Marking a shift toward big-budget "superhero" and folklore-inspired cinema, this 2025 release became one of the industry's highest-grossing films.
Romantic Comedy Why it made the list: A sleeper hit that became a youth sensation. Premalu follows a shy engineering graduate trying to settle in Hyderabad while falling for a strong-willed girl. It captures the awkwardness of modern dating (WhatsApp ticks, Instagram stalking) perfectly. This is the best pure rom-com to come out of India in the last five years. list of best malayalam movies new
Folk Horror / Black & White Why it made the list: This is arguably the most experimental film on this list. Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Bramayugam is a black-and-white folk horror film starring Mammootty as a menacing, centuries-old sorcerer (Yakshi). The sound design is terrifying, and the claustrophobic setting (a single ill-fated mansion) creates unbearable tension. For horror fans seeking a list of best malayalam movies new , this is a cult classic in the making. It captures the awkwardness of modern dating (WhatsApp
If there was one film in 2024 that defied convention, it was Bramayugam . Shot entirely in black and white, this eerie horror fantasy follows Thevan, a folk singer from 17th century Malabar, who stumbles upon a mysterious mansion after escaping slave traders. The mansion's lord, Kodumon Potti (Mammootty), welcomes him—but Thevan soon realizes that the decaying mansion and its master are hiding a dark and sinister history. Critics hailed it as a path-breaking attempt at the horror genre, exploring themes of casteism, class disparity, greed, and power. Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Bramayugam is a black-and-white
The less you know about Iratta , the better. But know this: its final 15 minutes contain one of the most shocking, emotionally devastating reveals in recent cinema history. The film is a bleak meditation on toxic masculinity, sibling jealousy, and the unalterable past. Joju George, in a dual role, is phenomenal.
Padmini is a meta-commentary on creativity, male ego, and the futility of ambition. It’s hilarious, confusing, and brilliant. The film features an incredible "story within a story within a story" structure. It won’t be for everyone, but for those who love Charlie Kaufman or Spike Jonze, this is a Malayalam masterpiece.
| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | | Girish A.D. | | Cast | Naslen K. Gafoor, Mamitha Baiju, Sangeeth Prathap, Akhila Bhargavan | | Runtime | 2h 36m | | IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 | | Box Office | ₹135.90 crore |
Marking a shift toward big-budget "superhero" and folklore-inspired cinema, this 2025 release became one of the industry's highest-grossing films.
Romantic Comedy Why it made the list: A sleeper hit that became a youth sensation. Premalu follows a shy engineering graduate trying to settle in Hyderabad while falling for a strong-willed girl. It captures the awkwardness of modern dating (WhatsApp ticks, Instagram stalking) perfectly. This is the best pure rom-com to come out of India in the last five years.
Folk Horror / Black & White Why it made the list: This is arguably the most experimental film on this list. Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Bramayugam is a black-and-white folk horror film starring Mammootty as a menacing, centuries-old sorcerer (Yakshi). The sound design is terrifying, and the claustrophobic setting (a single ill-fated mansion) creates unbearable tension. For horror fans seeking a list of best malayalam movies new , this is a cult classic in the making.
If there was one film in 2024 that defied convention, it was Bramayugam . Shot entirely in black and white, this eerie horror fantasy follows Thevan, a folk singer from 17th century Malabar, who stumbles upon a mysterious mansion after escaping slave traders. The mansion's lord, Kodumon Potti (Mammootty), welcomes him—but Thevan soon realizes that the decaying mansion and its master are hiding a dark and sinister history. Critics hailed it as a path-breaking attempt at the horror genre, exploring themes of casteism, class disparity, greed, and power.
The less you know about Iratta , the better. But know this: its final 15 minutes contain one of the most shocking, emotionally devastating reveals in recent cinema history. The film is a bleak meditation on toxic masculinity, sibling jealousy, and the unalterable past. Joju George, in a dual role, is phenomenal.
Padmini is a meta-commentary on creativity, male ego, and the futility of ambition. It’s hilarious, confusing, and brilliant. The film features an incredible "story within a story within a story" structure. It won’t be for everyone, but for those who love Charlie Kaufman or Spike Jonze, this is a Malayalam masterpiece.
| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | | Girish A.D. | | Cast | Naslen K. Gafoor, Mamitha Baiju, Sangeeth Prathap, Akhila Bhargavan | | Runtime | 2h 36m | | IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 | | Box Office | ₹135.90 crore |