Malayalam Films Names [upd]

1. Manjummel Boys (2024) Genre: Survival Thriller / Disaster Director: Chidambaram Review: A tense, real-life inspired survival drama that became a massive box office hit. The film follows a group of friends from Manjummel who get trapped in the infamous Guna Caves (Devil's Kitchen) in Kodaikanal. What works brilliantly is the second-half tension — the rescue operation is shot with genuine dread and technical precision. The use of nostalgic Tamil songs as emotional anchors is masterful. However, the first half is slow with excessive character introductions. Still, Manjummel Boys proves that Malayalam cinema can make a simple rescue mission into an edge-of-the-seat spectacle. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Verdict: Must-watch for thriller lovers.

2. 2018: Everyone is a Hero (2023) Genre: Disaster / Ensemble Drama Director: Jude Anthany Joseph Review: Based on the catastrophic Kerala floods of 2018, this film is a tribute to human resilience and community spirit. It juggles multiple storylines — fishermen, a pregnant woman, a newlywed couple, a tour guide — and mostly succeeds. The VFX and flood re-creation are stunning for a Malayalam film. The drawback? The dialogue is overly sentimental at times, and some characters feel like stereotypes. But when the rescue sequences hit, they hit hard. It became India's official entry to the Oscars for a reason. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) Verdict: Emotional and well-crafted, though a bit long.

3. Iratta (2023) Genre: Crime / Psychological Thriller Director: Rohit M. G. Krishnan Review: A dark, haunting film about twin brothers (both played brilliantly by Joju George) — one a corrupt cop, the other a gentle policeman. The story unfolds through a murder investigation, but the climax is what left audiences speechless. It's slow-burn, atmospheric, and deeply sad. No songs, no romance — just raw performances and a devastating twist. The non-linear narrative can be confusing initially. But if you appreciate tragic, character-driven thrillers, Iratta is unforgettable. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Verdict: Heavy but brilliant. Not for light viewing.

4. Romancham (2023) Genre: Horror Comedy Director: Jithu Madhavan Review: A surprise blockbuster based on real events about a group of bachelors in Bangalore who play a Ouija board game and invite a restless spirit into their flat. The first hour is laugh-out-loud funny — the camaraderie, the pranks, the fear. The second half drags a bit as the horror takes over. Soubin Shahir is fantastic as the terrified, then possessed, lead. It’s not really scary, but it’s highly entertaining. A bit overlong, but the chemistry of the cast saves it. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) Verdict: Great fun with friends. malayalam films names

5. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2022) Genre: Drama / Magical Realism Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery Review: A bizarre, meditative film where a Tamil-speaking man (Mammootty in a dual role) wakes up from a nap in Kerala believing he is someone else — a husband and father in a Tamil village. This is not a commercial film. It’s slow, strange, and beautiful. Mammootty’s performance is career-best material. The film explores identity, memory, and cultural borders. Many will find it boring — no action, no songs, no plot in the usual sense. But for art-house lovers, it’s a masterpiece. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) Verdict: Only if you like slow, thoughtful cinema.

Quick recommendations based on your mood:

For tension & thrills: Manjummel Boys , Iratta For laughs: Romancham For disaster & emotion: 2018 For art-house / thinking film: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam What works brilliantly is the second-half tension —

Would you like reviews of older classics (e.g., Kireedam , Vanaprastham , Drishyam ) or more recent 2024–2025 releases?

Here are some popular Malayalam film names:

Drama

Premam (2015) Angamaly Diaries (2017) Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) Take Off (2017) Sudani from Nigeria (2018)

Comedy