Hey guys! Welcome to this episode of Black Mirror. Okay, no, but it sure feels like it doesn’t it? This virus called Corona is spreading like wildfire and I am pretty sure that during this week I have heard the word ‘Corona’ more than my own name, partly because it has impacted humanity regardless of class, religion or gender, and partly because the country is in lockdown and I haven’t seen the fourth face in a really long time. Now don’t tell me that it has only been four days cause lately time has been moving like a snail. It is definitely getting harder and harder for us to remain with a sane mind in this period of isolation, but it is the most effective way in front of us. We should, without fail, abide by what the government says and should stay inside for us, our elders and also for all our fellow citizens (I’m looking at police officers, medical workers, shopkeepers, volunteers and administrators, you superheroes!) who are working tirelessly to lift us out of Corona’s grasp.
So, some motivation is due. And what better motivation to stay inside than Malayalam cinema?
We have an amazing repertoire of movies to our credit – ones that make us laugh, cry and love. So here are 17 Malayalam movies for you to watch during the 17 remaining days of this lockdown. Hey, we made it to day 4. Day 21 is going to be a cake-walk! So without further ado:
Virus
Okay, this one is an easy guess. Let’s be honest, many of us might have thought about this movie when the situation started to turn for Kerala. The movie is based on Kerala’s fight against the deadly virus Nipah. An empowering fact is that the people on whom the characters were based on are fighting Corona too. So, by all means, this too shall pass!
You can watch it on: Amazon Prime
Thoovanathumbikal
For all the subsequent cult movies listed here, I’ll also list a keyword or phrase that is synonymous with the title of the movie. Given that, the keyword here can only be ‘Clara’. This movie is Mohanlal in his finest form. A masterpiece from late director Padmarajan, the movie has a dedicated fan following. It is one of those movies that feel so close to home and is concerned with the nuances of human nature.
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Niram
The keyword here is “Shukriya“! This movie starring the iconic pair Kunchacko Boban and Shalini is one among those movies that us Malayalis watch on repeat. This Kamal movie takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as Aby and Sona cross the border between friendship and love.
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Varane Avashyamund
This relatively recent movie has a lot of specialities. It was directed by Anoop Sathyan, son of renowned director Sathyan Anthikad. It is also the debut film of director Priyadarshan’s daughter Kalyani, who has delivered a pretty good performance. It also marks the comeback of actors Suresh Gopi and Shobhana after a long time. This one is a feel-good movie and it is sure to gift you with many laugh-worthy moments while delving into the interrelationships of a group of neighbours.
Kumbalangi Nights
“Shammi hero ada hero!’”
This movie has so many little things combined together brilliantly. It portrays the intricate relationship between four brothers, love, depression, domestic abuse, sexism, class, nature and a lot more. There is a certain ‘freshness’ that the film exudes and this transports you virtually to Kumbalangi. Don’t miss this amazing film directed by Madhu C. Narayanan.
You can watch it on: Amazon Prime
Summer in Bethlehem
“Aithu cousins nalli aravathu obru maduve madikkondare thathanthu personal asthiyellam ninakke sikkidare!’”
Guys, before the internet era, I remember my friends and I try to break down this dialogue many times. As we got older, we understood that it just took some common sense! But another question that haunts us all even today is this – who the hell sent that kitten?!
So what are you waiting for? Give this classic another watch to answer this question. This movie makes us laugh AND cry ( particularly that one song Oru Raathri Koodi ). The cast includes Manju Warrier, Suresh Gopi, Jayaram and many others. Who can forget Niranjan, played by our own Mohanlal?!
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
June
Rajisha Vijayan is the star of this movie as she plays June, whose growth from a school-going-kid to an independent lady is depicted beautifully in the movie. Director Ahammed Khabeer has filled the movie with many moments that are sure to get those butterflies in your stomach going. Moreover, the music and the accompanying lyrics are so heart-warming, that it reminds you of all your bygone crushes!
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Maheshinte Prathikaram
“Chin up, Chin down, Chin podikku up, Eyes open, Ready!’”
This masterpiece from director Dileesh Pothan narrates the story of a typical Idukkikaran, Mahesh Bhavana. Fahadh Faasil has fitted to the role with great ease and has delivered another brilliant performance. The movie is filled with some amazing visuals of Idukki and is sure to get your heart swooning over the place.
Manichithrathazhu
“Naan thaan Nagavalli“
I don’t think mere words can encompass what this movie is to Malayalis. It is Shobhana in her finest. A psychological thriller, the movie also has some amazingly funny moments (aara ithu! Varyampaliley Meenakshi alle! Entha mole scooterilu? (Yea that’s right, Kattuparamban used ‘Entha moloose’ before it became popular). Cast includes Mohanlal playing the iconic Dr. Sunny and Suresh Gopi playing Nakulan. Not revealing any more. Just sit down and watch the movie!
Minnaram
“Mala! Mala! Kunjinte peru Mala! “
Mala alleda Kunnu!’
This movie is guaranteed to make you cry. It is directed by Priyadarshan and is filled with brilliant comedy, but as the movie approaches its end, the mood completely shifts. This is another movie starring Shobhana and Mohanlal and is among the favourites among Malayalam movie watchers. Go on, cry in a corner singing ‘Lilli Pappa Lolli‘.
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Vettam
“Ee 1450 roopa 50 paisa undenkil ethra kutti puttu adikam!’”
This is another Priyadarshan movie and it is all laughs till the end. Coincidentally, this movie too revolves around yet another ‘Maala’. Starring Dileep, Bhavna Pani and Kalabhavan Mani in lead roles, the movie is laced with comedy as a group of weirdly complex characters come together for a wedding in Mysore. It is loosely based on the movie French Kiss.
Kilukkam
“Angamalyle ammavan aranna paranje?’”
Kilukkam is yet another comedy film by Priyadarshan. Actress Revathy steals the show in this one. Joji, played by Mohanlal, is a tour guide, who gets entangled in Nandini’s pursuit for her father. Jagathy Sreekumar, who plays the role of Nischal, makes the film wholesome with his amazing comic timing.
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Godfather
“Anjooranonanonano…” ah never mind!
The protagonist’s name is a tongue twister in itself. What matters is that he hates women! And therefore forbids all of his sons from marrying. Also, there is a rivalry between his family and Anappara family, which is headed by Anappara Achamma (panineer thali aane!). Directed by the famous Siddique-Lal combo, this movie will make you laugh as Ramabhadran (Mukesh), Anjooran’s youngest son, tries to change the regressive thoughts of his father.
Thanneer Mathan Dinangal
This debut movie of director Girish A. D. has some amazing young actors. The movie is about the romance that buds in the mind of a student called Jaison, and the psycho character Ravi Mashu played by none other than Vineeth Srinivasan. Moreover, the film also possesses a handful of fresh songs.
In Harihar Nagar
“Ekandhachandhrikeee…”
In Harihar Nagar is yet another comedy by the Siddique-Lal combo. The movie has 2 sequels. The plot centres around four youngsters – Govindankutty, Appukuttan, Thomaskutty and Mahadevan, played by Siddique, Jagadish, Ashokan and Mukesh respectively. The highlight for me in this movie is the character of Appukuttan, who will have you laughing till your stomach hurts.
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Sandesham
“Polandine patti oraksharam mindaruthu!’”
This movie stars none other than Sreenivasan, whose value in the Malayalam Film Industry is inexplicable. Sandesham is based on Sreenivasan’s story. He plays a brother to Jayaram’s Prakashan. Both brothers have conflicting political sympathies and this adds to the headache of their father (Thilakan) who is concerned about their future. Nevertheless, this conflict gifts us with many funny moments. The movie is directed by Sathyan Anthikad.
You can watch it on: Hotstar (Free)
Nadodikattu
“CID ! Escape!’”
Well, I have saved the best one for last. What list is complete without the Mohanlal-Sreenivasan duo of Dasan and Vijayan that went on to have 2 sequels? The movie directed by Sathyan Anthikad is about two youngsters who try their luck to be successful in life. Subsequently, the role of ‘detectives’ is awkwardly thrust upon them. What ensues is a list of funny incidents and coincidences that work in the favour of our duo. Let us not forget the immortal roles of Pavanayi and Ananthan Nambiar.
Yes, yes, I know, most of the movies listed here fall under the genre of comedy. But let us not forget where we are in history right now. It becomes important, now more than ever, to reassure each other of life and empower each other to overcome this situation. So, let us spread a little laughter and a little love for these 21 days, and repeat.
We shall overcome!
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