Aadujeevitham seems to be having a good run among cinephiles. This film is slated to be Prithviraj’s career-defining moment. Based on a true story, Blessy’s survival drama Aadujeevitham is a film about a Malayali, thrust into slavery on a Saudi Arabian goat farm. The story entirely focuses on his survival, traumatising him emotionally and physically. If you enjoyed Aadujeevitham, you may also be interested in checking out other Malayalam survival dramas.
Manjummel Boys (2024)
This is one of those survival drams that will be talked about for years to come, after Aadujeevitham. The movie tells the true story of a group of friends who embark on a dangerous mission to rescue one of their own from a deep pit called Guna Caves, from which no one has ever returned. It is a perfect blend of action, emotion, and friendship. The friends’ bond is truly heartwarming, and their determination to save their friend will keep you on the edge of your seat. The emotional impact of the movie is heightened by the inclusion of the song Kanmani Anbodu from the 1991 movie Guna.
2018 (2023)
The Film Federation of India had chosen 2018: Everyone is a Hero as India’s official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. The movie is directed by Jude Anthany Joseph and features Tovino Thomas and some of the finest actors in Malayalam cinema. It revolves around the catastrophic 2018 Kerala floods which caused a significant loss of lives. It also highlights the resilience of humanity in the face of such disasters.
Malayankunju (2022)
As much as we liked Manjummel Boys over Malayankunju for various reasons, we can’t avoid mentioning this movie in this listicle. Malayankunju is a gripping survival thriller that follows the journey of Anikuttan, a young man who finds himself trapped both mentally and physically. In the first half of the movie, Anikuttan is mentally confined by casteism, which presents a challenge that he must overcome. The second half of the movie sees Anikuttan physically confined and trapped under a landslide, which adds to the tension and suspense. The movie explores the theme of claustrophobia, as Anikuttan struggles to fight against the forces that are holding him back.
Helen (2019)
Survival dramas where a solo person tries to survive can get eerie and drive up our anxiety. So, imagine getting trapped inside the freezer of a restaurant joint in a bustling shopping mall. Intense, right? That’s exactly what happens to Helen, played by the talented Anna Ben. As she fights for survival, her father goes on a desperate mission to find her. This movie perfectly captures the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that comes with fighting for your life. You won’t be able to look away from the screen as you experience every moment of their struggle.
Virus (2019)
In Kerala’s Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, a series of deaths had medical practitioners on edge. And it turns out that the outbreak was caused by a deadly virus named Nipah. But despite the challenge, the medical professionals, health officials, and the people of these districts came together to tackle the virus head-on. Though it was certainly no easy task, the doctors and emergency personnel were up to the challenge, with many lives in their hands. The story of Virus is based on true events and highlights the incredible resilience of the doctors from Kerala who fought the disease tactically, saving many lives in the process.
Also Read: 8 Malayalam Movies Based On Real-Life Stories
Neerali (2018)
Survival dramas usually work at the box office, but this particular movie was not well-received. Neerali follows the journey of Sunny, a Gemologist based in Bangalore, who receives news that his pregnant wife has been admitted to a hospital in Kozhikode. Determined to be by her side during this joyous occasion, Sunny sets out for Kozhikode with Veerappa, a familiar acquaintance who happens to be heading in the same direction. However, their plans take a drastic turn when their vehicle is involved in a devastating accident, leaving both Sunny and Veerappa injured and stranded with the vehicle hanging precariously on a cliff. As Sunny grapples with the dire situation, the film unfolds to depict his relentless struggle for survival amidst overwhelming odds.
Take Off (2017)
This film bagged National and State awards! The movie marked the directorial debut of Mahesh Narayanan, who was then known as a renowned film editor. Take-off portrays the true story of the Indian nurses who found themselves caught in the middle of the conflict between the Iraqi government forces and ISIS. Through the character of Sameera, played by Parvathy, the film offers a gripping account of the ordeal endured by these brave women.
Khaddama (2011)
The film, titled in a colloquial version of the Arabic word Khadima, which translates to servant, takes audiences on a captivating journey through the lives of immigrants in the Persian Gulf region. Through the eyes of a housemaid in Saudi Arabia, viewers are introduced to the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of those who leave their homes to work abroad. The story is based on a feature written by K. U. Iqbal, which was published in Bhashaposhini. Iqbal’s feature depicts the real-life incidents of a Kerala-born housemaid in Arabia, making for a poignant and thought-provoking tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Aadujeevitham is almost a similar account but with a different experience.
So, if you’re itching for more thrilling, survival dramas and touching human stories, why not explore the list we’ve suggested? You’ll most probably find a bunch of survival-themed movies waiting to be discovered.
