Malayalam cinema has always been known for experimenting with different genres and creating remarkable thriller films. If you’re wondering what to watch next, here is a list of movies you can watch.
5 Malayalam crime thrillers to watch on OTT
1. Operation Java
- Mould: Balu Varghese, luqman awaranIrshad Ali, Binu Pappu, Prashant Alexander, Shine Tom Chacko, Mamita BaijuMatthew Thomas, Sminnu Sijo, Vinayakan
- Director: Tharun Murthy
- Runtime: 2 hours 26 minutes
- Where to watch: ZEE5
Operation Java follows Anthony George and Vinay Dasan, two talented but unemployed B.Tech graduates, who work as temporary employees/trainees for the Kochi Cyber Cell Police. They use their technical expertise to assist police in solving several complex, mostly unrelated cyber crimes over a period of approximately one and a half years.
If you enjoy thriller movies with engaging and interesting storylines, this is definitely a perfect watch.
2. Chappa Kurishu
- Mould: Fahadh FaasilVineeth Srinivasan, Roma Asrani, Remya Nambisan, Nivetha Thomas
- Director: Sameer Tahir
- Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Where to watch: sunnxt
Chappa Kurishu revolves around the lives of two individuals. Arjun, a wealthy man involved in the construction business in Kochi, is having an affair with his subordinate Sonia, while he is preparing to get engaged to Ann, the daughter of his family friend. Ansari, on the other hand, lives in a slum and does odd jobs in a supermarket. She is often made fun of for her looks and has a crush on her co-worker Nafiza.
When Arjun loses his phone he becomes extremely worried as it contains intimate videos of him and Sonia. The film traces how the Ansaris come across and the rivalry that develops between them, making it a high-stakes thriller that is often credited as one of the early ventures of the new wave of Malayalam cinema.
3. Ila Veezha Poonchira
- Mould: Soubin ShahirSudhi Koppa, Jude Anthony Joseph, Jeetu Ashraf, Vincent Vadakkan, Girish Mohan, Jinesh Chandran
- Director: Shahi Kabir
- Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
- Where to watch: amazon prime video
Ella Visa Punchira It tells the story of two policemen, Madhu and Sudhi, posted at a remote wireless police station on an inaccessible high-altitude hill in Kerala. During the monsoon, they find body parts scattered on a hill, leading to a tense investigation that uncovers a revenge-driven conspiracy.
Despite its short runtime, the film offers thrilling moments for lovers of the genre.
4. Bhramaram
- Mould: Mohanlal, Bhumika ChawlaSuresh Menon, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Murali Gopi
- Director: Blessy
- Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Where to watch: jiohotstar
Bhramaram follows Shivankutty, a jeep driver who tracks down his childhood friends, Unni and Alex, 30 years later, to find them guilty of a crime he did not commit. As he seeks justice, her presence creates fear and tension in their lives, ultimately forcing them to confront their past actions, leading to many intense moments.
With impeccable performance by MohanlalThe film still remains one of the actor’s greatest works.
5. Thevaram
- Mould: Dulquer SalmaanShikha Nair, Srinivasan, Vishnu ji. Raghav, Rhea Saira, Vinay Fort, Anu Mohan, Janardhan
- Director: Rupesh Peethambaran
- Runtime: Manoramamax
- Where to watch: 2 hours 15 minutes
Thevaram focuses on Harsh Vardhan, a musician who seeks violent revenge on Raghavan, an auto driver who is responsible for the death of his wife Maya. How Harsh takes his revenge and also relives the memories of his early life with his wife forms the central story of the film.
These are some of the underrated Malayalam thriller movies that are available for streaming on OTT platforms.
