Mollywood, the Malayalam film industry, is known for its unique and thought-provoking content that has won critical acclaim not just in India but also on the global stage. Over the years, the industry has produced several movies that have captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike, and here are the top 5 critically acclaimed movies in Mollywood.

1. Kumbalangi Nights (2019) – Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, Kumbalangi Nights is a coming-of-age drama that explores the lives of four brothers living in a fishing village in Kerala. The film is known for its beautiful cinematography, powerful performances, and nuanced storytelling that touches upon themes such as toxic masculinity, mental health, and family dynamics. It won several awards and critical acclaim, including Best Film at the Kerala State Film Awards and was nominated for several national and international awards.

2. Drishyam (2013) – Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Drishyam is a crime thriller that stars Mohanlal in the lead role. The film revolves around a man who tries to cover up a crime committed by his family and the cat-and-mouse game that follows with the investigating officer. Drishyam is known for its tight screenplay, brilliant performances, and unexpected twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. It was a commercial and critical success, and its remake rights were sold to several languages in India.

3. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) – Directed by Dileesh Pothan, Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a slice-of-life drama that follows the life of a photographer named Mahesh who seeks revenge after being humiliated in public. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of life in a small town, its witty dialogues, and its heartwarming story that resonates with audiences. It won several awards, including Best Film and Best Director at the Kerala State Film Awards.

3. Sudani from Nigeria (2018) – Directed by Zakariya Mohammed, Sudani from Nigeria is a sports drama that revolves around the lives of a football coach and a Nigerian player who becomes a part of his team. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of life in Kerala and its heartwarming story that highlights the importance of empathy and compassion. Sudani from Nigeria won critical acclaim and several awards, including Best Film at the Kerala State Film Awards.

5. Ustad Hotel (2012) – Directed by Anwar Rasheed, Ustad Hotel is a drama that follows the life of a young man who moves to his grandfather’s hotel in Kozhikode and discovers the true meaning of life. The film is known for its beautiful cinematography, brilliant performances, and heartwarming story that explores themes such as family, love, and cultural identity. Ustad Hotel won critical acclaim and several awards, including Best Film at the National Film Awards.

In conclusion, these five movies are just a glimpse of the amazing cinematic experience that Mollywood has to offer. With their unique stories, nuanced characters, and brilliant performances, these movies have not just won critical acclaim but also captured the hearts of audiences across the world. Mollywood continues to inspire and entertain us with its thought-provoking content, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic industry.