Selecting the best ten movies from any industry is a difficult job. Since there are different genres to ponder upon, the task will get tougher. The following list of top 10 Malayalam films of all time is based on the impact these films had on the industry and people.
The Malayalam film industry aka Mollywood revolves around the movies from Kerala. The industry is known for its content-based subjects which mostly reflected the daily life of the people. The industry has a rich history which started in 1928 when the first Malayalam movie Vigathakumaran, directed by J.C.Daniel released. J.C Daniel is considered as the father of Malayalam cinema. The movie got bundled up in four days because of some copyrights issues.
Malayalam’s first featured movie Balan was released in the year 1938. After that, the industry had the first cinemascope movie Thacholi Ambu in 1978 and India’s first 3D movie My dear kuttichathan in 1984. Today, the Malayalam movie industry is the fourth biggest movie industry in India in terms of revenue generation after Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. The industry is also known for the quality films which are made every year. Many accolades nationally as well as internationally have come into the industry much time.
Classmates (2006)
Classmates was released in the year 2006. Even though the film was one of the top grosser of the year, which makes it more important is the impact it created in the college students at that time. The film revolves around a degree batch and some of the turmoils they go through in their years inside the college. The film shows the real college life. The film also started a new trend of making campus-related movies in the later years. Classmates is directed by Lal Jose and it comprises of a bunch of actors like Prithviraj, Jayasurya, Indrajith, Kavya Madhavan and many more. The impact is created in the movie industry, as well as the audience is noteworthy.
Thoovanathumbikal (1987)
If you ask a Keralite which is your favourite romantic movie of all time, seven out of ten will proudly say Thoovanathumbikal. The movie was released in 1987 starring Mohanlal, Sumalatha, and Parvathy. It tells a triangular love story where the character Jayakrishnan falls in love with two women, Radha, a distant relative of his, and Clara, a sex worker. The film is a cult among the Malayalam audience and the performance of the actors were well received. This Padmarajan’s flick is noted for the excellent script. Another major thing about the movie is how the Rain-factor is portrayed. In this, the rain plays an another character in the story.
Chithram (1988)
In 1988, the movie Chithram (Picture) released was released in Kerala and the rest is history. The Satirical comedy movie directed by the master director Priyadarshan is still one of the most successful movies in Kerala. The movie is noted for its screwball comedies which were not familiar in India. The film stars Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu and Ranjini in lead roles. The success of the movie made it to remake the movie into various languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
Kireedam (1989)
Kireedam is a 1989 Malayalam movie written by Lohithadas starring Mohanlal, Thilakan, and Parvathy. The movie tells the hardship of an ordinary man whose aspire to become a police officer trashes when the society brings him down and forced to become a local goon. The movie was well-received and the Mohanlal got a special jury mention in the national level for portraying young man’s agony and pain marvellously and in a unique style. The movie has a cult following in Kerala. The movie was remade into five languages, each received well by the local audience.
Drishyam (2013)
The impact of the movie Drishyam is still in the air. The movie, released in 2013 is considered as one of the best thrillers ever released in Malayalam. The movie is directed by Jeethu Joseph and stars Mohanlal, Meena, Siddique and Asha Sharath in lead roles. The movie went on to become the highest grosser and also became the first Malayalam movie to gross over 50 crores. Drishyam was later remade into six languages which include Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Sinhala Language.
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is a 1989 epic movie directed by Hariharan and scripted by the novelist M.T.Vasudevan Nair. The film is a re-told version of the Chekavar legend in northern Kerala. The story revolves around Chandu (Mammootty) and his cousin (Aromal). According to the legend, Aromal is a well-known warrior who dies in a duel where his sword broke off midst the fight. Chandu is said to have betrayed his cousin because he was jealous of Aaromal’s popularity and abilities. The film portrays the legend in a different way. The film tells from Chandu’s perspective and tells that it was Aromal who despised Chandu because of his skills and popularity. The film bagged four national awards including the best actor (Mammootty), Best screenplay, best production and costume design. The film has a huge followers in Kerala.
Vanaprastham (1999)
Vanaprastham is the first Indian-French-German co-production. The movie is directed by Shaji N Karun in 1999. It talks about the state’s traditional dance form Kathakali. The movie tells how the character Kunjikuttan (Mohanlal) transforms into his dark form because of the situations he faces in his life. The film is a lively display of character and flamboyance. The film was premiered in Cannes film festival, and nominated for a Grand Jury Prize in American Film Institute Los Angeles International Film Festival. It also received three National awards including the best actor (Mohanlal), Best Film, and Best editing. IIBN Live ranked this movie #9 in greatest Indian movies of all time.
Mathilukal (1999)
Mathilukal, released in 1990 is one of the best movie ever produced in Malayalam. The film is written and directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan and tells the real story of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, who made an autobiography of the same name. The film stars Mammooty as a prisoner Basheer and tells about how he falls in love with a woman, Narayani of the neighbouring compound. They are separated b,y a wall and in the movie, the female character only appears as a voice. The film won four National awards including Best Actor, Best Director, Best Audiography and best regional film. The film was also premiered internationally at Venice Film Festival, Amiens International Film Festival, and Aubervilliers International Children’s Film Festival both in France.
Also Read – From the God’s own country – Mollywood
Sandesham (1991)
Sandesham was released in the year 1991. Compared to the previously mentioned movies, Sandesham does not have that many accolades outside Kerala. But the film is still ranked as one of the best movies of Malayalam. The film, directed by Sathyan Anthikad and starring Jayaram, Srinivasan, and Thilakan in lead roles, is touted as a satirical comedy movie. The movie mocks the entire state political system in a humorous way. The film still holds best lines which can be applicable to today’s politics, which makes the movie more valuable.
Manichitrathazhu (1993)
Manichithrathazhu was released in 1993. The movie had the script, of Madhu Muttam and Fazil directed it with the help of four units of directors including Priyadarshan, Siddique-lal, and Sibi Malayil. Manichitrathazhu holds many speciality. The main thing is the theme. It has an unusual plot, which was never common in Indian movies at that time. The female actor Shobana plays the central character Ganga. The movie revolves around the mystery of an old palace. The movie has won the national award for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment and also for the best actress. The movie has a huge cast including Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Shobana, and many prominent actors. The movie is considered as one of the best thrillers that have ever made in Indian cinema and also, it has been remade into languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali. In 2013, IBN live rated Manichithrathazhu #2 in India’s greatest movie of all time.