Best Malayalam Movies Of 2018 Which Are Making The Industry Proud

Sathyan Anthikad's Njan Prakashan is a satirical take on the attitudes of an average Malayali. With a naturally talented actor like Fahadh Faasil on-board, the movie required just a few dialogues to take it forward. It takes a dig at the attitude of the youngsters, at the government, at the present state of affairs and at the people of the state wherever possible. No wonder, people could relate to it and won at the theaters.

Abrahaminte Santhathikal is an action- thriller, tailor-made for Mammootty. It is a blend of mass and class. The movie has ample doses of grandeur and the stylishly attractive role must have been a cakewalk for an actor like Mammootty. The exaggeration quotient is intact if not minimal in this action-packed thriller.

Sudani from Nigeria is majestically refined in narration and genuinely realistic in unlayering the various characters. With a subdued performance from Soubin Shahir, this is one gem that Mollywood can be proud of. The movie is tender in handling human relationship and refreshing in treatment of a simple plot.

This survival thriller is an unofficial adaptation of Straw Dogs and lends an air of creepiness throughout. A bunch of voyeuristic youngsters make life miserable for the lead pair Fahadh Faasil and Aishwarya Lekshmi and the intriguing routes adopted to stealthily deal with the issue is dramatically put on-screen. The movie gives an uncompromising cinematic experience. The lead actors have stolen the limelight in this slow-burning thriller.

Koode is a charmingly cute film which is a take on love, solitude and human relationships. There is a mystical realism as seen in Anjali Menon's films. Backed by tremendously talented actors like Prithviraj, Parvathy and Nazriya, Koode revels on a poignant tale of brother-sister bonding and home-coming. The songs and the visuals also contributed to the box office success of the movie.

Odiyan, though does not live up to what was claimed prior to its release, can be a good contender for the best movie.The folklore character restricted to a specific region of the state has come alive on-screen in the garb of Odiyan Manickyan, impeccably essayed by versatile Mohanlal. The cinematography and music were laudable. The movie is Mohanlal's solo superhit of the year and the actor's excruciating efforts for the role were worth it.

The visually-rich and smartly-narrated period drama is a regal glorification of the local Robinhood. Nivin Pauly's physical make-over as the agile Kayamkulam Kochunni and Mohanlal's fiery screen-presence in the form of Ithikkara Pakki have set the cinematic elements in the right place.The movie has climbed up the ladders and has reached the pinnacle with its entry into the coveted 100 crore club.

Eeda is both sensational and sentimental, but the gripping plot-line never veers off. The simplicity in narration keeps the audience engaged and the stellar performance of the lead pair is a treat to watch. Though not well-received at the box office, Eeda surely finds place among the best movies of 2018.

Joseph is an intricately woven thriller with Joju George as the eponymous protagonist Officer Joseph. The movie was a surprise hit and Joju played his best role till date. In spite of being in the industry for many years, Joju was the unexplored talent who was given his due in Joseph. Maintaining the suspense element throughout, the movie is free from any illogical conclusions. Clearly, many would love to have Joseph as the best movie of the year.

This light-hearted movie about a chain-smoker neither glorifies the act nor is it preachy about its after-math. With an appealing premise as taking a look into the life of a full-blown chain-smoker, the movie is more of a coming-of-age drama. Tovino Thomas as the hapless smoker, has easily slipped into the smoker's avatar. The songs of the movie were a rage among the viewers.

The film belonging to the navarasa series of director Jayaraj, is a heart-wrenching tale that portrays the mental conflict affecting the protagonist. Set in the 1930s, the film is visually-rich in portraying the era. The stellar performance of Renji Panicker as the distraught war-victim and postman, leaves an indelible mark.

Never has a transsexual been portrayed so beautifully as in Njan Marykutty. The movie should be lauded for treating the subject with  sensitivity and subtlety. The movie has not dwelt on the cliched gay jokes and has explored the minds of people with gender identity issues. The ever-reliable Jayasurya as the protagonist Marykutty, lends a class appeal.

Ee Maa Yau is a dark comedy and is a masterpiece from a master-craftsman Lijo Jose Pellissery. The nitty-gritty that has gone into the making of each scene and the nuanced portrayal of each character is what makes this a classic. Needless to mention, the performances by Chemban Vinod Jose and Vinayakan are top-notch.

The movie should be commended for taking up a socially relevant topic that we loathe to discuss and bringing it to life on-screen is Indrans, essaying an Ottanthullal artist, Pappu Pisharody. The film is devoid of any cinematic sheen and the director had layered the topic with sensitivity and dignity. 

This meticulously crafted jail-break film is an ordinary tale that becomes extra-ordinary due to the aggressive tone. This is what sets it apart from the usual prison-escape films. The combination of Antony Varghese and Vinayakan lend a few thrilling moments. The spirited film is elevated to the greater heights, credits to its stylish treatment.

Poomaram has none of the cinematic fripperies of a typical campus movie. This perfect launch-pad for star-kid Kalidas Jayaram affirms that neither the makers nor the cast are in a mood to package it as a commercially-viable movie. The movie is poetic and mellifluous that kindles nostalgic thoughts.

Captain is a moving tribute to the unsung hero of Indian Football, VP Sathyan. With impeccable performance from Jayasurya and Anu Sithara, the biopic is deeply etched in the minds and chokes the audience with emotions. Captain is devoid of filmy gimmicks and gives a profound after- thought into the actual life of the legendary footballer.

Carbon is an off-beat drama rich in adventure and action. With a gem like Fahadh Faasil as the lead, the film has conveyed the sophisticated idea of treasure-hunting through varied cinematic layers. Carbon requires great efforts from the viewer to dig deeper into the narrative, which may be one reason why the audience could not actually connect to this splendid piece of work.