Happy New Year Guys!!!
Since the early 2010s, Malayalam filmmakers started creating more nuanced and down-to-earth films which gave us a reflection of modern-day Malayalees, Indians and/ or the average human being (depending on the subject matters). These types of films are called Contemporary films, and Mollywood has been producing them by the bucket loads – what’s more, they are garnering both critical and commercial success. So let’s take a look at the 7 contemporary Malayalam films which are comparatively lesser known to the popular ones, but no less brilliant, at the beginning of this New Year:
Vikruthi:
This Malayalam comedy-drama touches on the ill-effects of a troll viral phenomenon and how it can affect people who face different challenges – be it internal or external. This film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Starring: Suraj Venjarammoodu, Soubin Shahir, Surabhi Lakshmi, Vincy Aloshious, Mamukkoya and Gracy Soudi.
Synopsis: A man with hearing and speech disability falls asleep inside a metro after spending two sleepless nights taking care of his sick daughter. A passenger photographs him, titles him as a useless drunkard and shares the picture online, where the snapshot instantly goes viral.
Ozhivudivasathe Kali:
A satirical look at the present day politics, toxic masculinity and binge drinking. Check out this surprisingly sobering look at a gathering of friends on Amazon Prime Video.
Starring: Nistar Ahamed, Arun Nayar, Pradeep Kumar, Baiju Netto, Reju Pillai and Abhija Sivakala.
Synopsis: On election day, five friends go away to a secluded place to have a booze party. As they drink, they slowly get bored and decide to play a game that they used to play during their childhood.
Angamaly Diaries
This film gives us a look at the life of a young man and how his circumstances moulded his aspirations and dreams. This film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Starring: Antony Varghese, Anna Rajan, Tito Wilson, Kichu Tellus, Ullas Jose Chemban, Sinoj Varghese, Appani Sarath, Vineeth Vishwam, Athul Krishna and Bitto Davis.
Synopsis: Vincent Pepe, a high-spirited young man gets pushed into the world of crime after he accidentally loses his temper and creates a war within his locality.
Ee.Ma.Yau.
Ee Ma Yau stands for Eesho Mariyam Yauseppu or Jesus Mary Joseph accordingly. This Malayalam satire film centering around a local fishing community is a niche contemporary film which revolves around the death and the funeral of an older man from the Roman Catholic community. Check out this film on Amazon Prime Video.
Starring: Kainakary Thankaraj, Chemban Vinod Jose, Vinayakan, Dileesh Pothan and Arya Salim.
Synopsis: Set in Chellanam in the state of Kerala, the sudden death of Vavachan Mesthiri throws a family into disarray. Chaos reigns as they scramble to plan his funeral.
Traffic:
One of the first defining films of the early 2010s which was said to be part of the first wave of the new generation of Malayalam filmmakers. This film can be viewed on Disney+ Hotstar.
Starring: Sreenivasan, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Rahman, Anoop Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Sandhya, Roma, Remya Nambeesan, Lena and Namitha Pramod.
Synopsis: An acting heavyweight’s young daughter needs an emergency heart transplant surgery but he is helpless to do anything besides navigate the busy road amidst heavy traffic.
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
A look at what village life, police brutality, bribes and coercion in this contemporary film about a semi-remote village. This feature film can be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
Starring: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan, Alencier Ley Lopez and Vettukili Prakash.
Synopsis: Newly-wedded Sreeja and Prasad struggle to cope and decide to sell Sreeja’s gold chain for money. However a thief decides to steal it, adding to their woes.
Sudani From Nigeria
The ignorance of everyday people, their blatant racism and fascination when they come face-to-face with an “alien being” is explored in this film and the story resonates within all of us or at the very least, tug at your heart strings. This movie is digitally available on Netflix.
Starring: Soubin Shahir, Samuel Abiola Robinson, Aneesh G. Menon, K. T. C. Abdullah, Savithri Sreedharan and Sarasa Balussery.
Synopsis: Majeed, a football manager from Kerala recruits three Nigerian footballers to play for his team. When one of the players, Samuel, gets injured, Majeed takes him to his home and takes care of him. Eventually they develop a close friendship.
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