after that height malayalam cinema Hitting in 2024, the year after that may seem relatively quiet. But the industry continued its habit of releasing at least one thriller every month, which raised the bar in some way or the other. Even given the abundance of some below-average work, these handful of films kept the industry in good shape commercially and artistically.
In 2025, the industry crossed the ₹300 crore mark for the first time, not with some high-octane film, but Lokah Chapter 1: MoonA modern version of a familiar folktale. Many new filmmakers made their mark in the industry, while superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty Gave such performances which refreshed the memories of their glorious days.
This was also the year in which Malayalam mainstream cinema received greater scrutiny from the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Censorship spree begins with what producers call “voluntary cuts” of Mohanlal starrer L2: MPuranaAfter sustained right-wing backlash. The film contained 24 “voluntary cuts” totaling 2.08 minutes. Although the film eventually became one of the highest-grossing films of the industry with a gross of over ₹260 crore, it seems that more films have come under scrutiny due to this controversy.
am following MPuraan Controversy, CBFC made demands from the producers of the film JSK – Janaki vs State of KeralaThe title and name of the hero of the film starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi have been changed. The film was released only after the character’s name was changed to ‘Janaki V’.
The next film to be targeted by the censors was the film starring Shane Nigam. ConditionThe CBFC demanded that its producers remove several scenes from the film, including a scene in which the characters are seen eating beef biryani,
Here are the ten best movies of 2025 with a few special mentions:
Poneman
Basil Joseph in ‘Poneman’ Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This is the first directorial debut of acclaimed art director Jyotish Shankar Poneman Another film with a progressive message against the unhealthy obsession with dowry and gold could have easily been made. But instead we get an entertaining, non-judgmental study of characters, most of whom are victims of social malaise.
Tulsi Joseph Digging deep into his reservoir of emotions to deliver a brilliant performance, especially in a role that is not even close to his comfort zone. His anger inside a dirty lodge room is one of the best moments of the year in Malayalam cinema this year. Lijomol Jose also performed well.
echo
A scene from ‘Eko’ Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Screenwriter Bahlul Ramesh’s ‘Animal Trilogy’ was not pre-planned for the market. It evolved naturally from mystery-thriller, kishkindha kaandam, For web-series kerala crime files 2,and then to echoEach has its own unique touch. In the company of filmmaker Dinjith Ayyathan, Bahlul has turned out absolute winners in consecutive years now. echo‘The Beating Heart’ is its shape-shifting script, with cards revealed one by one at clever intervals.
The film spans multiple time periods and geographies, from the World War II era to the period of migration of Malayali people to countries such as Malaysia and Singapore to the recent past. Its world is one of dog breeders who go to any lengths to develop exotic breeds, and of old and resilient humans like Malathi (Biana Momin) as well as trusted helpers like Payus (Sandeep Pradeep) and mysterious figures like Kuriyachan. echo It proved to be a solid mystery thriller, with animals playing almost as many roles as humans. After his breakout role in PadakkalamSandeep Pradeep was used echo To signal that he is ready for bigger things.
Lokah Chapter 1: Moon
A scene from ‘Lok: Chapter 1: Moon’. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For a long time, Malayalam cinema has derived its content from its rich folklore. But director Dominic Arun, in the company of co-writer Santhi Balachandran, uses a familiar folk tale to turn its original ideas on their head and rewrite many of the stereotypes. Lokah Chapter 1: MoonIn one of the best uses of intercuts in a Malayalam film in recent years, we get a glimpse into Chandra’s past around the mid-point, which makes all the world-weariness evident on his face,
This becomes a moment of excitement for Malayalees, who have grown up with that particular folkloric character, and it all maps to Chandra in neon-lit Bengaluru. Lokah It became one of the most technically accomplished films in the industry. The fact that its scale was achieved on a relatively low budget makes it even more special. It remains to be seen what the makers will do with the franchise that gave Indian cinema its first female superhero.
Alappuzha Gymkhana
A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Khalid Rehman, one of the most outstanding filmmakers of his generation, avoids the constraints of the genre when making a sports film, especially one that revolves around boxing. Alappuzha GymkhanaWith plenty of humor, he delivers a relatable story that strikes a chord with those who aren’t ready to win, The gang of Neslen, Anagha Ravi, rapper Baby Jean, Ganapathi, Sandeep Pradeep, Franco Francis and Shiva Hariharan runs riot with it, Vishnu Vijay, who provided his share of the magic thalumaalahas created songs that go well with the mood of boxing training and matches. Editor Nishad Yusuf, who died in his youth, has become one last memory.
Feminichi Fatima
A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In Faasil Mohammed’s directorial debut, a film that pulsates with the quiet, dignified anger of a long-suffering woman, a mere mattress becomes a symbol of her rebellion. Just like the title of the movie,Feminichi Fatima, Effectively deconstructing a slur used against feminists, the film turns the protagonist’s demand for a new mattress into a chapter on feminism in everyday life. Faasil uses sharp wit to poke fun at conservative clerics who impose their will on women. The film depicts the rural life of Ponnani with a spirit that can only be achieved by a person who truly understands the spirit of the place. Shamla Hamza’s heart-touching performance makes this a truly memorable film.
Victoria
A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Shivaranjini J’s debut film, set almost entirely inside a small-town beauty parlor Victoria It depicts the inner turmoil of a beautician who is torn between the mental and physical trauma inflicted by her conservative parents due to her interfaith love affair and the non-committal nature of her lover.
The film continually shifts its focus from its internal turmoil to its ethnographic portrayal of this modest beauty parlor, and onto the personal stories of the women who come forward. But even without a traditional narrative arc, it remains tight and engaging throughout, partly due to the heartfelt performances, especially that of lead actor Meenakshi Jayan.
avihitham
a scene from the movie
The story of Senna Hegde begins with a rumor about a small village and an unknown woman. avihithamBecause he creates a keenly observed piece of cinema that inculcates the keen and critical eyes and ears present in every community. after a misfire PadminiHegde returned to his ‘Made in Kanhangad’ brand of cinema – a label he created for his films set in Kanhangad – to craft a film as organic as possible. With a set of lesser-known actors and using a story that at first glance seems adequate for a short film, he weaves a humorous and engaging tale.
Ronth
A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In RonthWhich revolves around the night patrol duty of two policemen, Shahi Kabir avoids the traditional police procedural route and chooses a narrative with an episodic structure. Over the course of a night, we see the two wandering around a small town, intervening in a series of relatively trivial issues.
These short episodes give us fascinating insights into the nature of their duty, while also giving us a glimpse into the inner lives of these two men, played charmingly by Dileesh Pothan. Roshan MathewOne mistake, perhaps, is in the climax sequence, where the author was faced with a difficult situation and chose the easier path,
Thadavu
A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Fazil Razak’s heroine Geeta Thadavu, There seems to be no breaking point. In the short span of the 51-year-old woman’s life that we see in the film, she is thrown into one crisis after another, each more serious than the last, making it almost impossible for her to recover from them. But, for a woman scarred by two failed marriages and several unfortunate incidents, including being blamed for the death of a child through no fault of her own, there was no question of giving up. Yet, Fazil does not portray Geeta in an entirely positive light, but rather gives us a more honest, well-rounded portrayal of the hero. Thadavu It’s not an easy watch, but rewarding nonetheless.
ira dies
A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Different past tenseWhich operates more in the realm of unseen horrors and also leaves open the possibility of rational explanation, Rahul Sadasivan’s ira dies It’s more in your face in its depiction of the supernatural. The horror elements here are tangible and visible. Still, this in no way diminishes the expected impact of the film. Rather, through intelligent staging and a seamless blending of the sound, visuals, editing and music departments, it provides some highly satisfying dramatic moments.
Special mention – diagram(for using alternative history to write a love letter to old Malayalam cinema), Kalamkaval(for Mammootty’s performance), Thudaram(for Mohanlal’s performance), ithiri neram (for its mood-setting and conversation), moonwalk(For a heartfelt tribute to the breakdancing subculture and Michael Jackson)
