[Asish_VK]

2024 will be remembered as Malayalam Cinema's year!

Though they have been producing great movies most of the years, 2024 saw a huge surge in attention from larger audience.
This has been an year where malayalam movie industry produced back to back blockbusters in almost every genre.

Here are my list of recommendations (from the movies I have watched). Not in any particular order.

1. Bhramayugam - Folk / Horror [What's good - Mammootty's performance, unique B&W experience, Great visuals & sound effects
2. Manjummel Boys - Survival Thriller / Friendship drama [What's good - Superb art work, gripping storyline, music, cast performance]
3. Golam - Investigation Thriller [What's good - Nice script, gripping storyline]
4. A R.M - Fantacy/ Adventure [What's good - Superb visuals, Tovino's & Surabhi's performance, nice songs, good action sequences]
5. Premalu - Romantic Comedy - [What's good - simple but engaging story and screenplay, good performance from everyone, nice songs, soothing visuals]
6. Aavesham - Action Comedy - [What's good - Fahad's performance, festive mood, songs]
7. Kishkinda Kandam - Mystery Drama [What's good - Asif & Vijayaraghavan's performances, slowburn but gripping story telling, cinematography]
8. Aadujeevitham - Survival drama [What's good - Prithviraj's performance, stunning visuals, songs& bgm ]
9. Aattam - Drama [What's good - Great story& screenplay, performances from everyone]
10. Sookshmadarshini - Mystery thriller/comedy [What's good - Nazriya , Basil , Sidharth performance, gripping storyline]
11. Gaganachari - Sci-fi Mockumentary [What's good - performances from lead cast, fresh concept, visual effects considering the budget]
12. Bharatha Natyam - Comedy [What's good - Saikumar's performance, genuinely funny situational comedies]
13. Anweshippin Kandethum - Investigation Thriller / Crime drama [What's good - gripping storyline , Tovino's performance]
14. Vishesham - Feel good drama [What's good - lead cast performance, simple storyline]
15. C.I.D Ramachandran retd. SI - Crime thriller [What's good - gripping storyline, good performance from leads]
16. Thalavan - Crime Drama [What's good - Asif & Biju Menon performance, story]
17. Marco - Action [What's good - Terrific action choreography, spectacular cinematography]
18. Rifle club - Action Thriller - [What's good - performances from all leads, cinematography, making & direction]
19. Pallotty - Feelgood drama [What's good - performances of leading kids , 90's nostalgia, simple storyline]
20. Bougainville - Mystery thriller [What's good - Kunchako & Jyotirmayi's performances, cinematography]

Special mentions

1. Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil - Comedy
2. Turbo - Action Comedy
3. Malaikkottai Valiban - Fantacy Drama
4. Pani - Action
5. E.D - Black Comedy
6. Hello Mummy - Horror Comedy
7. Mura - Action
8. Level cross - Mystery Drama
9. Abraham Ozler - Investigation Thriller
10. Anchakkallakokkan - Action
11. Gumastan - Crime Thriller
12. Ullozhukk - Drama
13. Vaazha - Comedy

[Rajeevraj]

Barroz-Mohanlal-Directorial

This was a strange one. After 40 years as an actor, the first directorial from Mohanlal came with no hype and a pretty much unknown star cast. Been long in the making and had been through a lot of issues. The promotions were also mild with only Mohanlal promoting it.

Unfortunately all of this shows in the end product. The idea was good- A fantasy film for children. The story was a standard genie who protects a treasure until he can hand it over to a rightful heir. It needs a great execution to make this standard story interesting. Parts if it are there- The 3D is very good, frames are rich, sound and music is decent- but that's about it. The story telling remains flat, the story drags, the non fantasy modern day staging looks very artificial and above all the acting is average all across-Including Mohanlal. Looks like he had some international level film in mind but just could not execute to it.

Most reviews are super critical- I would not say it is an extremely bad movie. Seeing it in a good screen with Atmos sound (like I did) makes it somewhat tolerable, but still far from being a good film.

Rating: 2/5

Extra Decent- Suraj: Kind of a dark comedy about happenings in a family led by Suraj who does a great job. The core plot point is a flimsy one and there are a lot of loopholes. But still a decent watch. Would not say it has to be watched in theater, would be good watch on OTT

[srini1785]

I thought someone will start a new thread but no one did which made me wonder if people don't consider him worth a new thread. So Let me be the first to mourn/celebrate Shyam Benegal.

Although he did work in both Parallel Cinema and commercial ones, I am rather inclined to think that he was at home in the former. My first introduction to Shyam was through the Serial in DD "Bharath Ek Khoj" which he directed. I doubt if anyone remembers that serial now. I vividly remember it for the more artistic (and authentic) way in which our entire history was documented. The highlight of the series was of course the starting and ending themes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4fJmuLC8w

His way of bringing out the natural acting talent of Om Puri and Nasserudin Shah and other cast members was excellent. His exploration of Cinema as a medium of expression is evident in movies like Manthan which was based on the life of Amul-Fame Vergese Kurien and Trikaal. It was in Trikaal that i would consider him at his best. Zubeida, welcome to sajjanpur were all commercial ventures which were least productive of his cinematic temper. He was to Hindi Cinema what Adoor Gopalakrishnan was to Malayalam. So RIP. Hope upcoming directors take some hints from him.

[ghodlur]

Originally Posted by Asish_VK

[*]Sookshmadarshini - Mystery thriller/comedy [What's good - Nazriya , Basil , Sidharth performance, gripping storyline]
[*]Bharatha Natyam - Comedy [What's good - Saikumar's performance, genuinely funny situational comedies]
[*]Vishesham - Feel good drama [What's good - lead cast performance, simple storyline]
[*]C.I.D Ramachandran retd. SI - Crime thriller [What's good - gripping storyline, good performance from leads]
[*]Marco - Action [What's good - Terrific action choreography, spectacular cinematography]
[*]Rifle club - Action Thriller - [What's good - performances from all leads, cinematography, making & direction][/list]

Can someone help the info of OTTs where these movies are being streamed?

[Rajeevraj]

Originally Posted by Asish_VK

2024 will be remembered as Malayalam Cinema's year!

Though they have been producing great movies most of the years, 2024 saw a huge surge in attention from larger audience.
This has been an year where malayalam movie industry produced back to back blockbusters in almost every genre.

Here are my list of recommendations (from the movies I have watched). Not in any particular order.

1. Bhramayugam - Folk / Horror [What's good - Mammootty's performance, unique B&W experience, Great visuals & sound effects- Sony Liv
2. Manjummel Boys - Survival Thriller / Friendship drama [What's good - Superb art work, gripping storyline, music, cast performance] - Hotstar
3. Golam - Investigation Thriller [What's good - Nice script, gripping storyline] - Prime
4. A R.M - Fantacy/ Adventure [What's good - Superb visuals, Tovino's & Surabhi's performance, nice songs, good action sequences] -Hotstar
5. Premalu - Romantic Comedy - [What's good - simple but engaging story and screenplay, good performance from everyone, nice songs, soothing visuals] - Hotstar
6. Aavesham - Action Comedy - [What's good - Fahad's performance, festive mood, songs] - Prime
7. Kishkinda Kandam - Mystery Drama [What's good - Asif & Vijayaraghavan's performances, slowburn but gripping story telling, cinematography] -Hotstar
8. Aadujeevitham - Survival drama [What's good - Prithviraj's performance, stunning visuals, songs& bgm ] - Netflix
9. Aattam - Drama [What's good - Great story& screenplay, performances from everyone] - Prime
10. Sookshmadarshini - Mystery thriller/comedy [What's good - Nazriya , Basil , Sidharth performance, gripping storyline] - Theater- Yet to release on OTT
11. Gaganachari - Sci-fi Mockumentary [What's good - performances from lead cast, fresh concept, visual effects considering the budget] -Prime
12. Bharatha Natyam - Comedy [What's good - Saikumar's performance, genuinely funny situational comedies] - Prime
13. Anweshippin Kandethum - Investigation Thriller / Crime drama [What's good - gripping storyline , Tovino's performance] - Netflix
14. Vishesham - Feel good drama [What's good - lead cast performance, simple storyline] - Prime/Manorama Max
15. C.I.D Ramachandran retd. SI - Crime thriller [What's good - gripping storyline, good performance from leads] - Prime/Manorama Max
16. Thalavan - Crime Drama [What's good - Asif & Biju Menon performance, story] - Sony Liv
17. Marco - Action [What's good - Terrific action choreography, spectacular cinematography] Theater- Yet to release on OTT
18. Rifle club - Action Thriller - [What's good - performances from all leads, cinematography, making & direction] Theater- Yet to release on OTT
19. Pallotty - Feelgood drama [What's good - performances of leading kids , 90's nostalgia, simple storyline] - Prime
20. Bougainville - Mystery thriller [What's good - Kunchako & Jyotirmayi's performances, cinematography] - Sony Liv

Special mentions

1. Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil - Comedy - Hotstar
2. Turbo - Action Comedy -Sony Liv
3. Malaikkottai Valiban - Fantacy Drama - Hotstar
4. Pani - Action Theater- Yet to release on OTT
5. E.D - Black Comedy Theater- Yet to release on OTT
6. Hello Mummy - Horror Comedy Theater- Yet to release on OTT
7. Mura - Action - Prime
8. Level cross - Mystery Drama -Prime
9. Abraham Ozler - Investigation Thriller -Hotstar
10. Anchakkallakokkan - Action - Prime/Manorama Max
11. Gumastan - Crime Thriller Prime
12. Ullozhukk - Drama - Prime
13. Vaazha - Comedy - Hotstar

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Can someone help the info of OTTs where these movies are being streamed?

Have taken a shot at adding the platform inline. Thanks Asish for an exhaustive list. Having watched almost all of these, can agree that this is a very good summary.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Can someone help the info of OTTs where these movies are being streamed?

You can also search here to find where's it's streamed. 99% accurate since it will miss out movies on YouTube which are not officially streamed by them.

https://www.justwatch.com/in

[Rajeevraj]

Watched Marco. Man, that was one violent movie. Not my cup of tea. Beyond a point the violence seemed to be just for shocking the audience, there seemed no reason for everyone to be as violent as they are. The ending was also unsatisfactory for me after all that killing. Surprised that the movie is on way to 100cr and even the Hindi dub is picking up.

The movie has been shot well with atleast 3 very well choreographed action scenes. Unni Mukundan does extremely well. He is the best at action by far in Malayalam cinema today.

While personally did not like the movie, Unni Mukundan has been around a long time always on the edge of being included in the current gen hero crowd. This one takes him right into it.

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by Rajeevraj

Watched Marco. Man, that was one violent movie. Not my cup of tea. Beyond a point the violence seemed to be just for shocking the audience, there seemed no reason for everyone to be as violent as they are. The ending was also unsatisfactory for me after all that killing. Surprised that the movie is on way to 100cr and even the Hindi dub is picking up.

The movie has been shot well with atleast 3 very well choreographed action scenes. Unni Mukundan does extremely well. He is the best at action by far in Malayalam cinema today.

While personally did not like the movie, Unni Mukundan has been around a long time always on the edge of being included in the current gen hero crowd. This one takes him right into it.

Loved the single Shot where he went all the way up the stairs taking on everyone.

Watched Rifle Club the same day. Oh Man Anurag Kashyap just took on the right role. Hanumankind was just superb.

Must watch in my opinion.

[Latheesh]

Barroz - 3D - Malayalam

Fantasy movie directed by Mohanlal. 3D is very good but everything else was average.

2/5

My 11 year old son rated it 4/5

[uchun]

Soodhu Kavvum 2 (2024)

4/10

Unnecessary sequel/prequel to the OG film. Mirchi Siva's comedies did not click. The film feels half baked with no real entertainment. Skip.

[Rajeevraj]

Originally Posted by Sbk__Audiophile

Rifle Club the same day. Oh Man Anurag Kashyap just took on the right role. Hanumankind was just superb.

Must watch in my opinion.

Rifle Club was very good. Not seen something like this in Malayalam. Just under 2 hours. Could have been a little longer to bring out some more details and make it more fun..

[Samba]

With a lot of hope, I watched Feludar Goyendagiri: Bhuswargo Bhoyonkawr in Hoichoi.

In one word it was a disappointment. Even if I leave apart the Feluda Series directed by the legendary Satyajit Ray, the other Feluda movies were also a very good watch. But this one lacked in every aspect. I will rate it 2/5. I would have rated it 1/5, but I am rating it 2/5 just for the background scenery of Kashmir.

[rbp]

Movie - Murphy
Language - Kannada
OTT - Prime
Genre - Time Travel
Rating - 4/5

Time travel movies always fascinated me, for a first time director to attempt this genre is always going to be difficult, but I was impressed with what they have done. Could it have been better? off course it could, definitely a good watch. The lead cast has acted well, music is good, special mention of the cinematography and background music, every frame is well shot and gives a kind of dreamy feel to it, equally good background music complementing it. It is a slow burner but I suggest do give it a shot.

Unfortunately this movie didn't get enough publicity and even enough screens for it to release properly.

[GeneralJazz]

Marco - Malayalam

Rating: 4/10

2 points each for the brilliant action choreography and make up / prosthetic. Thats about it. Plain old revenge story, with really bad pacing was a huge let down. Blood and gore overload for the shock value gets a bit boring after a while, especially if you are a fan of Hollywood gore genre (Saw, Final Destination etc.). A Mollywood attempt at a John Wick remake, is what I would say. The dialogues were all cringe pro max, and feels like written by a teenager afflicted by Insta brain rot.

Doesnt seem to have a canonical connection to Mikhael (2019).

PS: The actor who played the antagonist, Abhimanyu, is the grandson of the legendary actor Thilakan, which naturally made him my favourite!




Rifle Club - Malayalam

Rating: 7.5/10

Went to watch this after Marco, with low expectations, but turned out to be one of my favourite movies of the year! One of those rare movies, without one single hero or heroine. All the cast had almost equal roles, and performed excellently. I am a huge fan of Vijayaraghavan and Vani Vishwanath, and loved their performance! Anurag Kashyap and Hanumankind played their parts wonderfully too!

Didnt feel any lag or unwanted scenes anywhere, on the contrary, would have loved the movie to be bit longer!

[searacer932]

Movie Name : Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil
Genre : Comedy
Language : Malayalam
OTT : Disney Hotstar

My Rating : 4/5

Watched this movie based on the recommendations provided by members on this thread and this is a good comedy movie and with decent background music. I would certainly recommend this movie for people looking for a light-hearted comedy film.