Best Tamil and Malayalam Movies: My Top Picks & Where to Watch
Dear Diary,
Regional films have captivated me because I have recently watched some of the best Tamil and Malayalam movies. There was a time when I never liked them because I always felt that they had unnecessary drama and action.
However, while encountering some sensible films, I began to gain interest. One by one, I started adding them to my watchlist, and now I am a fan. Thus, why not share some of the great movies with the world? So, here they are –
My Favourite List Of The Best Tamil And Malayalam Movies
Hold on tight because a wave of great cinema is coming your way. If you’re worried about understanding the films, hang on – they are equipped with subtitles.
1. Maharaja (Tamil)
Where to watch: Netflix
Oh my, this film had to be at the top of my list of the best Tamil and Malayalam movies. I am personally a huge fan of Vijay Sethupathi, especially after watching Vikram, which I have included in another blog post on South Indian films.
The movie revolves around a man who is relentlessly searching for his stolen dustbin named Lakshmi. What follows next? Does he find the dustbin? What secrets get revealed is something you must watch for yourself.
Crazy acting by all the actors and kudos to Nithilan Saminathan, who has written and directed the film.
2. Officer on Duty (Malayalam)
Where to watch: Netflix
Usually, I’m not a huge fan of action films, but I had heard so much about this one that I had to watch it. I made the right decision because this film is a must-watch for everyone.
I was unaware that I would stare at the screen and hold my breath at every twist in the plot. After watching numerous Tamil and Malayalam films, I’ve noticed that these thrillers possess a quiet intensity that unfolds in the most unexpected ways.
Moving on, the story revolves around a demoted police officer who is investigating a counterfeit jewellery racket. Unbeknownst to him, he becomes entangled in a larger crime that also involves his family and life.
Amidst all this, the actor that I loved the most is Vishak Nair. You’ll hate him whenever he is on the screen, but I think that’s what good acting means – standing true to its meaning.
3. Bramayugam (Malayalam)
Where to watch: SonyLIV
Frankly, not a fan of horror films because they give me nightmares. I know it sounds funny, but truth be told. However, this film kept me hooked until the end, and what a watch – thrilling and intriguing.
Well, the movie is set in a mystical past. As it unfolds, it delves into superstition, folklore, and dark rituals within an ancient household.
With Mammootty in a haunting role, this psychological horror-thriller leaves you spellbound with its stunning cinematography and crisp direction.
If you love horror, you can’t miss this film for sure.
4. Gargi (Tamil)
Where to watch: SonyLIV
I often saw Sai Pallavi trending on X and Instagram and wondered what made her so special. After watching this film, I realised how special this actress is. She is far unique than these glam dolls and her acting is mind-blowing.
Coming to the plot of the film, it is a legal drama that revolves around a middle-class schoolteacher named Gargi. She is fighting a lone battle to prove her father’s innocence, who is accused in a shocking criminal case.
Gargi is a profoundly emotional courtroom drama that questions social stigma and the cost of standing up for the truth. However, the real essence lies in the film’s climax, and I am sure it will shock you, just as it did for me. It was unexpected and made the movie watchable.
Some films make me stop and breathe, and Gargi is one of them. It’s brave, beautiful, and painfully honest. When the credits rolled, I sat in silence, wondering what a masterpiece this is!
Some stories deserve a standing ovation, and this film is one of them. Not to forget, take a bow, Gautham Ramachandran, for directing a heart-wrenching film and also writing it along with Hariharan Raju.
5. Aavesham (Malayalam)
Where to watch: JioHotstar & Prime Video
Fahadh Faasil is undoubtedly my favourite actor, especially after watching the film Vikram.
Literally, Fahadh has carried the entire movie on his shoulders. It has everything – action, attitude, and just the right dose of madness. Sometimes, you want a film to be fun and frolic, and this one understood the assignment.
Moving on to the plot, the film follows the story of a hot-headed local gangster who becomes entangled with a group of mischievous college students. The film is loud, funny, musical and packed with mass moments, sheerly driven by Fahadh Faasil’s quirky performance.
Of course, the boys have done a great job, but Fahadh steals the show, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
6. Thudarum (Malayalam)
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Let me be very honest, I was looking for a film and least expected to watch Thudaram. But good god, I did because this film is a masterpiece. I now understand why people are so enamoured with Mohanlal and literally go gaga about him.
This tender slice-of-life drama explores the beautiful intergenerational relationships, fading traditions, and the subtle push and pull of family bonds in a small town.
This action-thriller keeps you hooked till the end, and the twists keep you guessing – WHAT NEXT! It is quiet, emotional, and beautifully rooted in local culture.
The story revolves around Benz and his love for his black Ambassador Mark 1. He never lets anyone touch his car, but his son takes it for a joyride and crashes. This event infuriates Benz, and he slaps his son.
Benz soon travels to Chennai to attend a funeral, and while returning, he is informed that the police have impounded his car. What follows next is something you must watch for yourself.
Mohanlal is a treat for the eyes, and his intense acting is the main highlight. Additionally, I especially liked the cinematography by Shaji Kumar, who makes every frame enticing.
7. Rekhachithram (Malayalam)
Where to watch: SonyLIV
If you fancy a movie that pulls you in like a maze, then Rekhachithram should be on your watchlist. It seriously kept me guessing, and I love how the story threads tied up in the end. It is a brilliant piece of art.
This suspenseful crime thriller revolves around a police officer who takes charge of a suicide case. Slowly, the investigation leads to the disappearance of a young girl from a filming location. What follows next is an accidental discovery and a murder mystery.
The unfolding of the mystery is the most incredible part, and Jofin T. Chacko directed it very well. No wonder this movie received such positive reviews.
8. Sookshmadarshini (Malayalam)
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Sometimes I pick a movie just for its name, and Sookshmadarshini was a great fit; frankly, it didn’t disappoint. There’s something delicate about how Malayalam films talk about human emotions. A gentle reminder that cinema doesn’t always have to scream to be heard.
The film, a comedy-mystery-thriller, focuses on Priya’s (Nazriya Nazim) perspective, balancing family, work, and the invisible burdens that women silently carry.
Amidst all this, she is an “observer” and her observation helps in unfolding a murder mystery. The premise of the film is simple yet thought-provoking.
Nazriya Nazim is the highlight of this film, and I am damn sure you’ll be shocked just like me when the mystery unfolds.
9. Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)
Where to watch: JioHotstar
I am sure everyone would agree with me that what’s friendship without a bit of chaos? But what if this chaos turns deadly and life-threatening? Undoubtedly, Manjummel Boys is a rush of nostalgia and adventure.
When the film began, it made me miss my gang, our reckless plans, and our growing-up days. But when a cloud of darkness dooms, this friendship can become your biggest saviour.
Based on true events, Manjummel Boys tells the story of a group of friends from Kochi who go on a trip to Kodaikanal. During the excursion, one of them accidentally gets trapped in the Guna Caves, and the real story begins to unfold.
Furthermore, the story weaves a tale of survival, adventure, courage, friendship, and the lengths people go to save one another.
10. Meiyazhagan (Tamil)
Where to watch: Netflix
If you have seen Roja and Bombay, then I assume you must have been in love with Arvind Swamy and his charm at that time. I mean, at least I was! Meiyazhagan forms such a cute ambience that even I was unaware of.
While watching this film, the memories of my rural hometown came rushing back. I felt like going back home. The film weaves the stories of family, tradition, and the unspoken bonds that unite us all.
So, the film narrates a heartwarming rural drama about a young man named Arulmozhi Varman “Arul”. When young, he leaves his hometown vowing never to turn back. However, a cousin’s wedding forces him back to his hometown, and he is torn between his family’s traditional expectations and his modern aspirations.
During the wedding, he meets all his relatives and also an unfamiliar relative. What follows next is the joyride of relationships, roots, and the gentle conflicts that define village life.
Karthi and Arvind Swamy have nailed it in the film. But it’s the direction by C. Prem Kumar that has my heart. Interestingly, he has written it as well, and I must admit, he has done an outstanding job.
11. Neru (Malayalam)
Where to watch: JioHotstar
And finally, one of the best films that stands out in this list of best Tamil and Malayalam movies is Neru. A courtroom drama that made me clench my fists and nod in silent agreement. It reminded me time and again that justice in life doesn’t come easy, but it’s worth hoping for.
This courtroom thriller, directed by Jeethu Joseph, will leave you hooked till the end. It revolves around a visually impaired woman named Sara who seeks justice after being raped.
Due to her impairment, the police are unable to identify the culprit. Soon, she sculpts his face, and the police nab a suspect and then the real battle ensues. The film addresses systemic loopholes, victim shaming, and the determination required to confront powerful wrongdoers.
Priyamani, Mohanlal, and Anaswara Rajan have delivered top-notch performances. Many times, I had goosebumps as the mystery unfolded. Truly, a must-watch.
Over to you…
Well, I have compiled my list of the best Tamil and Malayalam movies. If I have missed anything, then I am yet to watch these movies for sure. I admit that my perception of movies from the South as being overly dramatic and action-packed is undoubtedly wrong, as these movies challenge my perception.
If you’re reading this, let me tell you: if you’re looking for your next great watch, start here. Maybe you’ll find a piece of you, too. Don’t forget to bookmark this list of best Tamil and Malayalam movies and share it with your movie buddies!
