Directed by Joju George, Pani brought back the raw, unforgiving crime drama. Set in Thrissur, the film depicts the clash between a city's power brokers and a ruthless gang of psychotic newcomers. It is violent, unapologetic, and keeps you on edge. The film stood out for its realistic depiction of local gang wars, moving away from the glorified "don" stories of the past.
: While it had a modest theatrical run, it became a massive success on OTT, clocking over 58 million streaming minutes. recent movies in malayalam
If you want mass entertainment with arthouse sensibilities, you watch Aavesham . Fahadh Faasil plays Ranga , a flamboyant, eccentric Bangalore gangster who agrees to help three college freshers. The film is a wild ride of exaggerated swagger, vibrant colours, and genuine heart. Fahadh’s body language and the viral "Ranga's signature" dance step turned this into a theatrical riot. It highlights how Malayalam cinema is now manufacturing "mass" moments without logic-defying stunts. Directed by Joju George, Pani brought back the
: This coming-of-age sequel has emerged as a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹235 crore worldwide. It follows four friends navigating life struggles and academic pressure. The film stood out for its realistic depiction
Malayalam cinema (Mollywood) has entered a golden era, characterized by a shift from star-centric blockbusters to content-driven masterpieces that dominate both domestic and international markets. As of May 2026, the industry is riding high on a streak of box-office records and critical acclaim, particularly following the unprecedented success of 2025.