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Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
13 Must-Watch Malayalam Movies On OTT
Of late, Malayalam films have been slaying at the Box Office, from Aavesham to Manjummel Boys surpassing Hindi films by a mile. But there's one hill I'm willing to die on: no one does thrillers better than Malayalam cinema. From psychological thrillers to survival thrillers and straight up horror, there's a barrage of films from the past few years that prove just how brilliant Malayalam films are. If you're new to the regional wave, let me take you in: here are some mind-blowing Malayalam thrillers and horrors you need to watch, like, yesterday: Thudarum (2025) Where to watch: JioHotstarAfter its recent massive success in the theatres, this Mohanlal and Shobana starrer has proven yet again the potential of Malayalam cinema. The story: a taxi driver's life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved Ambassador car is seized under mysterious circumstances, which leads to a quest for justice that will make you sit at the edge of your seat the entire time. If thrillers are your jam, don't skip this one. Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) Where to watch: JioHotstarIdk what to tell you, but Malayalam cinema does thrillers really well. With mighty critical acclaim for its production, Kishkindha Kaandam is a gripping story around a monkey-inhabited village, where disturbances prompt a newly-wed couple to investigate its root cause. Watch if you're into well-crafted mystery thrillers. Sookshmadarshini (2024) Where to watch: JioHotstarStarring the effervescent Nazriya Nazim, Sookshmadarshini is the story of a curious homemaker who suspects that her new neighbour is more private than normal. Her gut feeling gets the best of her—which spirals into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. Rekhachithram (2024) Where to watch: SonyLIVAfter a suspension due to a gambling scandal, Inspector Vivek Gopinath returns to duty, seeking redemption by unraveling a 40-year-old murder case involving a faceless victim. His investigation leads him into the Malayalam film industry's past, uncovering secrets that intertwine cinema and crime. Bramagyugam (2024) Where to watch: SonyLIVMade entirely in black-and-white, this Mammooty starrer is a nod to Kerala's folklore. The story revolves around a runaway folk singer in 17th-century Malabar, who stumbles upon a haunted mansion. From there on, a game of deception and dark magic takes place. Watch for its beautiful cinematography, production design, and, of course, one of the best stars Malayalam cinema has to offer. Did the poster scare you? Yeah, you should definitely watch this one. Romancham (2023) Where to watch: JioHotstarSet in 2007 Bengaluru, 7 carefree bachelors experiment with a Ouija board, and end up inviting a spirit into their lives—leading to a series of hilarious and spooky events that test their friendship and sanity. Watching Soubin Shahir doing what he does best has never been a bad idea. Bhoothakaalam (2022) Where to watch: Amazon Prime VideoWith power-packed performances by Revathy and Shane Nigam, Bhoothakalaam is a fantastic horror film. The story: a grieving mother and her troubled son begin to experience terrifying events in their old house—blurring the line between mental illness and something far more sinister. Joji (2021) Where to watch: Amazon Prime VideoIf you're interested in renditions of Shakespeare's works, Joji is the film to watch. Inspired by Macbeth, Joji reolves around a man belonging to a wealthy family who sees a shot at power, and plots a twisted plan to get there. The story unfolds into a dark, witty tale of ambition and guilt. And need I say, Fahadh Faasil? Nayattu (2021) Where to watch: NetflixStarring three of the finest actors in Malayalam cinema, Nayattu is a story of 3 police officers who become fugitives after an accident entangles them in a political mess, forcing them to confront the system they are part of. Trance (2020) Where to watch: Prime VideoA psychological thriller featuring the GOAT Fahadh Faasil, Trance revolves around a struggling motivational speaker who gets taken under the wing of corporate masterminds and turned into a flamboyant pastor. The film explores mental health, religious exploitation, and the commercialization of spirituality. Watch it specifically for the brilliance that is Fahadh Faasil's performance. Moothon (2019) Where to watch: Zee5This film is heartbreak in a package. The story: A young boy from Lakshadweep embarks on a journey to Mumbai in search of his missing elder brother, and ends up in confronting the harsh realities of the city's underworld. Starring the ever-so-flawless Nivin Pauly in arguably his best avatar, this film is beautiful, tragic, and well-made. Not to mention: it premiered at prestigious film festivals around the world, and brought back SEVERAL accolades. Jalikattu (2019) Where to watch: NetflixMalayalam cinema cannot get better than this. The story: when a buffalo escapes from a slaughterhouse in a remote Kerala village, the hunt by the townspeople spirals into chaos, revealing the primal instincts lurking beneath their otherwise civilized upbringing. Special Mention: Manjummel Boys (2024) Where to watch: JioHotstarOne of the most successful films of 2024, missing this film is not an option. The story revolves around a group of friends who embark on a vacation to Kodaikanal, where an impromptu visit to the infamous Guna Caves turns into a nightmare when one of them falls into a pit. All you thriller and horror fans—you're absolutely welcome. There's no going back now!
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kerala Box Office: Asif Ali's Sarkeet to end poor theatrical run grossing JUST Rs 2.15 crore
Asif Ali is among the most prolific new-gen actors of Mollywood. The actor has delivered the kind of performances that would get every other actor of his generation to envy. His run before the release of Sarkeet was exceptional with both Kishkindha Kaandam and Rekhachithram emerging major blockbusters. Sarkeet has changed the tides in a way that no one could have imagined, and it is for the worse. Sarkeet, an intended feel-good drama, opened to a very poor number of Rs 35 lakh gross and the trend of the film has also not been too good. By the end of the 2nd weekend, the movie has amassed Rs 2.03 crore gross in Kerala and the lifetime run should end in the vicinity of Rs 2.15 crore or so. These numbers are much lower than what Asif Ali's previous two films Kishkindha Kaandam (41 crore) and Rekhachithram (27 crore) earned in the state. Sarkeet has been running parallely with two films that are doing reasonably well in the state, namely Prince And Family and Padakkalam. Not to forget, holdover release Thudarum is wrecking the Kerala box office like no one's business and is the number one film in the state since its release. With Rs 109 crore gross at the Kerala box office by the end of the 4th weekend, it is safe to assume that the Mohanlal starrer will become the first Indian film to breach the Rs 125 crore club in the state as well. Watch the Sarkeet Trailer Asif Ali will be analyzing all of his film Sarkeet's theatrical shortcomings when it drops on OTT in a little over two weeks. Sarkeet has not really been panned by those who watched. It is just not preferred over the other concurrently running films. From our analysis, we believe that audiences enjoy watching Asif Ali in thrillers more than any other genre. Mollywood audiences have yet again shown that while they can take a film to the highest of highs, they can also collectively ensure that a film sees a fate similar to Sarkeet, if they don't like it as much. They are generally indifferent about the actors performing and thus we see such contrasting collections of the same actor's films. Pinkvilla shall closely be monitoring the theatrical biz of Asif Ali's upcoming films. Stay tuned for more news on Asif Ali.
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Asif Ali opens up about being bedridden and wheelchair-bound during Tikitaka shoot: 'Cried like a child...'
Malayalam actor Asif Ali is all set to entertain audiences once again with his new film titled Tikitaka. The action-packed movie began production in 2023, but an unfortunate incident forced the shoot to be halted midway. Recently, the actor took to his social media handles to share a detailed note about the harrowing journey he experienced while working on the film. In his note, Asif Ali spoke about playing the character of John Denver in Tikitaka. He described Denver as a fighter—resilient, determined, and never willing to give up. Interestingly, the actor said that his own journey while working on the film mirrored the struggles of his character. The Rekhachithram actor revealed that Tikitaka demanded immense physical effort. He had to undergo months of training and physical transformation to fit the role. "When we started rolling in 2023, an unfortunate accident hit me during fight training, followed by bedridden days, several weeks on a wheelchair, and the worst part-losing all the progress I had made over a year to prepare for the character. Unlike John Denver, I cried like a child on the hospital bed," added Asif Ali. Now, nearly 18 months later, filming has resumed. Asif Ali is once again giving it his all, even while recovering from meniscus and ligament tears. He said that Tikitaka would be released by the end of the year and described it as a high-energy film made with great conviction. He added that while Malayalam cinema is currently thriving, this film aims to give audiences a new kind of mass entertainer. Asif Ali concluded his note by thanking fans for their support and expressed hope for continued encouragement from cinema lovers. Take a look at his post below: On the work front, Asif Ali was last seen in the Malayalam family drama Sarkeet. The film was released in theaters on May 8 and featured Divya Prabha in a prominent role. Some of his recent notable works include Kishkindha Kaandam, Rekhachithram, Level Cross, and more.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sarkeet Movie Review: Asif Ali's stirring performance anchors this heartwarming ride
There's something beautiful about watching Asif Ali crying on screen. At the risk of sounding sadistic, Asif does have the knack for convincingly portraying emotional moments. What makes it all the more special is that he acquired this knack through years of constant chiseling of his abilities. We have seen him ace emotionally charged moments in films like Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016), Uyare (2019), Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha (2019), Kishkindha Kaandam (2024), etc. And with Sarkeet, he takes it a notch higher. The film rides high on Asif's beautifully understated performance and his rapport with child actor Orhan. Director: Thamar KV Cast: Asif Ali, Orhan, Deepak Parambol, Divya Prabha, Swathi Das Prabhu, Prasanth Alexander Like his directorial debut 1001 Nunakal (2022), Thamar KV has chosen a Gulf backdrop for Sarkeet. Ameer (Asif Ali) is on his second visit to the Gulf, but is yet to find a job. He faces constant setbacks during interviews, yet tries to hold the hope of a better future. Parallely, we also see a middle-class couple trying hard to find their work-life balance. Balu (Deepak Parambol) and Stephy (Divya Prabha) are extremely stressed with their jobs, but their biggest worry is their son Jefron aka Jeppu. He is shown as an unruly child who is diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and it is clear that the parents aren't equipped enough to handle him. And that's when Ameer unceremoniously enters their lives. Sarkeet brings back pleasant memories of Kamal's sweet little film Pookkalam Varavayi (1991), starring Jayaram and Baby Shamili, especially how the heartwarming relationship between a child and an adult is depicted. The kids in both films crave love and care, which they eventually get from strangers. Though Ameer finds himself stuck with Jeppu, he handles the child with a lot of warmth and patience. He understands the child better and acts like a guardian, probably because he knows the value of a father figure. This minute detail about Ameer's past adds depth to the character and his bond with the child. Orhan's role and his antics might come across as irksome, but that's the nature of the character, and he plays it effectively. Deepak Parambol and Divya Prabha also deliver sincere performances, despite their limited scope. While there was immense scope for melodrama, Thamar shows restraint in depicting the couple's rocky lives. We see them leading their lives mechanically, without even smiling at each other. While the father is clueless about his son's disorder, Stephy, despite being a nurse, doesn't seem to know any better. Their only solution seems to be locking him up, which ultimately leads to all the chaos. The film is a reminder of how parents have the responsibility to not just provide but also nurture. Thamar, being a Gulf Malayali himself, paints a realistic picture of life there. Interestingly, he keeps the melodrama of expat struggle to a minimum. Instead, we see the harsh reality of broke youngsters, who resort to shady jobs like distributing visiting cards of massage parlours, and even exploiting people by making them work for free in the pretext of interviews. There's also the other side, like a hotel owner serving Ameer free food. It is not something we haven't seen before, but it is important to reiterate the power of goodness. After an engaging first hour, Sarkeet loses a bit of steam and starts going in circles, especially with Ameer's struggles with Jeppu's growing tantrums. While their encounters are mostly realistic, Thamar's treatment becomes oddly cinematic during two episodes—when Ameer tries to engage the child with shadowplay and later during stargazing. The dialogues in these scenes are too pretentious for a child to decipher. It felt like the characters were addressing the audience rather than conversing amongst themselves. Despite all this, Asif, Orhan, and their wonderful chemistry manage to keep things alive. The sarkeet (outing) initially comes across as a much-needed getaway for the child, but as the night progresses, we see Ameer also momentarily forgetting all his troubles and enjoying his time. In a broader sense, the film can also offer a similar experience if you're just willing to overlook some flaws.
News18
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sarkeet Twitter Review: Asif Ali's New Film Wins Hearts With Its Emotional Story
After working on blockbusters like Kishkindha Kaandam and Rekhachitram, Asif Ali is back with Sarkeet. Asif Ali is one of the most popular stars in Malayalam cinema, and has earned praise for his strong performances and box office hits. After working on blockbusters like Kishkindha Kaandam and Rekhachitram, Asif is on a path to delivering another major hit. His latest film, Sarkeet, has received positive reactions from audiences following its theatrical release. X (formerly Twitter) users have been praising the film for its emotional drama that resonates with viewers. Many are admiring the engaging first half, while the second half has been getting appreciation for its powerful, emotional moments that have left many teary eyed. Apart from praising the lead actor and the hard hitting story, fans are also appreciating the performances of the other cast members. The direction and screenplay have received a lot of love too, as every part of the film feels well made. Seems like the director Thamar has once again managed to create a story that keeps the audience interested from start to finish. Showering love on the film, a user wrote, 'Sarkeet is a simple, slow paced yet beautiful melodrama with a very solid performer Asif Ali. Man is a delight to watch on screen as a commoner, especially when conveying emotions. The kid also did well. Rest performances also were convincing. Govind's Music." #Sarkeet: is a simple, slow paced yet beautiful melodrama with a very solid performer Asif Ali. Man is delight to watch on screen as a commoner, especially when conveying emotions. The kid also did well. Rest performances also were convincing. Govind's Music ❤️Good One. — ALIM SHAN (@AlimShan_) May 8, 2025 Another shared, 'A simple emotional that could connected very well to the audience. The direction and screenplay deserves an appreciation. And as always Asif once again proved that he is the best in this generation. A good one for sure." #Sarkeet A simple emotional that could connected very well to the audience! The direction and screenplay deserves an appreciation! 'A simple emotional movie with no dull moments. Direction, screenplay and music. Asif Ali on a Hattrick after Kishkindha Kaandam and Rekhachithram," a comment read. #Sarkeet – A simple emotional movie with no dull moments.. ❤️✨ Direction, screenplay and music An individual stated, 'A small and simple emotional drama people who can connect entering into gulf countries for jobs as a fresher and Asifkka delivered at its best. Performance from another cast, direction, screenplay also were good." #Sarkeet – Another Good One From #AsifAli Another mentioned, 'The movie Sarkeet starts off strong with an emotionally rich and engaging first half, deeply moving, yet never dragging. Second half time films goes with impactful scenes. Yet another feel good film for Asif Ali." #Sarkeet The movie #Sarkeet starts off strong with an emotionally rich and engaging first half,deeply moving, yet never dragging. And second half time films goes with imapctfull scenes ..yet another feel good film for # One more added, 'Like Thamar's previous work, a well hooked emotional drama with no dull moments. Asif Ali is again proving that he is the best in the generation. How easily he handled the emotional scenes." #Sarkeet – Simply Good First Half ❤️ Like Thamar's Previous Work A well Hooked Emotional Drama With No Dull Moments #Asifali Again Proving That He Is The Best In Generation. How Easily He Handled The Emotional Scenes Other than Asif Ali, Sarkeet also stars Divya Prabha, Orhan, Deepak Parambol, Ramya Suresh, Prashanth Alexander, Swathidas Prabhu, Sudheesh Skaria, Gopan Atatt, Sins Shaan and Praveen Ram. First Published:
