From Aattam and All We Imagine As Light to Aavesham and Bramayugam: 9 Best Malayalam films of 2024

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9) Bramayugam

A septuagenarian superstar — whose physique is often regarded as the epitome of Malayali masculinity and who has dominated the industry for over 30 years — playing the role of a mystical goblin named Chathan, who adopts the form of an elderly man to control others. As intriguing as this premise sounds, Mammootty’s portrayal in it is equally astounding. One of the most experimental mainstream Malayalam films of the year, Rahul Sadasivan’s black-and-white period folk horror exemplifies what makes Malayalam cinema unique, standing out while other film industries continue to struggle. With exceptional contributions from cinematographer Shehnad Jalal, editor Shafique Mohamed Ali, music composer Christo Xavier and art director Jotish Shankar, Bramayugam can undoubtedly be considered one of 2024’s best Malayalam films.

8) Aavesham

Just imagine the impact of the performance if we can’t help but say “Eda Mone!” only like Rangannan (Fahadh Faasil) did! Jithu Madhavan’s sophomore directorial venture Aavesham is the epitome of comedy masala as the movie strikes the right balance with all its elements, never overdoing anything. While the film maintains a humorous tone throughout most of its runtime, it shifts gears toward the end, turning into a high-octane gangster movie with an intense action sequence, all led by a brilliant Fahadh. With this performance, he not only proves he can handle mass roles but also puts to rest any doubts about his versatility, making Aavesham the ultimate film for wholesome entertainment.

Fahadh Faasil as Ranga in Aavesham.

7) Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life)

For those who have been following its journey, 2024 is the year that Blessy and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aadujeevitham finally released, 14 years after initial reports about it surfaced. One of the most anticipated Malayalam films of the 21st century, Aadujeevitham, an adaptation of a beloved and best-selling novel of the same title, not only lived up to the high expectations of audiences but also became a huge commercial success, despite it being a hard-hitting emotional survival drama. With Prithviraj delivering one of his finest performances and exceptional technical contributions from cinematographer Sunil KS and editor A Sreekar Prasad, among others, Aadujeevitham stands out as one of the finest Malayalam films of the year.

6) Kishkindha Kaandam

Mystery dramas should not be just about the mystery, red herrings or suspense saved for the climax; they should also be about the drama, with even the most mundane moments heightening the emotional stakes. And Dinjith Ayyathan’s Kishkindha Kaandam, featuring standout performances from Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali and Vijayaraghavan, achieves this balance masterfully. It stands out not only as one of the best films of the year but also as one of the finest examples of the genre in Malayalam cinema. The brilliance of Dinjith and writer Bahul Ramesh lies not just in their skilful concealment of the suspense or the clever way they allowed it to unfold but also in their ability to build emotional depth scene by scene, ensuring that the climax is not just shocking but deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. With stellar performances from the entire cast, Kishkindha Kaandam also serves as a testament to the fact that exceptional films can be made on modest budgets too.

5) Ullozhukku

Writer-director Christo Tomy’s Ullozhukku serves as the perfect antidote for those numbed by senseless soap operas that perpetuate the harmful stereotype — crafted by men — that “women are their own worst enemies.” From a young age, women are conditioned to internalise this belief while simultaneously being cautioned against trusting men, by labelling them as cunning and manipulative, thus trapping them in isolation and depriving them of a support system. Just like that, the men enforce a divide-and-rule strategy, limiting women’s autonomy and keeping them from taking control of their own lives. Ullozhukku masterfully explores the stories of two women whose lives have largely unfolded according to the dictates of others. Christo Tomy transforms his outstanding screenplay into a visually and technically remarkable film, elevated further by the soulful and standout performances of Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu.

Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu in Ullozhukku. (Image: Christo Tomy/Facebook)

4) Paradise

Legendary Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage’s Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran-starrer is one of the most politically charged Malayalam films of the year, offering a compelling dissection of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, while also portraying the desperate struggles of its people and shedding light on the apathy of outsiders toward nations grappling with social, economic and political collapse — a theme that resonates powerfully in the context of Israel’s war on Palestine too. Set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s massive protests — fuelled by widespread discontent with the (mis)management of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government — the film brilliantly captures the turmoil of a nation that is slowly collapsing. At its centre, there is a couple: the man, a stereotypical embodiment of male indifference, who remains preoccupied with the ‘probe’ into his stolen gadgets, oblivious to the world crumbling around him; while the woman, empathetic and attuned to the suffering of others, silently resonates with the pain of the oppressed. A gripping, genre-defying masterpiece, Paradise also deserves praise for its technical brilliance, particularly Rajeev Ravi’s cinematography.

3) Family

One of the most chilling Malayalam movies of the year, Don Palathara’s Family redefines horror, demonstrating that people can be far more terrifying than ghosts or even man-eating big cats. Set in a serene hamlet atop a hillock in the captivating landscapes of Idukki district, the movie shows how families, religious institutions and a tightly-knit conservative society enable child sexual abuse and provide cover for perpetrators. Despite Don’s preference for visual minimalism — even in wide shots — he skillfully captures the ethos of the locality with remarkable precision. At the same time, the film also oscillates between cramped and expansive spaces, highlighting how insider predators operate in such spaces with disturbing ease. The cast includes Vinay Forrt, Divya Prabha, Mathew Thomas and Nilja K Baby.

2) All We Imagine As Light (Prabhayay Ninachathellam)

Like it or not, accept it or not, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light is a Malayalam movie, and no amount of appropriation can change that. One of the finest films to emerge from India in recent times, the Payal directorial set a new benchmark in filmmaking with its poetic visual storytelling. The film explores the lives of a group of people who migrated to the bustling city of Mumbai — without prior connections or acquaintances — and gradually built a metaphorical home in the shared joy and bonds they formed with one another. With stellar performances from Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and Hridhu Haroon, the modern masterpiece, which won the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, stands out for its masterful use of visuals, music and even a touch of magical realism.

1) Aattam

The first Malayalam release of 2024 remains, in our view, the finest Malayalam film of the year. Anand Ekarshi’s Aattam, featuring Zarin Shihab and Vinay Forrt in the lead roles, masterfully demonstrates how to craft a spectacular work with its heart in the right place. Eschewing conventional formulas and boldly exploring the creative and technical dimensions of cinema, Aattam reminds us of the vast, untapped potential of the medium. Though the film features quite a few characters, Anand meticulously dissects each, unveiling their complexities and moral ambiguities at a gradual, real-time pace, avoiding contrivance. Interestingly, the film’s brilliance only deepens with each rewatch. While Aattam was named the Best Feature Film at the 70th National Film Awards, Anand bagged the honour for Best Screenplay. The movie also earned Mahesh Bhuvanend the award for Best Editing.

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Honourable Mentions:

* Premalu

* Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)

* Sookshmadarshini

* Manjummel Boys