Five Underrated Malayalam Movies That Are Totally Worth Watching!

Aalorukkam critically acclaimed Malayalam drama directed by V. C. Abhilash. The film tells the deeply moving story of Pappu Pisharody, an aging theatre artist, played by Indrans, who goes on a search for his estranged child after many years. What makes the story powerful is the revelation that his child is now a transgender person, forcing the father to confront his own prejudices, regrets, and responsibilities. The film shines for its sensitive portrayal of gender identity, acceptance, and human relationships. Indrans’s performance was widely praised, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Don Palathara’s Shavam is a minimalist black-and-white satirical drama that turns a funeral into a stage for social observation. Rather than focusing on the deceased, the film lingers on the gathered family, relatives, and neighbors, revealing their indifference, unspoken tensions, and the hollow rituals masquerading as grief. Through static frames, naturalistic performances, and a deliberate, unhurried pace, Palathara strips away sentimentality to expose the raw, often uncomfortable reality of how communities confront death.

This poignant romantic drama, directed by Shanavas K Bavakutty and inspired by real events, stars Shane Nigam and Shruthy Menon in the lead roles. The film follows a young couple from different religious and social backgrounds whose love faces severe societal and familial opposition. Through heartfelt performances and realistic storytelling, it sensitively portrays the challenges of interfaith romance and social prejudice in contemporary Kerala.

Ozhivudivasathe Kali, directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan and based on Unni R.’s short story, is a gripping one-day tale of a rural holiday gathering. Beneath laughter and camaraderie, caste tensions, personal egos, and power struggles surface, exposing the darker side of human behavior. The film’s stark realism delivers a piercing commentary on social hierarchies and the quiet assertion of dominance in everyday interactions.

This heartwarming family drama tells the story of an acclaimed artist who comes back to his native village with his foreign wife and child. As he reconnects with his grandmother, relatives, and old friends, the film beautifully explores the warmth of familial bonds, the nostalgia of home, and the subtle changes that time and distance bring to a close-knit community. he film is directed by Krish Kymal and stars Biju Menon in the lead role.