Watching films is one of the easier ways to get your ear used to a new language. If you want to pick up Malayalam, Malayalam cinema on Netflix gives you hours of natural speech: real dialogue, in context, at the speed people actually use it.
If you are planning a trip to the Indian state of Kerala, or just want something good to watch, here are the Malayalam films worth catching on Netflix, along with the film words you will hear around them.
Malayalam Shows On Netflix
Malayalam, a language spoken predominantly in Kerala, a southern state in India, has a rich cinematic tradition renowned for its socially conscious topics, compelling character-driven stories, and heartfelt sentiments. Malayalam cinema has a long history of creating critically acclaimed films that have won both domestic and international praise.
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Here are some of the factors that help the best Malayalam movies of India attain a global reach:
- A wide range of genres, from heartwarming family dramas to gripping thrillers and thought-provoking social commentaries
- Vibrant visuals and real locations rather than sets
- Character-driven stories that hold up outside Kerala
- Natural, unscripted-sounding dialogue, which is what makes them useful listening practice
But before we go beyond the main topic, allow me to first introduce here some basic Malayalam words that may be useful for you!
| English | Malayalam Script | Malayalam Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Movie | ചലച്ചിത്രം | Chalachithram |
| Actor | നടൻ | Nadan |
| Actress | നടി | Nadi |
| Director | സംവിധാനം | Samvidhaanam |
| Screen | സ്ക്രീൻ | Screen |
| Song | പാട്ട് | Paattu |
| Scene | കാഴ്ച | Kaazhcha |
| Story | കഥ | Katha |
| Dialogue | സംവാദം | Samvaadam |
| Cinema hall | സിനിമാ ഹാൾ | Cinema Haal |
The Best Malayalam Movies On Netflix
The list is endless when it comes to the best Malayalam movies; hence, most of them garnered a good box office status and high IMDB ratings. Both the old-produced and latest Malayalam movies have given justice to the art and prestige of the industry.
Here are some of the movies in the Indian Malayalam language worthy of checking out:
“Irul” (2021)
This spine-chilling mystery features Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, and Darshana Rajendran. The story unfolds in a spooky mansion during a storm, with a couple and a potential serial killer in a deadly game of cat and mouse. It has gotten good ratings on the IMDB and suits people who love watching a story with a twisted plot and thrilling whodunits.
“Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil” (2018)
This action-packed thriller stars Antony Varghese, Vinayakan, and Chemban Vinod Jose. The plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. Imagine being stuck in a sub-jail and fighting for survival against all odds. The story will make you watch until the end to discover the truth about each character.
“Angamaly Diaries” (2017)
This 2017-released crime and comedy movie features a bunch of talented newcomers for the lead roles, including Antony Varghese and Anna Rajan. It tells the story of a young man’s ambition to lead a powerful gang in Angamaly town. Plus, make sure to watch out for this IMDB highly-rated movie’s 11-minute climax that’ll blow you away.
“Varane Avashyamund” (2020)
Let’s switch gears to heartwarming family dynamics and love. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan, this romantic comedy-drama stars Suresh Gopi, Shobana, Dulquer Salmaan, and Kalyani Priyadarshan. It’s all about a single mother and her daughter who find unexpected changes when new neighbors move in.
“Nayattu” (2021)
Brace yourself for a thrilling political drama about three police officers caught in a maze of politics and intrigue. With Kunchako Boban, Joju George, and Nimisha Sajayan in the lead roles, this film serves up suspense, thrills, and a look into the complexities of India’s bureaucracy.
“Njan Prakashan” (2018)
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh, this satirical comedy with Fahadh Faasil in the lead role is a must-watch. Follow the journey of a young nurse who dreams of a better life abroad. With humor and heart, this film strikes a chord with many.
“Comrade In America” (2017)
This action and romance film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Karthika Muralidharan. Join the adventure of a young man who goes on an unexpected journey from Kerala to the United States to stop his girlfriend’s wedding. It’s a fresh take on love and travel.
“Uyare” (2019)
This movie tells a powerful story of resilience and strength. The film stars Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Asif Ali. The film revolves around an aspiring pilot’s journey after surviving an acid attack by her ex-boyfriend.
“Grandmaster” (2012)
For fans of mystery and intrigue, this neo-noir action thriller film with Mohanlal in the lead is a must-see. Based on an Agatha Christie novel, it’s a gripping tale that was the first Malayalam film to debut on Netflix.
“Lilli” (2018)
Get ready for a mind-twisting thriller that unveils a dark mystery. The film has Samyuktha Menon in the titular role. The film tells her journey as a pregnant woman kidnapped by men who want answers. The twists and turns of this gripping film with good cinematography will keep you guessing until the very end.
“Kappela” (2020)
Switching gears to romance, this film, with Anna Ben, Sreenath Bhasi, and Roshan Mathew in the key roles, explores the unexpected love story that blossoms from dialing a wrong number.
“Forensic” (2020)
This psychological crime thriller film, with Tovino Thomas and Mamta Mohandas in the key roles, follows a forensic official and an ACP as they chase down a serial killer. It’s a gripping ride with suspense and mystery that’ll keep you guessing until the end.
If you are after more foreign films on Netflix, we have the same kind of list for movies from Hong Kong and from Slovenia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malayalam Shows On Netflix
Are There Malayalam Shows On Netflix?
Netflix carries a solid run of Malayalam titles, mostly films rather than series, including Irul, Nayattu, Uyare and Kappela. What is available changes by country and over time, so a title listed here may move between Netflix and other streaming services.
Can You Learn Malayalam By Watching Movies?
Watching builds your listening: you hear how words are used, at natural speed, in situations that give them context. It works best next to study that teaches you the script and the sentence patterns, rather than on its own.
What Is The Malayalam Word For Movie?
Movie in Malayalam is Chalachithram. The vocabulary table above also gives the Malayalam words for actor, actress, director, song, scene, story, dialogue and cinema hall.
Learn More Malayalam Words And Phrases At Ling
Films get your ear used to Malayalam. Putting those words into your own sentences takes practice, and that is what Ling is built for.
- Flashcards with images, translations and native speaker audio
- Audio at normal and slow speed, word by word
- A romanization toggle while the Malayalam script is still new
- Dialog, an interactive conversation practice feature
Start learning Malayalam with a 7-day free trial.
