When Mammootty chose to star in and produce Joe Baby’s film, Kaathal - The Core, in 2023, not many people paid it much mind until its release in December. After delivering the well-received The Great Indian Kitchen, Joe Baby returned with a compelling story about a couple navigating the complexities of a gay husband seeking freedom and a wife wanting a divorce to support him. Kaathal - The Core received a lot of acclaim for its bold theme, especially since it featured Mammootty, a legend in the Malayalam film industry, taking on the role of the gay husband at 73. This film highlighted how Malayalam cinema is still pushing boundaries and leading the way for change in Indian cinema, a trend that looks set to continue into 2024.

Awesome starts

This year, we witnessed a wave of fresh talent in Malayalam cinema, with some amazing films that really caught the audience's attention. Debut director Anand Ekarshi kicked things off in January with his film Aattam (The Play). The story focuses on a theatre group made up of 12 men and one woman, delving into how a sexual harassment incident exposes the underlying tensions and differences among them. With his background in theatre, Ekarshi skillfully blends theatrical elements with cinematic storytelling. This thought-provoking and layered film earned him the National Award for Best Film in 2024.

In February, we checked out an exciting black and white horror film that's still making waves. Director Rahul Sadasivan isn't new to the scene, but his third movie, Brahmayugam, really blew audiences away all over India. He has a knack for horror, and in Brahmayugam, he mixed period folklore with chilling elements, all in stunning monochrome! This unique blend, paired with fantastic performances from Mammootty, Arjun Asokan, and Siddharth Bharathan, helped the film rake in almost ₹85 crore at the box office. Sadasivan’s horror tales are simple yet profound, which is what makes them so engaging.

A victory in every category

Police procedural dramas have become a popular genre in film industries everywhere, and director Darwin Kuriakose decided to follow that trend with his debut film, Anweshippin Kandethum. Featuring Tovino Thomas, the film was a hit and put Kuriakose on the map as a director to keep an eye on in the future.

Breaking into the ₹100 crore club in Malayalam cinema is no small feat, especially for a first-time director. Yet, Jithin Lal pulled it off with Ajayante Randam Moshanam, also starring Tovino Thomas. Released during Onam this year, the film was a visual treat that blended folklore with a 1990s vibe to tell a unique love story and adventure. The success of this movie, where Tovino played a dual role, showcased Jithin Lal’s talent for creating spectacles that resonated with audiences.

Who hasn't heard of Joju George, the Malayalam actor? He's really made a name for himself in Tamil and Telugu films too, becoming a favorite among southern audiences. This year, he took a big step by making his directorial debut with "Pani," which dives into the world of a Thrissur mobster gang, focusing on the lives of two small-time criminals. While the gangster drama theme isn't exactly groundbreaking, Joju's unique take on it was captivating and proved he has a knack for directing. Plus, he also starred in the lead role, which is pretty impressive!

What's next?

Children's movies often fly under the radar in Indian cinema, but Malayalam films have consistently aimed to create engaging content for kids. Who can forget the blockbuster from 1984, My Dear Kuttichathan?

Now, the legendary Mohanlal is gearing up to release his highly anticipated film Barroz on December 25, marking his debut as a director! This fantasy adventure is designed for both adults and children, shot in stunning 3D, and features Mohanlal as Barroz, the protector of treasure. There's a lot of buzz around this film, not just because it's Mohanlal's first time directing, but also because it's set to be a groundbreaking visual experience in 3D for Malayalam cinema.

As we look forward to Barroz on December 25, another children's film, Pallotty’s 90s Kids, has been making waves this year after winning multiple awards at the Kerala State Awards. Jithin Raj's directorial debut has received plenty of recognition, hinting at a bright future for him in the Malayalam film industry.

Despite some controversies this year, like the Hema Committee Report, Mollywood continues to thrive and produce captivating cinema.

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!