2024 turned out to be a creatively fulfilling year for Malayalam cinema, showcasing a diverse range of top-notch films that captivated audiences with their storytelling, technical finesse, and moving performances.

This year also brought the Hema Committee report to light, shaking things up in the industry by putting a spotlight on the importance of women's safety on film sets. Additionally, there was some drama surrounding the movie Manjummel Boys, as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probed the producers over a suspected money laundering issue.

Nonetheless, what really stands out about this year is the impressive lineup of directors emerging from Malayalam cinema, especially while other film industries are busy chasing pan-India hits.

A mix of chart-toppers.

In 2024, Malayalam cinema was on fire with hits like Aavesham, Bramayugam, Manjummel Boys, Premalu, Kishkinda Kandam, Aattam, Aadu Jeevitham, Ullozhukku, and Sookshmadarshini, showcasing its edge over other film industries in storytelling, techniques, and acting.

Aavesham featured Fahadh Faasil in a bold and electrifying role as a gangster, which is a bit of a surprise for his fans. The film resonated well with younger audiences, thanks in part to Sushin Shyam’s catchy music and score. Director Jithu Madhavan really nailed it, following up his success with Romancham with another blockbuster.

Bramayugam, Rahul Sadasivan’s remarkable follow-up to Bhoothakalam, showcased Mammootty at his best. The film, shot in black and white, really cranked up the creepy factor, diving deep into Kerala’s rich folklore. Mammootty nailed his sinister role, reminding everyone of his standout performance in the 1994 classic Vidheyan directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

On the other hand, Manjummel Boys made a splash beyond Kerala, resonating with audiences in other southern film industries. This survival thriller, directed by Chidambaram and inspired by the Guna Cave rescue of 2006, boasted an incredible soundtrack by Sushin Shyam and stellar performances from the cast, led by Soubin Shahir, who also produced the film. It turned out to be one of the biggest hits in Malayalam cinema, with some trade reports estimating its earnings at over ₹200 crore.

Premalu, the hilarious film directed by the incredibly talented Girish AD, has established young stars Naslen and Mamitha Baiju as reliable names in the industry. The producers have just announced a sequel to this hit. Girish has been on a roll at the box office, with his distinctive humor resonating well in films like Thannimathan Dinangal and Super Sharanya. While the comedy genre had taken a dip in the Malayalam film scene, it’s in good hands with Girish at the helm.

Kishkinda Kandam and Aattam were two of my top picks this year. Kishkinda Kandam completely amazed me with its unique setting, intriguing storyline, and exceptional direction. Dinjith Ayyathan has emerged as another brilliant director in Malayalam cinema, and it seems like the industry is churning out these talented filmmakers from nowhere. Ayyathan’s masterful script handling, precise storytelling, and knack for drawing out stellar performances while maintaining technical excellence make him one of the standout directors in Malayalam cinema over the past decade. Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali really shone with their performances in the film, which explores the intricacies of human relationships. Bahul Ramesh’s cinematography was also top-notch.

Aattam, created on a tight budget, managed to capture the essence of top-notch cinema that could attract global viewers. Directed by someone who clearly knows his stuff, the film tackled a theme that resonates universally. Anand Ekarshi wowed the audience with his logical exploration of serious issues like molestation, victim shaming, and gaslighting, while also diving into how people act differently in groups compared to when they're alone. The film snagged three National Awards for Best Film, Screenplay, and Editing, proving it's a must-watch for cinema students for years ahead.

On the other hand, Aadujeevitham, which was Blessy’s dream project based on Benyamin’s novel about a man's harrowing journey through the Arabian deserts, didn’t quite get the response the industry was hoping for. While the film had some brilliant moments, it fell short of the high expectations set for it. Blessy had his shining moments, and Prithviraj delivered a solid performance, but AR Rahman's score left something to be desired. Still, there's no denying the immense effort put into this grand production, with Blessy and Prithviraj dedicating over a decade to bring this challenging project to life.

Urvashi totally stole the show in Ullozhuku, directed by Crishto Tomy, making it one of the standout moments of 2024. This gripping family drama earned her the Kerala state award for best actress, and both viewers and critics couldn't stop raving about the film. Meanwhile, Sookshmadarshini, helmed by Jithin MC, marked the first time Nazriya and Basil Joseph shared the screen as a lead couple. This murder mystery was packed with thrilling twists that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, and it really highlighted Basil's ability to deliver diverse performances.

The ongoing ascent of Basil Joseph and Sushin Shyam.

Basil Joseph has really made a mark in Malayalam cinema this year, playing a key role in boosting the success of several films. Besides his work in Sookshmadarshini, he also acted in Nunakuzhi, Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM), and a few others, making him the busiest actor around.

These days, Basil is seen as a reliable choice in Malayalam films, whether in a leading role or as part of the supporting cast. His presence tends to attract family audiences and kids, and he’s gradually carved out a niche where his involvement is starting to guarantee solid box office results. However, many fans are eager for him to step back into directing, and he’s expected to share some news about that in 2025.

On the music front, Sushin Shyam’s compositions have become essential to Malayalam films, with any project featuring him getting a lot of attention in theaters. Production companies are now frequently promoting their films with the tagline ‘A Sushin Shyam Musical.’ He’s continued to impress with his amazing scores from Kumbalangi Nights, Varathan, Minnal Murali, Bheeshma Parvam, and Romacham, and he’s added some fantastic new tracks in Manjummel Boys and Aavesham this year.

Bhavana Studios and Fahad Faasil & Friends are key players in production.

Bhavana Studios, co-owned by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil, and Syam Pushkaran, produced the film Premalu this year. Their previous hits, Kumbalangi Nights and Joji, have made waves, with Kumbalangi Nights being hailed as a classic that resonates worldwide. They’re gearing up to launch Premalu 2 soon, and there’s also a project called Karate Chandran featuring Fahadh in the lead role on the horizon. Fahadh Faasil & Friends is a production company run by Fahadh and his wife, actress Nazriya.

This trio of Fahadh, Dileesh, and Syam has played a key role in creating memorable films like Maheshinte Prathikaram and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. They’ve built a strong team that’s set to elevate Malayalam cinema for at least the next decade with top-notch films. They’ve been great at picking the right projects to support and are now helping to lift up many emerging artists and directors.

Read Also: Discover the latest Malayalam OTT releases from December 15 to 21, streaming on Netflix, Manorama Max, and more.

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