Best Underrated Malayalam Movies in Recent Times

Underrated Malayalam Movies: In a flurry of releases in a calendar year, many movies go unnoticed for a wide variety of reasons. Multiple films backed by very good scripts become box office failures, due to the absence of a prominent cast, bad distribution, and bad reviews. Movies like Guppy, Aadu got positive responses after the DVD release and went on to the theatre for the second time. Few of the Underrated Malayalam Movies in Recent Times are listed below deserve applause. So, here you go!

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Honorable Mentions: Neeyum Njanum, Porinju Mariyam Jose

5. Stand Up (2019)

Director – Vidhu Vincent
Starring – Rajisha Vijayan, Nimisha Sajayan

Vidhu Vincent’s Stand Up is a female-centric movie that unfolds women’s abuse in a unique stand up act. Keerthi (Nimisha Sajayan) is a stand-up comedian, who tells her audience the story of Diya (Rajisha Vijayan), who suffered serious physical and mental abuse from her boyfriend. Diya was compelled to be in silence in the patriarchal world and Police gave the same impression.

The journey from being a victim to the survivor is the core of the movie and Rajisha gives a raw and matured performance as Diya. Yet another commendable performance cones from Seema and Arjun Ashokan. And after a weak first half, the movie was impressive in the second half and this underrated film is worth a watch.

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4. Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam (2019)

Director – Rejishh Midhila
Starring – Amit Chakkalackal, Lal
Streaming Platform – Amazon Prime

Rejishh Midhila’s Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam follows a unique way of storytelling which involves the events occurred on an island named Arayanthuruth. Vincent Kombana (Amith Chakalackal) is a pastor and the well-known social figure who enforces the law on the island. He confronts murder and the murderer confesses to him, which leaves him in a dilemma as he cannot disclose the events due to religious beliefs. It’s a gently paced thriller where the unknown elements were “who was killed” and “why was he killed?”, which is quite gripping. The film is worth a watch.

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3. Ilayaraja (2019)

Director – Madhav Ramadasan
Starring – Guinness Pakru

Underrated Malayalam Movies: Madhav Ramadasan’s Ilayaraja portrays the beautiful story of Vanajan (Guinness Pakru), who lives happily despite a poor financial condition. The movie was filled with quite a few innocent moments, and Vanajan’s children pivoted the storyline with an exceptional emotional outburst. Children were gifted with good talent, and the story takes to the new fortunes of Vanajan and family. With an outset of life of Vanajan’s family, the movie has taken it to so many social, cultural and moral elements. The movie gives warmth, and it’s pleasing to watch true natural life.

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2. Finals (2019)

Director – P.R. Arun
Starring – Rajisha Vijayan, Niranjan Raju

Arun P R’s Finals portrays the story of Alice (Rajisha Vijayan) and Varghese (Suraj Venjaranoodu), their eventful sports drama. Alice is all set to perform cycling representing India in Olympics 2020. But, destiny has some other plans, forcing Alice’s father Varghese to take another route. The film has criticisms on the internal politics in sports authorities, and a few elements of the story are inspired by the true events that happened to Malayali Cyclist. The film travels through unpredictable paths, which make the film more interesting.

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1. Kakshi: Amminippilla (2019)

Director – Dinjith Ayyathan
Starring – Basil Joseph, Asif Ali

Underrated Malayalam Movies: The movie is the tale of Amminippilla aka Shajith (Ahmed Siddique) who is forced to marry by his family. He finds it difficult to stand his plus-sized newlywed bride, Kanthi (Shibla) and files divorce within a short span. Pradeepan (Asif Ali) is into the divorce after constant pressure by Amminippilla and both carry the story forward. The film with some social elements is one that relaxes our minds and enjoyable to the core.

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