15 Best Malayalam Movies to Watch on SonyLiv

Malayalam cinema is known for realistic storytelling, strong performances, and meaningful themes. If you prefer content-driven films instead of loud commercial entertainment, this guide to the 15 best malayam movies to watch on SonyLiv helps you explore quality Malayalam cinema in one place. These films include psychological thrillers, family dramas, crime stories, and experimental narratives that received attention for writing and direction.

Many viewers struggle to find good regional content without spending time searching across platforms. This list helps students, cinema lovers, and OTT viewers choose films based on genre and storytelling style. The focus is on movies people discussed for performances, social themes, or unique ideas. Whether you want emotional drama, realistic crime stories, or unconventional cinema, these Malayalam films offer practical and worthwhile options.

Quick Summary Table of Best Malayalam Movies

Best 15 Malayalam Movies on SonyLiv

1. Bhoothakaalam (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 21 January 2022
Cast: Shane Nigam, Revathi

This psychological horror drama focuses on a mother and son dealing with grief and emotional tension inside their home. The film builds fear through atmosphere and mental conflict rather than traditional horror elements. It became widely discussed for its realistic portrayal of trauma and loneliness. The performances, especially by Revathi, were appreciated for emotional depth. Viewers who prefer slow psychological horror with serious themes will find it engaging.

2. Kaanekkaane (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 17 September 2021
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Aishwarya Lekshmi

Kaanekkaane is an emotional drama about guilt, loss, and hidden truths within a family. The story unfolds gradually through intense conversations and character conflicts. It gained attention for its realistic screenplay and strong performances. The film suits viewers who enjoy character-driven stories that focus on relationships rather than action.

3. Freedom Fight (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 11 February 2022
Cast: Joju George, Rohini, Rajisha Vijayan

Freedom Fight is an anthology film presenting multiple stories about personal freedom and social pressure. Each segment explores different struggles related to gender roles and individual rights. The film received mixed reactions due to its experimental structure but created discussion for its bold themes. It is suitable for viewers interested in social issues and unconventional storytelling.

4. Churuli (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 19 November 2021
Cast: Vinay Forrt, Chemban Vinod Jose

This film follows two undercover police officers entering a mysterious village while searching for a criminal. The narrative becomes increasingly unusual and symbolic. It generated strong discussion for its experimental storytelling and raw presentation. The film is recommended for viewers who enjoy abstract cinema and open-ended narratives.

5. Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 15 July 2022
Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sudhi Koppa

Set on a remote hilltop, this crime thriller follows police officers investigating a disturbing case during heavy rains. The isolated setting creates tension throughout the story. The film received praise for its cinematography and minimal approach to storytelling. It is a good choice for viewers who prefer atmospheric crime dramas.

6. Aavasavyuham (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 19 August 2022
Cast: Rahul Rajagopal, Zhinz Shan

Aavasavyuham blends mockumentary style with ecological themes and experimental storytelling. It follows the mysterious life of a man with unusual abilities while commenting on environmental issues. The film gained recognition for its creative direction and unique concept. It suits viewers who like unconventional cinema.

7. Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 29 January 2021
Cast: Anagha Narayanan, Arjun Ashokan

This light family drama centers around an engagement ceremony in a small town and the events leading to it. The film explores relationships and social expectations through humor and everyday situations. It became popular for its relatable characters and natural performances. Viewers looking for simple family entertainment will enjoy it.

8. Purusha Pretham (2023, Malayalam)

Release: 24 March 2023
Cast: Darshana Rajendran, Prasanth Alexander

This dark comedy crime film follows a missing person investigation that reveals strange circumstances. The story mixes humor with mystery while exploring human behavior. It received appreciation for its writing and unusual tone. It suits viewers who like investigative stories with satire.

9. Saudi Vellakka (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 02 December 2022
Cast: Lukman Avaran, Devi Varma

This courtroom drama focuses on a legal case connected to a past incident and its social impact. The film emphasizes human behavior and consequences rather than dramatic courtroom scenes. It gained strong reviews for its realistic writing and performances. It is suitable for viewers who enjoy serious legal dramas.

10. Nna Thaan Case Kodu (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 11 August 2022
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Gayathrie Shankar

This satirical courtroom drama follows a common man fighting a legal battle against authorities. The film balances humor with social commentary and became popular for its engaging narrative. It suits viewers interested in socially relevant stories.

11. Jana Gana Mana (2022, Malayalam)

Release: 28 April 2022
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu

This legal thriller addresses social justice, media influence, and political power. The film gained attention for strong dialogue and courtroom sequences. It is recommended for viewers who prefer serious and intense dramas.

12. Operation Java (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 12 February 2021
Cast: Balu Varghese, Lukman Avaran

Based on cybercrime investigations, this film shows how digital evidence helps solve criminal cases. It became widely appreciated for its realistic portrayal of police work. It suits viewers interested in technology-based crime stories.

13. Malik (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 15 July 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan

This political crime drama portrays the life of a community leader and the conflicts surrounding him. The film was widely discussed for its performances and social themes. It is ideal for viewers who enjoy large-scale drama with strong characters.

14. Joji (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 07 April 2021
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Joji explores ambition and power struggles within a family. The film received praise for its writing and controlled storytelling. It suits viewers who prefer psychological drama.

15. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021, Malayalam)

Release: 15 January 2021
Cast: Nimisha Sajayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu

This social drama highlights gender roles and everyday domestic life in a traditional household. The film sparked discussion for its realistic portrayal of social expectations. It is recommended for viewers interested in social commentary.

Recommendations by Taste

Mass Entertainment

• Jana Gana Mana
• Malik
• Nna Thaan Case Kodu

Family Drama

• Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam
• Kaanekkaane
• The Great Indian Kitchen

Thriller Picks

• Bhoothakaalam
• Ela Veezha Poonchira
• Operation Java

Experimental

• Churuli
• Aavasavyuham
• Freedom Fight

OTT Friendly

• Purusha Pretham
• Kaanekkaane
• Bhoothakaalam

FAQs

Which Malayalam movie should I watch first from this list?
Bhoothakaalam and Kaanekkaane are good starting points for strong storytelling and performances.

Which Malayalam movie is best for family viewing?
Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is suitable for family audiences because of its light and relatable story.

Which Malayalam movie is best for thriller lovers?
Bhoothakaalam and Ela Veezha Poonchira are recommended for thriller fans.

Are these movies available with subtitles?
Most Malayalam films on OTT platforms provide subtitles, though availability varies.

Which Malayalam movies focus on social issues?
The Great Indian Kitchen and Freedom Fight focus on social themes and realistic situations.

Conclusion

Malayalam cinema continues to produce meaningful films with strong storytelling and realistic themes. These 15 movies represent different styles including psychological drama, crime thrillers, family stories, and experimental narratives. The list helps viewers choose films based on interest and genre without unnecessary searching. Exploring these titles offers a practical introduction to modern Malayalam cinema.

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