Must Watch Cult Classic Movies – Malayalam!!

Malayalam Cinema was initially produced and directed by the people of the neighbouring region. The making of a Malayalam cinema took a turn after the 1950s. The blending of literature, politics and drama in a story and in the screenplay of a movie took place until the 80s. Mollywood/Malayalam Cinema crafted their work in the following years and they stand alone with an unique way of storytelling. Here comes the list of must watch cult classics in Malayalam cinema. The seasoned filmmaker of the International movies, Martin Scorsese has said about the impact of watching a cult cinema,

“I think ultimately it’s something that for some reason stays with you so that a few years later you could watch it again or 10 years later you watch it again it’s different. In other words there’s more to learn about yourself or about life.”

Neelakuyil – 1954

“Neelakuyil” is a neo-realistic melodrama movie directed by P.Bhaskaran Ramu Kariat. The screenplay was written togetherly by Uroob and P.Bhaskaran. It is a classic love story between Neeli and Sreedharan Nair. This movie was made with a visionary theme about the social inequalities followed in the society which includes untouchability, feudalism and injustices towards women. This movie was appreciated and was awarded All India Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film, with this “Neelakuyil” became the first South Indian movie to win this award. This is now streaming on YouTube.

Piravi – 1989

Movies which are based on true events have a deep influence at the bottom of the heart of the audiences. “Piravi” is one such movie and has won more International awards. It is based on an arrest of a student mistakenly and was killed in police custody during the 1976 National Emergency period. The gripping drama movie revolves around the world of Raghavan who waits for the arrival of his son from the college to attend his sister’s engagement function. “Piravi” bagged National Film Awards, Cannes Film Festival Award, Sir Charles Chaplin Award, Golden Lotus Award, Silver Lotus Award, Filmfare Awards South, Hawaii International Film Festival, and Bronze Rosa Camuna in 1989.

Swaroopam – 1992

Another classic movie starring Sreenivasan and Sandhya Rajendran in the lead roles in “Swaroopam”. The story is about a farmer named Shekharan who struggles to earn money for the routine life and later becomes irresponsible which turns his whole family upside down. This movie has won a National Award under the category of Best Feature Film. 

Pavithram – 1994

One of the best movies of Malayalam legendary actor Mohanlal, is “Pavithram” which was released on February 4, 1994. It is an emotional drama movie packed with various emotions like love, care, sacrifice, and more. Mohanlal has won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for this movie. It is a must watch movie if you are following the filmography of this great actor.

Oru Cheru Punchiri – 2001

This movie is like the cold breezy air that hits us when we travel and we experience a soothing feeling at the end. “Oru Cheru Punchiri” deals with the life of two elders, one in his seventies and his wife at sixties, their lifestyle and their love. The upcoming challenging events makes this movie more relatable and can be considered as a must watch emotional and drama movie. This movie was based on the short story of a Telugu writer Sriramana’s “Mithunam”.