Best Malayalam Movies of 2021 You Can Stream Now!

On the topic of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021, following a lengthy break, the Malayalam Film Industry is back on its heels with theatrical releases and a few direct-to-OTT titles getting served to the audience every week that are of high quality in and out. Starting with Mohanlal’s Drishyam 2 and multiple upcoming releases like Kurupp starring Dulquer Salmaan, 2021 seems to be a significant year, and we hope more movies join this list of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

Last Updated on December 15, 2021

Also Read: 15 Must-Watch Upcoming Tamil Movies in 2021

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11. Love

Starring – Shine Tom Chacko & Rajisha Vijayan
Director – Khalid Rahman
Streaming – Netflix

Love, is a thriller that leaves behind clueless questions to the audience. It narrates the story of a couple who have a troubled family life due to the toxicities that they carry inside them. The story takes us into an inner level thinking of the happenings in the life of the couple, and leaves had left behind some questions that are up to the viewers imagination. Shine Tom Chacko and Rajisha Vijayan portrayed fabulous performances, and the extra-ordinary performance by Gokulan was so appealing. Love is a very different film that explores a plot and genre no one dared to deliver in the Malayalam film industry. One of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

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10. Vellam

Starring – Jayasurya, Samyuktha Menon
Director – Prajesh Sen
Streaming – MX Player

Vellam starring Jayasurya is a pure biographical drama that explores the life of a drunkard and the alcoholic abuses around him. The script work by Prajesh Sen has got life in it, as the story itself is based on true events. Though the movie kick-started at a low pace, the movie picks up well and ended with a very positive note. Jayasurya gave a career-best performance with a very sharp eye on the mannerisms of a drunkard. Overall, Vellam is based on true events with elements of fiction. A film worth watching!

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9. One

Starring – Mammootty, Joju George
Director – Santhosh Viswanath
Streaming – Netflix

Santhosh Viswanath’s One on Netflix is a political-drama that takes us through the various episodes revolving around Kadakkal Chandran, who holds the distinguished position as the Chief Minister of Kerala. One is sub-par when it comes to the screenwriting side of things and missed the intrigue. However, Mammootty shines bright in an iconic role. A strict one-time watch!

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 8. Aarkkariyam

Starring – Biju Menon, Parvathy Thiruvothu
Director – Sanu John Varghese
Streaming – Prime Video

Sanu John Varghese’s mystery drama details the lives of Ittyavira (Biju Menon), his daughter Sherly (Parvathy), and her husband Roy (Sharafudheen). The story is set in the COVID-19 lockdown period when Sherly comes home for vacation to her father’s place. Roy’s tough financial situation leads to the talks of selling the Ittyavira’s property and the story runs wild when Ittyavira reveals to Roy a mystery buried under the house.

Biju Menon was exceptional as the old man who lived through various mind battles. With a slow pace, Aarkkariyam is a very different movie that portrayed the miserable times of COVID-19 lockdown alongside the mysteries that Ittyavira held within himself. One of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

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7. Sara’S

Starring – Anna Ben, Sunny Wayne
Director – Jude Anthany Joseph
Streaming – Prime Video

Jude Anthany Joseph’s Sara’S is a light-hearted film that revolves around the life and dream of Sara, played the mega talented Anna Ben. A 118-minute inspiring drama, this movie takes us through the various phases in the life of our lead character, who dreams of being a filmmaker. An decent feel-good flick with a mix of societal elements and a dreamer’s life. A suitable watch with your family!

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6. Joji

Starring – Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj
Director – Dileesh Pothan
Streaming – Prime Video

Dileesh Pothan’s Joji on Amazon Prime Video revolves around the events in the lives of Joji and his brothers in an unusual path. Backed up with a remarkable performance from Fahadh Faasil, this movie is a well-paced slow-burn drama that had realistic elements portraying the raw emotions in captivating the ambitions that one carries inside. It is a complex movie that everyone will feel a different flavor to it. One of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

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5. Malik

Starring – Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan
Director – Mahesh Narayanan
Streaming – Prime Video

With the monstrous performer Fahadh Faasil in the lead, Mahesh Narayanan writes and directs Malik and includes an ensemble cast, including Nimisha Sajayan, Vinay Forrt in the supporting roles. The film narrates the story of Sulaiman, who moves into a fishing village along with his mother and sister. The social situation makes him drop out of school, get arrested and earn a living by smuggling goods from off-coast ships. The rest of the movie stretches out to recount his life, turning himself into a redeemer of his people.

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4. The Priest

Starring – Mammootty, Manju Warrier
Director – Jofin T. Chacko
Streaming – Prime Video

[This excerpt comes from our ‘The Priest’ Review]

Jofin T. Chacko’s The Priest is a horror mystery film that travels through the journey of Father Benedict which is explored during an investigation. With a runtime of 146 minutes, the film unravels the gripping tale of an investigation and the mysterious events in the aftermath. Overall, The Priest is an intriguing mystery thriller that engages the audience with the engrossing visual charisma by Mammootty. One of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

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3. #Home

Starring – Indrans, Sreenath Bhasi
Director – Rojin Thomas
Streaming – Prime Video

Rojin Thomas’ feel-good family drama revolves around the family of Oliver Twist (Indrans) and his efforts to find a good bond with his sons. Oliver is technologically unaware of the latest trends, and he finds this as a solution to bridge the gaps in relationships. Antony Oliver Twist (Sreenath Bhasi) is having a tough time in penning his second movie and he revisits his home to find some peace.

Charles (Naslen), the younger son of Oliver is more into phones and finds time in content creation in Vlogs. Indrans excels as Oliver Twist, in portraying the small emotions, light-hearted happiness, and greater true self that he holds within. With little homely elements, #Home pictures the heightening of harmonies within the hearts. A very heartwarming movie, perfect to watch with your family! One of the Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

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2. Kurup

Starring – Dulquer Salmaan, Sobhita Dhulipala
Director – Srinath Rajendran
Streaming – Netflix

Srinath Rajendran’s Kurup is the tale based on real events around India’s most wanted fugitive, Sukumara Kurup. With a run-time of 157 minutes, the film takes us to Kurup’s life through different perspectives of people around him. The mood of the movie shifts along with the perspectives and turns into a gripping crime drama in the latter half, when Kurup goes absconding. Dulquer Salmaan was flawless as ‘Kurup’, portraying the varied shades to perfection.

With real elements blended naturally with the cinematic elements, ‘Kurup’ is exemplary in its narrative. Technically, the film holds a high standard with elements of the 1980s crafted with care. Music by Sushin Shyam was a top-notch setting the tone of the movie. One of the greatest cinematic experiences and Best Malayalam Movies of 2021.

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1. Drishyam 2

Starring – Mohanlal, Meena
Director – Jeethu Joseph
Streaming – Prime Video

[This excerpt comes from our ‘Drishyam 2’ Review]

Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 2 is an intriguing thriller that explores the family drama and the aftermath of the first movie, Drishyam. The storyline is set six years after the Drishyam events, where Georgekutty is living his life for the family, taking them through the tough times. Drishyam 2 is the best sequel a movie could ever have. With a unique and intriguing storyline, It lives up to expectations and is a must-watch for all.

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