Welcome to the enchanting world of Malayalam cinema, a treasure trove of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences both in India and around the globe. As we enter 2024, the Malayalam film industry, known for its rich narratives and exceptional filmmaking, has once again outdone itself, offering diverse and engaging cinematic experiences. This blog post delves into the “18 Best Malayalam Movies of 2023,” a curated list showcasing the finest films from this vibrant industry. This year, the industry has seen a blend of genres, from gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, each movie leaving an indelible mark on its audience.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Malayalam cinema, this list is your gateway to understanding and appreciating the cinematic gems of 2023.
18 Best Malayalam Movies of 2023
Here is a list of some of the best Malayalam Movies 2023, ranging from intense dramas and thrillers to heartwarming comedies and adventurous tales.
2018 (2023)
“2018 (2023)” is a Malayalam movie about the devastating Kerala Floods in 2018. It’s a disaster film that shows how different people worked together to overcome this natural calamity. The film features a large cast, including well-known actors like Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, and Asif Ali. It was directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Akhil P. Dharmajan.
“2018 (2023)” was released on May 5, 2023, in India and is in the Malayalam language. The film had a big budget of about ₹300 million and made around $4.5 million worldwide.It’s known for its realistic portrayal of the floods and the inspiring story of people helping each other.
The film has been praised for its storytelling, acting, and technical aspects like cinematography and music. It was even selected as India’s official entry for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category at the 96th Academy Awards 2024. The movie is available on SONY PIX in different languages, including Malayalam with English subtitles.
Kaathal – The Core (2023)
“Kaathal – The Core (2023)” is a Malayalam movie that delves into the life of Mathew, a retired bank secretary who reluctantly steps into the world of politics for a by-election. The film explores intricate themes such as marriage dynamics, the pursuit of justice, and the quest for personal fulfilment, all set against the backdrop of a close-knit village community.
The cast includes prominent actors like Mammootty, who plays the lead role of Mathew Devassy, and Jyotika as Omana. Other notable cast members are Anagha Akku, Alex Alister, and Adarsh Sukumaran. The film is directed by Jeo Baby, with the screenplay written by Paulson Skaria and Adarsh Sukumaran.
“Kaathal – The Core” was released on November 23, 2023, in India and is available in the Malayalam language. The movie has garnered worldwide gross earnings of $65,213. The film has been praised for its sensitive handling of a delicate topic and its rich portrayal of village life and culture. The performances, especially by Mammootty and Jyotika, have been highlighted for their brilliance, with Jyotika’s role in particular.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023)
“Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023)” is a Malayalam-Tamil comedy-drama film that has garnered attention for its unique storyline and execution. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film is co-written by Pellissery and Hareesh S. The cast includes Ashokan, Ramya Pandian, Pramod Shetty, Chethan Jayalal, Ashwanth Ashokkumar, and Rajesh Sharma, among others.
The plot revolves around the character James, portrayed by Mammootty, who experiences a peculiar situation. He wakes up irritable on a bus, believing he is Sundaram, a man who mysteriously disappeared from a quiet village years earlier.
“Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam” was released in India on January 19, 2023, and was filmed in Pazhani, Tamil Nadu. It has achieved global box office earnings of $185,102. The film has been praised for its artistic approach and described as a milestone in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. It delves into deep themes of identity, drawing parallels with other significant films while establishing a distinct identity for director Lijo Jose Pellissery.
Kannur Squad (2023)
“Kannur Squad (2023)” is an action-packed Malayalam drama that focuses on the intense and challenging journey of a police officer and his team as they pursue a criminal gang across the country. Directed by Roby Varghese Raj, “Kannur Squad” was written by Rony David and Muhammed Shafi. The film was released on September 28, 2023, in India and is available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil.
The movie stars Mammootty in the lead role as ASI George Martin, along with Kishore Kumar G. as SP Manu Needhi Cholan, Vijayaraghavan as SP Krishnalal T.K, and Rony David as Jayakumar P Vasu. The movie has been praised for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly highlighting the roles played by Azeez, Rony, and other supporting actors. Mammootty’s portrayal of ASI George Martin has been especially commended for its depth and authenticity.
With global box office earnings of $1,981,526, “Kannur Squad” has been recognised as a must-watch film, appreciated for its execution and the satisfaction it delivers to its audience.
Garudan (2023)
“Garudan (2023)” is a Malayalam crime thriller; the story centres around Harish Madhav, a straightforward police officer, and Nishanth, a college professor. Both characters find themselves entangled in a complex crime, leading to a gripping narrative where one fights for his integrity and the other for justice.
The film stars Suresh Gopi as Harish Madhav and Biju Menon as Nishanth Kumar. The cast also includes Siddique, Jagadish, Abhirami, Divya Pillai, and Thalaivasal Vijay. The movie is directed by Arun Varma and written by M. Jinesh and Midhun Manuel Thomas.
“Garudan” was released on November 3, 2023, in India and was filmed in Kochi, Kerala. The movie has been praised for its engaging plot and strong performances, particularly by Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon, who are said to have delivered compelling performances in their respective roles. With a worldwide gross of $19,864, “Garudan” has become a notable entry in the Malayalam crime thriller genre.
Neru (2023)
“Neru (2023)” is a Malayalam drama film Directed by Jeethu Joseph, “Neru” is co-written by Santhi Mayadevi and Jeethu Joseph. The film’s storyline revolves around Sara, a blind sculptor, who embarks on a quest for justice after experiencing a traumatic event. The narrative delves into her struggles with the legal system and her resilience as she seeks resolution.
The cast includes prominent actors such as Mohanlal, who plays Vijayamohan, and Siddique as Adv. Rajasekharan. The film also features Santhi Mayadevi, Abraham Jacob, Priyamani, Jagadish, and Anaswara Rajan in significant roles. The movie was released on December 21, 2023, in India and is available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The film has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $2,093,761.
“Neru” has been praised for its script and performances, particularly highlighting the roles of Siddique and Jagadish. The film is described as an emotionally engaging courtroom drama that captivates the audience from the beginning to the end. Mohanlal’s performance, as well as Anaswara Rajan’s portrayal of Sara, have been especially commended.
RDX: Robert Dony Xavier (2023)
“RDX: Robert Dony Xavier (2023)” is an action-adventure Malayalam film directed by Nahas Hidayath. The film’s plot revolves around the lives of three mysterious individuals whose stories take a dramatic turn as their identities are revealed. The narrative is built around action and adventure, focusing on the characters Robert, Dony, and Xavier.
The main cast includes Antony Varghese as Dony, Shane Nigam as Robert, and Neeraj Madhav as Xavier. Other notable actors in the film are Babu Antony, Lal, Mahima Nambiar, and Aima Sebastian.“RDX: Robert Dony Xavier” was released in India on August 25, 2023, and has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $1,718,847.
The movie has been praised for its action choreography, direction, and background music. The main cast’s performances, particularly Antony Varghese, Shane Nigam, and Neeraj Madhav, have been highlighted for their strong screen presence. The film is noted for its stylish action sequences and emotional depth, supported by Sam CS’ background music.
Paachuvum Albhuthavilakkum (2023)
“Paachuvum Albhuthavilakkum (2023)”, originally titled “Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum”, is a Malayalam comedy-drama film. The film’s plot revolves around a middle-class Malayali youth named Prasanth, also known as Pachu, who is settled in Mumbai. The story unfolds around his journey back to Kerala, capturing various incidents and experiences.
The main cast includes Fahadh Faasil as Prasanth (Pachu), Viji Venkatesh, Anjana Jayaprakash, Dhwani Rajesh, and Mukesh.“Paachuvum Albhuthavilakkum” was released in India on April 28, 2023, and is available in Malayalam and Telugu languages. The film has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $312,415.
The movie is described as a good family watch with a well-grounded plot that resonates with audiences of all ages and classes. The performances, especially by Fahadh Faasil and Vineeth, have been appreciated for their depth and authenticity. The film is noted for its humour-filled dialogues and scenes, providing entertainment while maintaining a realistic and relatable narrative.
Romancham (2023)
“Romancham (2023)” is a Malayalam comedy-horror film Directed and written by Jithu Madhavan and released in India on February 3, 2023. The main cast of “Romancham” includes Soubin Shahir as Jibi Madhavan, Arjun Ashokan as Sinu Solomon, Chemban Vinod Jose as Sayed Mohammed, and Sajin Gopu as Niroop.
The film’s plot centres around a humorous yet eerie incident involving seven bachelors who play with an Ouija board, leading to unexpected consequences. The game goes wrong, and they inadvertently invite a spirit, leading to a series of comical and spooky events as they try to navigate the situation.
“Romancham” has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $1,544,653. It is noted for keeping viewers engaged from start to finish, with an entertaining and suspenseful storyline. The movie is based on actual incidents in the life of seven bachelors in Bangalore in 2007, adding an element of authenticity to its narrative. The film is described as a simple yet excellent watch, suitable for many audiences.
Thankam (2023)
“Thankam (2023)” is a Malayalam crime drama directed by Saheed Arafath and Prinish Prabhakaran. The film’s story revolves around Muthu (played by Biju Menon) and Kannan (played by Vineeth Sreenivasan), Gold Agents from Thrissur, known as the Gold Capital of India. The narrative follows their journey to Mumbai to distribute gold and the subsequent mishaps they encounter.
The cast includes Girish Kulkarni, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth Thattil David, Kalaiyarasan, Kochu Preman, Indira Prasad, Srikant Murali, and Thankam Mohan. “Thankam” was released in India on January 26, 2023, and has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $131,028.
The movie has been praised for its unique backdrop, character development, and storytelling. It is described as a slow-burn investigative thriller focusing on the murder investigation and the unfolding of various layers of the characters. The climax of the film is noted for being unexpected and somewhat abrupt.
Pookkaalam (2023)
“Pookkaalam (2023)” is a Malayalam comedy-drama film directed and written by Ganesh Raj. The film’s storyline revolves around a nearly 100-year-old man named Ittoop, portrayed by Vijayaraghavan, who decides to divorce his nearly 100-year-old wife, Kochuthresiamma, played by K.P.A.C. Leela, after discovering a secret love letter of hers of almost 60 years ago. The plot unfolds during a betrothal function, creating a lively and chaotic atmosphere filled with amusing interactions.
The cast also includes Basil Joseph, Ganga Meera, Abu Salim, Annu Antony, Arun Kurian. “Pookkaalam” was released in India on April 8, 2023, and has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $55,433.
The movie has been praised as a heartwarming film that explores themes of family, secrets, and the impact of past events on relationships. It beautifully balances severe and comedic elements, making it an enjoyable family entertainer.
Valatty (2023)
“Valatty (2023)” is a Malayalam adventure-comedy-romance film directed and written by Devan. The cast includes Vijay Babu, Raghu Subhash Chandran, Indrans, Kalesh Kalakkodu, Saiju Kurup, and Surabhi Lakshmi. The dogs’ voices are provided by notable actors, adding depth to the characters.
The film presents a heartwarming love story of two dogs, Tomy and Amalu. The plot revolves around these canine characters whose owners disapprove of their relationship due to their religious differences. The story takes an adventurous turn when Tomy and Amalu decide to elope, embarking on a journey filled with challenges and new friendships.
“Valatty” was released on July 21, 2023, in India and is available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi. The film has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $55,433. “Valatty” is notable for starring real dogs and not using CGI, adding authenticity to the portrayal of the canine characters.
The film has been described as a reasonable effort in storytelling, particularly commended for being the first Indian film to use real dogs throughout the movie. The film is appreciated for its cute moments and the significant character development of the dogs, especially Bruno, a Rottweiler.
Iratta (2023)
“Iratta (2023)” is a Malayalam drama-thriller film Directed and written by Rohit M.G. Krishnan. The main cast includes Joju George as DySP Pramod, Anjali, Srindaa, Srikant Murali, Arya Salim, Manoj K.U., and Sabumon Abdusamad.
The film’s plot centres around a policeman’s investigation into the fraught past of his estranged twin after a cop is found dead. The story unfolds as a chilling search for the truth, delving into the complexities of the twins’ relationship and their shared history.
“Iratta” was released in the United States on March 3, 2023, and has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $34,287. The film has been praised for its captivating plot, simplicity, and the convincing backstory of the twins. Joju George’s performance has been particularly commended, adding depth to the film’s suspenseful and engaging storyline.
The movie is noted for its perfect balance of suspense, without going overboard, and for the strong performances by all characters. “Iratta” is appreciated for its slow-paced yet impactful narrative, making it a standout film in Malayalam cinema.
B 32 Muthal 44 Vare (2023)
“B 32 Muthal 44 Vare (2023)” is a Malayalam drama film directed and written by Shruthi Sharanyam. The film’s storyline focuses on five women and a transman from different social strata who face overwhelming pressure in their daily lives due to their body image issues. The narrative explores the challenges and societal pressures they encounter, highlighting themes of gender discrimination, aversion towards women, and problems faced by the queer community.
The cast includes Ashwathy, Neena Cheriyan, Sajin Cherukayil, Karun Prasad, Gibin Gopinath, Krisha Kurup, Sajitha Madathil, Anarkali Marikar, Ramya Nambeeshan, and Raina Radhakrishnan. “B 32 Muthal 44 Vare” was released in India on April 6, 2023.
The movie has been praised for its genuine take on how women are treated by society and for addressing several severe issues like gender discrimination and problems faced by the queer community. The film celebrates women who aim big and question gender stereotypes, biases, and discrimination.
Ayisha (2023)
“Ayisha (2023)” is a Malayalam comedy-drama film directed by Aamir Pallikkal and Sanju Ambadi (Chief Associate Director). The main cast includes Manju Warrier as Ayisha, S.V. Krishna Shankar, Meenakshi Mahesh, Radhika, Noorudheen Ali Ahmed, Latheefa, Sarafeena, and Barrah Al Nizamy.
The film’s plot revolves around Ayisha, who migrates to a Gulf country to become a domestic worker for an elite Arab family. As she slowly learns all the palace etiquette, an exciting course of events leads to the bloom of a beautiful relationship. The story explores Ayisha’s environment in the Gulf, including the palace’s rules and regulations, the maid’s lifestyle, and her interactions with the family she works for.
“Ayisha” was released in India on January 20, 2023, and has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $91,133. The movie has been praised for providing thorough insights into Ayisha’s environment and the dynamic cinematography that enhances the fairy tale aspect.
Antony (2023)
“Antony (2023)” is a Malayalam action-drama-family film Directed by Joshiy and written by Rajesh Varma, and was released on December 1, 2023, in India.
The film is described as an emotionally charged mass family entertainer that delves into the profound theme of relationships that run deeper than blood. The story revolves around the enigmatic character, Antony, and explores the complexities of his life and relationships.
The main cast includes Joju George as Antony Anthrapper, Chemban Vinod Jose, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Vijayaraghavan, Nyla Usha, Asha Sharath, Jinu Joseph, Tini Tom, Hariprashanth, and Sarath Kumar.
“Antony” has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $116,032. The film has been praised for exploring deep relationships and emotional themes and criticised for lacking a solid storyline and coherence.
Falimy (2023)
“Falimy (2023)” is a Malayalam drama film Directed by Nithish Sahadev and written by Sanjo Joseph and Nithish Sahadev. It was released in India on November 17, 2023.
The film’s plot revolves around a family of self-centred individuals who journeyed to fulfil their grandfather’s pilgrimage wish. This decision is partly motivated by a desire to prevent his frequent escapes and to find a distraction from their own issues. The story explores the dynamics of this dysfunctional family as they embark on their trip to Varanasi.
The main cast includes Basil Joseph as Anoop, Jagadish as Chandran, Manju Pillai as Rema, Abhiram Radhakrishnan as Pramod, Boloram Das as Pappu Panday, Sandeep Pradeep as Abhi, and Meenaraj Palluruthy as Janardhanan. “Falimy” has achieved worldwide gross earnings of $29,472. The film has been praised for its fun factor and light-hearted approach, making it an enjoyable watch.
1001 Nunakal (2023)
“1001 Nunakal (2023)” is a Malayalam drama film directed by Thamar K.V. and written by Hashim Sulaiman and Thamar K.V., released in India on August 18, 2023.
The film’s plot revolves around a group of close friends who get together for a good time over food and talks. The gathering takes an intriguing turn when one proposes a game: each has to reveal a lie hidden from their partners. This setup leads to many revelations and emotional explorations among the friends.
The main cast includes Remya Suresh as Indu, Rashmi K Nair as Bency, Vishnu Agasthya as Vinay, Vidhya Vijaykumar as Aleena, Zhinz Shan as Anil, Ninin Kassim as Sudeep Koshy, Rajesh, Noufal Rahman as Sooraj Kolassery, Elwin, and Sudheesh Scaria as Vakeel.
The movie is noted for its gripping narrative and the sense of filmmaking that the team has brought to the screen. The film has been appreciated for its engaging storytelling and refreshing humour.
Conclusion
The Malayalam cinema of 2023 showcases an incredible diversity and richness, offering everything from emotionally charged dramas and light-hearted comedies to thought-provoking thrillers. I encourage movie enthusiasts to delve into these captivating stories and discover the gems of Malayalam cinema. Share your favourite movie from this list in the comments, and subscribe or follow for more insights into the vibrant world of Malayalam cinema.
