If you thought 2024 was peak cinema, 2025 just walked in and said, “Hold my chai.”
This wasn’t just another year for Mollywood; it was a revolution. We saw the industry shatter the ₹300 Crore ceiling, we watched our favorite superstars return to form, and we witnessed a new generation of actors proving they are ready to lead the charge.
From high-octane superhero sagas to quiet, haunting thrillers that keep you awake at night, the variety this year has been staggering. But with dozens of releases flooding the theaters and OTT platforms, which ones are actually worth your time?
We’ve crunched the box office numbers, analyzed the critical reviews, and gauged the audience hype. Here is your ultimate guide to the Best Malayalam Movies of 2025—ranked and reviewed.
(Note: To avoid copyright strikes, we recommend watching the official trailers embedded below!)
1. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
The Verdict: The Game Changer
Genre: Superhero / Fantasy
Starring: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar
Mollywood has flirted with the superhero genre before, but Lokah married it. Breaking the ₹300 Crore mark, this film proved that Kerala can produce VFX-heavy spectacles that rival international standards without losing its soul.
Why It Works:
Instead of copying the Hollywood formula, Lokah rooted its story in local mythology and raw human emotion. Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers a powerhouse performance, carrying the weight of a massive franchise with grace. It’s not just about saving the world; it’s about saving oneself.
Watch For: The interval block sequence—it is arguably the best visual treat in Malayalam cinema history.
2. L2: Empuraan
The Verdict: The King Returns
Genre: Political Action Thriller
Starring: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier
The hype was unreal, and somehow, the movie exceeded it. The sequel to Lucifer took Stephen Nedumpally (Khureshi Ab’raam) global. Prithviraj’s direction is slick, stylish, and unapologetically massive.
The Analysis:
While Lucifer was about local politics, Empuraan is an international crime saga. It answers the burning questions from the first part while setting up a terrifyingly high-stakes finale. It is fan service done right—slow-motion walks, punchy dialogues, and a BGM that rattles your bones.
Best Moment: The reveal of the “Russian Connection.”
3. Thudarum
The Verdict: The Emotional Rollercoaster
Genre: Family Drama / Thriller
Starring: Mohanlal, Arjun Ashokan
If Empuraan gave us the “Don” Mohanlal, Thudarum gave us the “Actor” Mohanlal. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, this film stripped away the superstardom to tell the story of a taxi driver fighting a system that is rigged against him.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It is a masterclass in building tension through ordinary situations. You won’t find flying cars here, but the suspense of a common man trying to protect his family hits harder than any explosion. It’s gritty, real, and will leave you in tears.
4. Rekhachithram
The Verdict: The Brain Teaser
Genre: Investigative Thriller
Starring: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan
Asif Ali continues his streak of selecting brilliant scripts. Rekhachithram is a police procedural that respects the audience’s intelligence.
The Plot Hook:
A cold case is reopened when a sketch artist notices a peculiar detail in an old drawing. What follows is a dark, twisting rabbit hole into the human psyche. There are no unnecessary songs or fight scenes—just pure, cold investigation.
Critic’s Note: The screenplay is tighter than a drum. If you loved Drishyam or Por Thozhil, this is your next obsession.
5. Alappuzha Gymkhana
The Verdict: The Feel-Good Hit
Genre: Sports Drama / Comedy
Starring: Naslen, Lukman Avaran
Naslen is quickly becoming the most reliable young star in the industry. Set against the backdrop of local boxing clubs in Alappuzha, this film isn’t just about fighting—it’s about identity, friendship, and the hilarity of growing up.
Why Watch:
It perfectly balances the adrenaline of the boxing ring with the signature humor of Khalid Rahman’s direction. It’s charming, energetic, and leaves you with a massive smile.
6. Ponman
The Verdict: The Satire King
Genre: Comedy / Satire
Starring: Basil Joseph, Deepak Parambol
You can always count on Basil Joseph to bring something unique. Ponman is a sharp, biting satire on modern Kerala society, wrapped in the guise of a slapstick comedy.
The Analysis:
It laughs at the system, the bureaucracy, and even the audience. It’s smart cinema disguised as popcorn entertainment. Don’t let the colorful posters fool you; the writing here is incredibly sharp.
7. Eko
The Verdict: The Hidden Gem
Genre: Mystery / Psychological Thriller
Starring: Sandeep Pradeep, Sim Zhi Fei
A movie that flew under the radar for many but exploded on OTT. Featuring Malaysian actress Sim Zhi Fei, Eko is a hauntingly beautiful story about past secrets resurfacing to haunt the present.
Why It’s Special:
The cinematography is world-class, turning the landscapes of Kerala into a character of their own. It’s slow-burn, atmospheric, and deeply disturbing.
Final Thoughts: What 2025 Taught Us
The year 2025 proved one thing: Content is King.
While big stars like Mohanlal and Prithviraj delivered massive numbers, the success of smaller films like Alappuzha Gymkhana and Eko shows that the Malayali audience is hungry for fresh stories. The “Pan-Indian” dream is no longer a dream—it’s our reality.
Which movie was your favorite this year? Did we miss a hidden gem? Let us know in the comments below!