My Top 5 Malayalam Movies of 2025
Well, usually you’d expect this well before the year ends, right? Quite honestly, I was too lazy to write. But then again, here I am, challenging myself to do the things that make me happy. Anyway, I used to love watching movies. Somewhere along the way, I stopped. I became lazy, my attention span took a massive hit, and I forgot how to sit still without checking my phone every five minutes. So, one of my resolutions is to watch more movies, especially from my ever-growing watchlist. And here I begin, armed with optimism, contentment, and absolutely no guarantee that I’ll stick to this resolution beyond January.
Let’s kickstart this year by discussing the Top 5 Malayalam movies of 2025 that I absolutely loved.
#5 — Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
I apologise if I made your eyebrows rise by placing this movie at number 5. When the trailer of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra came out, people knew they were in for a show. But what followed was a historic success that no one saw coming.
The Dominic Arun directorial venture was not only the first film to cross the ₹300 crore mark at the box office, but also one of the best Indian movies of 2025. Plot-wise, the movie loses a bit of steam in the second half, but Lokah Chapter 1 did its job of establishing an exciting cinematic universe exceptionally well.
With quality filmmaking, perfect use of Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, technical brilliance, and a powerful background score by Jakes Bejoy, Lokah is indeed a great movie. However, the key takeaway from this film is that we don’t have to dive deep into Western ideas to bring innovation to our movies. All we need to do is look within our own myths and ideas.
Well, growing up terrified of watching Kadamuttath Kathanar and Kaliyangattu Neeli, I didn’t see this coming at all.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Letterboxd rating: 3.7/5
#4 — ekō
It took me a second and third watch to truly understand the brilliance of ekō. The beauty of the movie lies in the mystery that lingers till the very end, carried through its visuals, characters, and dialogues.
Blink, and you’ll walk out of this movie with a few unanswered questions. But if you watch it with your eyes wide open, you’ll be awestruck by the end. The dialogues and minute details drive the film steadily to its final point.
Bahul Ramesh, with both his camera eye and writer’s hat, continues to prove how prolific he is. Dinjith Ayyathan is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting names in the industry.
Biana Momin as “Mlaathi Chettathi” absolutely hits it out of the park with a calculated yet powerful performance. And Sandeep Pradeep gets another opportunity to showcase just how immensely talented he is.
Where to watch: Netflix
Letterboxd rating: 3.8/5
#3 — Ronth
One of the major reasons Ronth will keep you rooted to your seat is the performances. Dileesh Pothan delivers one of the finest performances of the year, alongside Roshan Matthew, who does an equally impressive job.
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The dynamic between the veteran and the rookie is never over the top as it feels realistic, humane, and messy. Shahi Kabir continues to deliver gripping cop dramas, and this one certainly belongs at the top.
With a strong screenplay, powerful performances, and an unsettling ending, Ronth is a deeply humanised portrayal of police officers.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Letterboxd rating: 3.4/5
#2 — Feminichi Fathima
There’s a sequence in this movie where the main male character goes to the kitchen and has no idea how to open a pressure cooker. It’s hilarious, but also a sharp dig at patriarchy. Feminichi Fathima is a beautiful movie. In fact, one of the finest and most genuine rebellious films you can watch.
The movie isn’t a loud protest against a woman’s hardships in a patriarchal household. Instead, it’s a gentle, gradual journey towards independence of a Muslim woman who has grown tired of the way she’s treated in her own home.
The film is deeply political, and it aims at — and lands — a few clever blows at a community that has yet to fully see the light. Shamla Hamza’s portrayal of Fathima is one of the most beautiful performances I’ve seen this year.
With its refusal to spoon-feed or act as a message-bearer, Feminichi Fathima is a movie that can truly open some eyes.
Where to watch: ManoramaMAX
Letterboxd rating: 3.6/5
#1 — Ponman
I love well-written movies, and that’s exactly why I love Ponman. Based on the novel Naalanchu Cheruppakar by G. R. Indugopan (no, I haven’t read it yet), the cinematic adaptation is a gripping tale of an imperfect society and flawed characters.
P. P. Ajesh, portrayed by Basil Joseph, is not only his best performance to date, but also one of the best-written characters in recent memory. The film doesn’t present him as a David against the Goliath of Sajin Gopu’s character. Instead, the narrative focuses on Ajesh’s relentless perseverance and his willingness to go to extremes to get things done.
The movie doesn’t portray anyone as a clear-cut hero or villain. Instead, it humanises its characters, grounding them in motives they believe are right. This dark comedy thriller is an underrated gem and is one of — if not the — best films of 2025.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Letterboxd rating: 3.7/5
So, those are my picks for the Top 5 Malayalam movies of 2025. I did think about writing a Top 10, but again, I’m too lazy.
That said, I’ll be watching more movies across different languages and will be back with more movie-themed writing. I’m a bit disappointed with myself for not watching enough movies last year, but I’m equally proud of not watching Bha Bha Ba (pukes).
Anyway, see you soon!
Disclaimer:
This list is 100% personal, highly subjective, and emotionally driven. If your Top 5 looks nothing like mine, congratulations! We’re both doing cinema right.
