Malayalam cinema is a treasure trove of feel-good movies. From romance to comedy, thriller to drama, and everything in between, there’s a Malayalam movie that’ll suit your mood. The soul of Malayalam cinema has always been the story. The beautiful landscapes, in-depth character sketches, and simple yet powerful on-screen portrayals add up to the creation of a complete cinema. Here’s a list of 15 feel-good Malayalam movies that you should watch at least once in your life.
1. Charlie (2015)
Charlie is a Malayalam movie directed by Martin Prakkat and Unni R, starring Dalquer Salmaan and Parvathy Thiruvothu. Charlie’s tale revolves around a free-spirited young man named Charlie (Dalquer Salmaan) and a sensitive graphic artist Tessa (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and how their lives get entwined. It’s a love story with a very fresh perspective and there are interesting plot twists to look forward to.
Charlie has its fair share of emotions and drama. Writer-director Martin Prakkat & Unni R have effectively put together the emotional elements along with technical nuances. Audiences have praised the movie for its unique visuals of unknown parts of Kerala and its uncluttered storytelling that makes you connect with the protagonist’s journey.
Watch it on: Prime Video
2. Memories(III) (2013)
Memories (III) (2013) is a movie directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Radhakrishan Dev under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sreejith Ravi, Vijayaraghavan, and Suresh Krishna in the lead roles. The film revolves around an ex-cop, Sam Alex, who is forced to investigate a series of murders that follow a pattern.
This film received cult status and is regarded as one of the best Malayalam movies for its intellectual entertainment value. Because of its popularity, this movie was remade in Telugu as Nenu Mele(2015) starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Yami Gautam, and in Kannada as Prema(2016) starring Darshan Kale and Shivarajkumar.
It may not be your usual goodie-goodie movie, but it definitely talks about some deep and beautiful areas that a human mind wanders off to. Do give it a shot for a wholesome, edge-of-the-seat entertainment
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
3. Ustad Hotel (2012)
Ustad Hotel is a 2012 Malayalam movie directed by Anwar Rasheed, starring Dulquer Salmaan, Thilakan, Siddique, and Nithya Menen.
The movie is a comedy-drama revolving around the protagonist Faisi Kochummaa, an aspiring hotelier from Kochi. Faisi is forced to assist his grandfather in a small restaurant as part of his community service. As a result of this experience, this whole perspective on, life is changed. The film was nominated National Film Award for Best Popular Film, among others. The heartwarming story, the engaging conversations and slice-of-life moments make Ustad Hotel a perfect entry to our “feel-good Malayalam movies list”!
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
4. North 24 Kaatham (2013)
North 24 Kaatham is an action, comedy, and drama movie directed by Anil Radhakrishan Menon and stars Fahadh Faasil, Nedumudi Venu, Swathi Reddy, and Sreenath Bhasi. It follows the story of Hari, an obsessive-compulsive neat-freak software engineer who’s arrogant, finicky, unfriendly and nobody likes him.
Hari, while on a train journey, happens to get entwined in an event and is forced to take a detour along with two strangers. The plot is just as intriguing as the stunning landscapes and engaging narration.
North 24 Kaatham has been lauded for its engaging storyline and brilliant performances. It has won the Best film award in the 8th Enam Film Programeed Awards and the Best Director in the 9th Malayalam Film Critics Awards and Fahadh Faasil bagged the best Actor award for this movie. The movie has also received critical acclaim for its powerful message on embracing life’s uncertainties and imperfections.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
5. Annayum Rasoolum (2013)
Annayum Rasoolum is a romantic movie directed by Rajeev Ravi and written by Santhosh Echikkanam. It is regarded as one of the best Malayalam movies in this genre. The film follows the star-crossed romance between an orthodox Muslim taxi driver, Rasoolan, and a Latin Christian, Anna, set in Kerala’s Vypin islands.
The movie is vastly loved for its natural and raw portrayal of the characters without any fabricated coating. Annayum Rasoolum has a refreshing take on a love story laced with religious challenges. Whether you’re a movie buff, or you just want to watch some feel-good Malayalam movie with your date, you must consider adding this one to your list!
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
6. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Kumbalangi Nights is a story that revolves around the lives of four brothers and their love-hate relationship. Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nijam, Nazriya Nazim, Syam Pushkaran, and Dileesh Pothan…when you get an assimilation of such a wonderful cast, you know you can expect something great!
Kumbalangi Nights is not just a sweet family comedy-drama movie but it also has a subtle social message. The film touches upon the lives of farmers and fishermen in a village while treating it with dark humour segments. Watch it for the story, the beautiful cinematography, and the great music!
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
7. Maheshinte Prathikaram (2016)
If you’re searching for a feel-good movie that will make you laugh and cry, consider watching Maheshinte Prathikaram. It is a story of love and friendship that comes to life on the silver screen with its tight narrative, brilliant characterisation, and catchy songs. The power-packed performances by Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, and Soubin Shahir are just the icing on the cake!
Maheshinte Prathikaram is an emotional journey of an intelligent young man (Fahadh Faasil) who dares to pursue his dreams despite the doom hanging over him. There is love, failure, and revival in this film, depicted with simple yet impactful storytelling. If you’re looking for a movie that will leave you wanting more, watch this Dileesh Pothan’s directorial now.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
8. Premam (2015)
Premam is an entertaining romantic comedy that will make viewers feel all warm and fuzzy. The movie follows the love life of George (Nivin Pauly) as he travels through his school days to the point of marriage. It showcases the highs and lows of George’s love life and how he deals with heartbreaks and failures in love. His journey as a young man forms a vital part of the movie, making it an enjoyable watch for everyone. The movie also casts the lovely Sai Pallavi who will only make your watch all the more entertaining!
So if you are looking for a movie that can make you smile, have a really good time with Premam!
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
9. Njan Prakashan (2018)
Njan Prakashan is a movie about a man named Prakashan who hates his job as a nurse and plans to marry a girl with a foreign nationality in order to acquire a visa and start a better life abroad. He goes around the world but cannot stay there as long as he wants to as he has no passport.
The movie then cuts to him in an office where he gets an opportunity to take part in an exciting adventure as a part of a team of hot air balloon pilots. This excites him, however, there are turns of events and in distress, Prakashan flees the place and heads home. There, he decides to quit his job as a nurse and marry his lover so that they both can live happily ever after.
There is a beautiful blend of comedy and emotions in this Sathyan Anthikad directorial and Fahadh Faasil does a brilliant job nailing every moment. This movie also stars Nikhila Vimal, Sreenivasan, and Devika Sanjay and is a must-watch feel-good Malayalam movie.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
10. Bangalore Days (2014)
If you’re looking for a movie to watch on a rainy day, Bangalore Days is a perfect choice. The movie is a drama, comedy, and romance film that follows three cousins named Kuttan (Nivin Pauly), Divya (Nazriya Nazim), and Arjun (Dulquer Salmaan). The movie begins as the three cousins move from their hometown to Bangalore. Each of them has their own reason for going there, but in the end, they find themselves living together in one house.
The movie explores the themes of family, friendship, and coming of age. It shows how love can bring people together even when they have different backgrounds. You’ll laugh out loud as you see each of them having carefree days in Bangalore.
Overall, Bangalore Days is a film filled with heartfelt emotions, laughter, and happy tears that’ll keep you engaged throughout its runtime.
Watch it on: Netflix
11. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)
Sudani from Nigeria (2018) is a sports-based drama Malayalam movie directed and written by Zakariya Mohammed with the help of Muhsin Parari. The movie revolves around Majeed, a Nigerian footballer who gets injured during an international tournament and is brought to India for treatment.
The film follows his journey as he undergoes rehabilitation at a football academy in Kerala and forms a bond with Samuel Abiola Robinson, the team manager of his local club. Sudani is a very touching story about overcoming obstacles and growing together as friends. It is an inspiring movie that will make audiences smile in the end.
Watch it on: Youtube
12. Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25
This light-hearted feel-good sci-fi Malayalam movie is about the relationship between a son Subrahmaniyan (Soubin Shahir) and his father Bhaskara (Suraj Venjaramoodu). Bhaskara is a simple man who lives in a village while his son needs to stay abroad for his work. To resolve his father’s loneliness, Subrahmaniyan creates a highly advanced android to give his father company. The writing is just as wonderful as the execution. The film also beautifully portrays the transition of emotions and treads into unexplored waters seamlessly. Suraj Venjaramoodu deserves special mention for his outstanding performance. Do give it a watch on a Sunday afternoon.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
13. Pranchiyettan and the Saint (2010)
This is not your typical “Mammooty is the ultimate superhero who can do anything” kind of movie. In this film, Mamooty in fact is a flawed and comical character! Despite being a successful businessman, he talks to an imaginary saint, suffers from major inferiority complex, and doesn’t have much luck in the lady department either! Pranchiyettan and The Saint is a story about how he deals with his image, and the changes he goes through.
Writer-director Ranjith once again tries to do something unconventional and succeeds in delivering a beautifully created feel-good Malayalam movie. Watch it on a Sunday afternoon for some laughs and smiles.
Watch it on: JioCinema, Youtube
14. Aavesham (2024)
Aavesham is a full-blown action comedy-drama that showcases Fafa in his gangsta best! Unapologetic, witty, and stylish. Writer-director Jithu Madhavan seems to have utilised an interesting spectrum of Fahadh Faasil’s talent through Aavesham. It’s the story of three friends who come to Bangalore for higher studies and get entangled with some seniors. Amidst all this, the boys discover a local gangster Ranga (FaFa) and that’s when the movie becomes a smashing entertainer. Watch the trailer and tell me you don’t want to see the film! It’s a must-watch for Fahadh fans…a must-watch if you want some feel-good Malayalam cinema with a twist of action-comedy!
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
15. Premalu (2024)
Feel like a Malayalam new-age rom-com? Premalu is a laugh riot with all the right ingredients of a feel-good movie: romance, chasing the love of your life, “friend-zoning”, silly fights, “she loves me she loves me not” kinda situation and more! Sachin is a hopeless romantic who follows her heart pursuing the girl he loves and finds himself in the most unexpected situations. A “Fafa & his friends” production, written & directed by Girish A.D. this film is surely to make your weekend special. Watch it now for some laughs and light fun.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
Conclusion
Speaking of Malayalam movies, our favourite list can be quite expansive! So why don’t you start picking from the above-mentioned ones for an ideal “feel-good movie marathon“?
Think any other movie should be part of this list? Let us know in the comments!
These are some gem of movies. Thank you for sorting our weekend.
Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 – Just the name makes me watch this one haha!