Perhaps they didn’t come up with blockbusters on the scale of Baahubali, but 2015 saw the Malayalam film industry continuing to make out-of-the-box and engaging movies. Here’s our pick of the best:
Premam
Undoubtedly this year’s super hit, Premam got audiences raving about the story, scripting, direction and performances. Alphonse Putharen’s film was a humour-packed love story told through a clever narrative and brilliantly composed music. Nivin Pauly’s fan base grew some more with this movie and the actor’s performance was widely lauded. Premam also set off major ‘Onam-style’ trends amongst the youth of Kerala.
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Ennu Ninte Moideen
R.S. Vimal’s Ennu Ninte Moideen was one of the most critically acclaimed movies of 2015. Set in the 1960s, this brilliantly written romantic thriller was based on a true story. The movie portrays in gripping fashion the struggles that the inter-caste love of Moideen and Kanchanamala faces. Prithviraj and Parvathy Menon were splendid in the roles, winning the audience’s empathy.
Oru Vadakkan Selfie
2015 was Nivin Pauly’s year and Oru Vadakkan Selfie was very much part of his success this year. This movie was the perfect mix of humour laced with an impactful social message. Debutant director G. Prajith proved that he knows exactly how to keep the Malayalam audience engaged.
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Amar, Akbar, Anthony
Debutant director Nadirshah’s Amar, Akbar, Anthony starring Prithviraj was a hit for all the right reasons. This terrific comedy received a positive appraisal from audiences and critics alike. Music for the film was composed by the director himself.
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Bhaskar the Rascal
Though Siddique’s Bhaskar the Rascal did not receive much appreciation from the critics, it did not fail to impress loyal Mammootty fans and the audience looking for mere entertainment. Nayanthara and Mammootty were a formidable on-screen pair and the comic plot of the film did the trick.
Picket 43
Major Ravi’s story about two soldiers from different sides of the border and their unlikely friendship in the most pressing circumstances was heart-rending. Prithviraj’s portrayal of a soldier caught in a dire situation received a lot of appreciation.
