As 2025 draws to a close, the Malayalam film industry reflects on a year of significant milestones and artistic triumphs, despite a noticeable dip in the volume of phenomenal hits compared to the previous year. The industry celebrated its entry into the coveted Rs 300 crore club at the box office and made a strong showing at the 71st National Film Awards. Veteran actor Mohanlal was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while performers like Vijayaraghavan and Urvashi won acting trophies. Films such as Ullozhukku and Pookkaalam also secured major wins.
A Year of Contrasts and Breakthroughs
While 2025 lacked the barrage of mainstream blockbusters and out-of-the-box successes like 2024's Manjummel Boys, Aavesham, and Premalu, it was a year where smaller, less ambitious narratives captured audience affection. This trend reaffirmed that scale is not a definitive measure of quality. However, the year also showcased the spectacular potential of grand vision when backed by substantial resources, as evidenced by one major release.
From technically brilliant debuts to powerful social commentaries, the year offered a diverse cinematic palette. SCREEN has curated a list of the ten best Malayalam films released in theatres and on OTT platforms in 2025. The following selection is presented in the chronological order of their release, not by ranking.
The Standout Films of 2025
Ponman: Jothish Shankar's directorial debut is a technically masterful film set along the coast of Kollam. It powerfully exposes the persistent scourge of the dowry system and the dangerous networks that profit from it. The movie shines a light on the precarious lives of last-mile workers entangled in these illegal activities. Basil Joseph delivers one of the year's most exceptional performances, elevating this compelling social drama.
Thadavu: This introspective film poses profound questions about the nature of freedom. It centers on a woman who perceives life in the external world as an unjust sentence. A remarkable exercise in character creation free from directorial bias, Thadavu finds beauty and impact in ordinary moments. The film earned Beena R Chandran the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, while Fazil Razak won for Best Debut Director.
Moonwalk: Vinod AK's heartwarming directorial debut is a loving tribute to Michael Jackson. Set in late-1980s Thiruvananthapuram, it follows a group of teenage friends battling poverty to pursue their dream of becoming great dancers. Vinod narrates this simple, endearing story with genuine impact, avoiding unnecessary commercial subplots and superficiality.
Pattth: Jithin Issac Thomas's wildly unconventional film is a genre-bending gem exploring basic human politics and needs. Styled as a documentary that traces the origins of a song, it occasionally dips into mockumentary. Pattth represents a bold departure from the director's earlier works and stands out for its innovative narrative and visual experimentation.
Ronth: Shahi Kabir's slow-burning police procedural thriller is a masterclass in tension. It unfolds through the interactions of two cops with a clear power imbalance during a night patrol. A redeeming effort from Kabir, the film's greatest strength is Dileesh Pothan's career-best performance. While some of the writer's familiar tropes remain, Ronth displays a newfound empathy.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra: Director Dominic Arun's film is arguably one of India's finest superhero productions. At a time when big-budget spectacles are failing, Lokah soars on the strength of a solid script rooted in Kerala folklore. It brilliantly reimagines the myth of Kalliyankattu Neeli as a saviour of the marginalised, delivering a powerful blow to cinema that glorifies elitism.
Avihitham: Senna Hegde's black comedy offers a satirical take on the hollowness of the 'Bro Code' and how intrusive rural communities can latch onto individuals like parasites. Expanding on themes explored in films like Varathan, it illustrates how threats often originate from within domestic spaces. The film's smart writing and hilarious performances are its core strengths.
Feminichi Fathima: Fasil Muhammed's debut feature is a powerful companion piece to The Great Indian Kitchen. It splendidly depicts how religious and family institutions thrive on female subservience. The film is a bloodless revolution and a layman-friendly definition of feminism, notably avoiding any hint of Islamophobia. Shamla Hamza's Kerala State Award-winning performance is its biggest draw.
Dies Irae: Rahul Sadasivan's extraordinary horror film demonstrates his visionary filmmaking. Fear is generated through a masterful blend of cinematic elements rather than cheap jump scares. The film features Pranav Mohanlal's career-best performance, particularly in physically demanding scenes. Exquisite production design by Jothish Shankar and Christo Xavier's haunting music elevate the experience.
Eko: The director-writer duo Dinjith Ayyathan and Bahul Ramesh deliver a spectacularly conceived film. It analyses, politicises, and problematises the concept of "protection" in a deeply engaging manner. Eko also serves as a potent showcase for Sandeep Pradeep, who proves he might be the most talented actor of his generation in Malayalam cinema.
Honourable Mentions and Lasting Impact
The year also saw other noteworthy films like Rekhachithram, Thudarum, and Victoria, which deserve recognition. While 2025 may not have matched 2024's commercial frenzy, it solidified Malayalam cinema's reputation for storytelling depth, technical finesse, and the courage to explore diverse, challenging themes. The success of both intimate stories and grand visions like Lokah points to a healthy, evolving industry poised for an exciting future.
