Malayalam cinema is on a roll! Despite Covid-19, 2021 has seen an eye-popping number of brilliant Malayalam films releasing in both theatres and directly on OTT. A considerable number of Malayalam films released in theatres in the first few months of 2021. But alas, the pandemic cut their theatre run short. With no respite in sight, it made good sense to release these movies on OTT, and grab maximum eyeballs.
The result is that streaming platforms have become a treasure trove of amazing new Malayalam films for movie-buffs to watch and enjoy.
We bring you the ten best Malayalam films released online in 2021, and where to watch them. Here goes –
1. The Great Indian Kitchen – Amazon Prime Video, Neestream
The Great Indian Kitchen is a tightly written narrative on male entitlement, patriarchy, unreasonable demands that a woman has to live up to, discrimination based on gender, and lots more, all set in the backdrop of copious amounts of food being cooked in a kitchen in Kerala. It is an eye-opening film and a must-watch. Directed by Jeo Baby, the film stars Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj Venjaramoodu as leads.
2. Drishyam 2 – Amazon Prime Video
The sequel to Mohanlal’s blockbuster 2013 hit Drishyam, the twists and turns in Drishyam 2 live up to the original. Edge-of-the-seat gripping, with a brilliant climax, Drishyam 2 is a winner for writer-director Jeethu Joseph. Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil reprise their roles from the original.
3. Vellam – Jio Cinema, MX Player
Vellam is a sharp take on the havoc that alcoholism plays in one’s life. It also shows how, if a man is determined enough, he can climb out from the depths of depression & alcoholism and turn his life around. Vellam is directed by Prajesh Sen and features Jayasurya and Samyuktha Menon in lead roles.
4. Love – Netflix
Love is a dark and edgy thriller drama, centred on a couple caught in a toxic marriage. The story takes a dark turn when one of their quarrels spins out of control, leading to an unlikely situation. The dark theme of the film is the surprise element of the narrative, keeping you glued to the screen.
Directed by Khalid Rahman, Love stars Shine Tom Chacko and Rajisha Vijayan as leads.
5. Joji – Amazon Prime Video
Joji is a Macbeth-esque take on the human vices of greed and deceit. The Fahadh Faasil film is a dark, psychological drama story, written by Syam Pushkaran and directed by Dileesh Pothan. All round excellent performances and superb writing make Joji a brilliant thriller and a must-watch!
6. The Priest – Amazon Prime Video
The Priest is a psychological suspense thriller, it is centred on a series of unexplained suicides in a family. As Father Carmen Benedict (Mammootty) begins his investigations into the deaths, the last surviving member of the family too commits suicide. The priest’s investigations throw up surprising twists and turns, while the final reveal is the most twisted of them all.
7. One – Netflix
Another Mammootty starrer, One is a gripping political drama where the Chief Minister of Kerala (Mammootty) tackles the problem of rampant corruption within his own administration with a singularly unique weapon – the ‘Right To Recall’ provision in the Indian Constitution. Mammootty elevates the drama to a must watch film!
8. Nayattu – Netflix
Easily the best film this year, not only in Malayalam cinema but also in Indian cinema overall. Nayattu is a noir drama directed by Martin Prakkat and written by Shahi Kabir. The film is a sharp, scathing look at the ulterior caste politics played by politicians in our country, and its devastating consequences. Nayattu is a particularly distressing depiction of how innocents are made scapegoats to get political leverage. Don’t miss it for anything!
9. Operation Java – ZEE5
Operation Java is a compelling investigative thriller set in the backdrop of cyber crime. Written and directed by Tharun Moorthy, Operation Java centres on a special cyber crime police cell that undertakes investigations into a series of seemingly unrelated crimes in cyberspace. Operation Java is engaging, entertaining and eye-opening!
10. Kala – Amazon Prime Video
Tovino Thomas’ Kala is unbridled action and unadulterated thrill, with stunning action and violence set pieces. Kala is a nail-biting thriller with dark elements, directed by Rohith V. S. and written by Yadhu Pushpakaran and Rohith V. Tovino Thomas depicts a range of human emotions – from the sublime to the depraved – within the action that unravels in the course of single day. It is difficult to condense the astonishing plot of Kala into a few lines, but let us tell you, it is a must-watch for sure!
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