The Malayalam film industry has delivered a mixed bag in 2025, while many titles came and went without much noise, a few stood out with strong storytelling, memorable performances, and box office success. Most of these standout films transitioned to OTT platforms after a solid theatrical run, making it easier for audiences to catch up.
Here’s a look at seven Malayalam films from 2025 that have made an impact, and where you can stream them now.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, known for Saudi Vellakka, ‘Thudarum’ became a critical and commercial hit. The film features Mohanlal in a powerful role and crossed ₹100 crore at the global box office.
Audiences and critics praised the film for its emotional depth, gripping screenplay, and standout performances. The story’s socially relevant theme and Moorthy’s grounded direction were widely appreciated.
The first Malayalam box office success of 2025, ‘Rekhachithram’, is a mystery-thriller set in the late 1980s. The plot revolves around the investigation of a missing woman.
Critics lauded the film for blending suspense with strong cinematic language. Its lead actors delivered layered performances, adding emotional weight to the gripping narrative.
The sequel to the 2019 blockbuster ‘Lucifer’, ‘L2: Empuraan’ reunites Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal in a high-stakes political action thriller. Despite some early controversies, the film was a box office juggernaut in 2025 and drew audiences in with its stylised action sequences and larger-than-life characters.
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This second installment further expands the ‘Lucifer’ universe, setting up the final part of the trilogy.
A slow-burning emotional drama, ‘Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal’ explores a complex relationship between two cousins, Athira and Nikhil. What begins as shared interests soon develops into a deeper connection, challenging social and moral boundaries.
Audiences praised the film for its subtle storytelling, poetic dialogue, and emotionally charged performances. The film stood out for dealing with difficult themes with sensitivity and restraint.
Set against the backdrop of a local boxing competition, ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’ is a feel-good comedy-drama about friendship, teamwork, and chasing dreams.
With its entertaining mix of bromance, humour, and sports drama, the film attracted attention for its quirky characters and refreshing tone. It became a sleeper hit in theatres before heading to OTT.
Written by Shahi Kabir, this thriller stands out for its grounded realism and tense narrative. ‘Officer on Duty’ follows a police investigation that spirals into deeper social and political territory.
Viewers appreciated the gripping screenplay and the stellar performances that kept them invested throughout. The film combines gritty realism with fast-paced action, making it a must-watch for thriller fans.
Lokah is a Malayalam superhero fantasy film directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan (Wayfarer Films). Chandra (played by Kalyani Priyadarshan) discovers she has special abilities. She works in a café and, after saving friends from an organ smuggling ring, realises she is an immortal Yakshi with a tragic past, called ‘Neeli’. The plot weaves mythology, folklore, society, corruption, and supernatural elements.
These seven Malayalam films represent the best of what the industry has offered so far in 2025. From emotionally intense dramas to edge-of-the-seat thrillers, the variety is impressive. With most of these now streaming on OTT platforms, they are more accessible than ever for cinephiles across the globe.
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