence of lazy Sundays and unexpected encounters. Directed by Jis Joy, the film follows the quirky adventures of a young man named Amal, who has just gone through an unexpected breakup. To shift his mind from his daunting past, he comes to Ernakulam from Payyanur for a job, and the series of events that follow make up most of the film. A good laugh, a sweet romantic tale, hope and perseverance, Sunday Holiday is a good mix of all these, giving us one of the finest feel good movies in Malayalam.
Every Nivin movie
I watched only 4 movies from the list.