Malayalam Movies [hot]: 2017 Best

The only downside is that 2017 lacked a truly great comedy (like Kumbalangi Nights came later) and the mainstream superstars (Mammootty, Mohanlal) had relatively weak years apart from Villain .

The only "star vehicle" on this list that worked. Villain is not a great film, but it’s a well-made commercial thriller. Mohanlal’s restrained performance as a grieving, morally gray cop elevates the material. The twist about the killer’s identity is genuinely clever. However, the film suffers from a bloated second half and underutilized supporting cast. Verdict: A solid one-time watch for Mohanlal fans. 10. Parava (The Pigeon) Director: Soubin Shahir Cast: Amal Shah, Shane Nigam, Dulquer Salmaan (extended cameo) 2017 best malayalam movies

A politically charged love story set against the backdrop of the violent right-left clashes in North Kerala during the 2010s. The only downside is that 2017 lacked a

Despite being overshadowed by the actor Dileep’s legal controversies, Ramaleela is a sharp political thriller. It openly allegorizes the Ramayana with modern power politics. The screenplay by Sachy is tight, and the twist in the third act is genuinely shocking. The film’s cynical take on democracy and media manipulation feels prescient. Verdict: Watch it for the script, not the star. 7. Godha (The Wrestler) Director: Basil Joseph Cast: Tovino Thomas, Wamiqa Gabbi, Renji Panicker Verdict: A solid one-time watch for Mohanlal fans

A fun, feel-good sports comedy about a disheartened wrestler from Punjab who ends up training a group of women wrestlers in a Kerala village.

A masterclass in minimalist storytelling. The film has no songs, no fight scenes, and no villain in the traditional sense—yet it’s gripping. Fahadh Faasil as the stoic, unpredictable thief Prasad is a revelation, but Suraj Venjaramoodu (as the sub-inspector) delivers a career-best performance, oscillating between comic exasperation and quiet authority. The script by Sajeev Pazhoor is razor-sharp, using a single incident to critique the absurdities of the legal system and human ego. Verdict: A near-perfect satire-drama. Essential viewing. 2. Take Off Director: Mahesh Narayan Cast: Parvathy Thiruvothu, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Asif Ali