MovieCrow Annual Rankings - Best Malayalam Movies of 2016

---

Mollywood might not have had any releases since Christmas (friction amongst film exhibitors and producers to blame), but it surely has given some films to cherish and celebrate over the annum. With a day into the beginning of a new year, we bring to you MovieCrow's favourite picks from the best of Malayalam movies released in 2016.

1. Maheshinte Prathikaram

---

With a plot inspired from a true-life incident, Maheshinte Prathikaram is a delightful film about very little yet providing a memorable experience. The movie tells a bittersweet tale of a rural photographer, who wows to avenge an accidental humiliation by forfeiting his slippers. Directed by Dileesh Pothan, the film has been highly appreciated for the apt casting and the slice-of-life characters.

 

 
2. Kamattipadam

---

Kamattipadam is one of the most intense Malayalam movies of this year and saw actor Dulquer Salman in an atypical role. Woven on the lines of real-estate mafia, the film gives us an insightful look into the lives of outcasts and the choices they thrive on. Highly praised for its realism, this Rajeev Ravi directorial is a must-watch for those unaware of the real-deal behind urbanization.

3. Ozhivudivasathae KaliI

---

If a felicitation of the Kerala state award for best film isn't good enough a reason to watch Ozhivudivasathe Kali, then the movie must be watched for its gripping take on corruption. Set in the background of politics, this multi-starrer takes a dig into the hypocrisies of the society with five grown men as the tale tellers. 

4. Jacobinte Swargarajyam

---

Another movie based on true-life incidents, Jacobinte Swargarajyam is a feel-good film with characters, whose relationships and interactions evoke empathy among the viewers. Set in the backdrop of recession, this biography has been directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan and is among the list of must-watch, because of its connectable nature with today's audience. 

5. Anandam

---

Directed by debutant Ganesh Raj, Aanandam is a zestful film that travels along the fun tour of several college students. The movie can both strike a chord with the today's generation as well evoke nostalgic memories for the others. The fresh casting and treat-to-the-eye visuals makes it all the more watchable and definitely something to catch up on. 

 

6. Guppy

---

For a maiden venture, director Johnpaul George created quite a positive wave with his film Guppy. The movie earns a must- watch tag mainly for its titular character around whom the story revolves. About a downtrodden boy selling fish for a living, the movie went on to become popular post its DVD release.

 

7. Pulimurugan

---

This Mohanlal starrer is Mollywood's most expensive movie made till date. Praised for its racy screenplay and adrenaline-filled action scenes, Pulimurugan went on to make more than 150 crores at the box-office bringing laurels to the Malayalam industry as well as the South film industry. Directed by Vyshak, the film is a thorough entertainer and deserves to be in the list of must- watch movies this year.

8. Action Hero Biju

---

Nivin Pauly starrer Action Hero Biju is the story of a cop told in an unconventional manner. The movie is surprisingly level-headed for a cop film and leaves you insightful of an every-day life of those handling the law and order. This Abrid Shine directed film is a heart-felt tribute to the people of the police department. 

 

9. Kali

---

Dulquer Salmaan's second best movie this year, Kali is about a married couple's journey gone wrong. The movie pans out around the husband's anger issues and made it to our list for its youth-centric narrative. The sizzling combination of Sameer C. Tahir and the temperamental lead character only adds to the attributes of the film making it a must-watch. 

10. Kismath

---

One more venture from a maiden director (Shanavas K Bhavakutty) this year, Kismath is inspired from a true-life incidents. The movie is about a much-in-love couple fighting to ward off differences like age, religion,caste and other societal objections for just being together. A fresh pairing and an insightful narrative earns it a spot in our list of must-watch. 

11. Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho

---

The film Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho traverses around the belief that the universe conspires to help one if they desire to have something whole-heartedly. The story of a young boy and his dream of flying is beautifuy narrated by director Sihartha Siva. But what really piques the interest level is the characterization of a star like Kunchako Boban in what could be concluded as a kids' movie. 

12. Oru Muthassi Gadha

---

Oru Muthassi Gadha addresses pertinent questions about ageing, the shifting dynamics of responsibility between parent and offspring, and the line between duty and sacrifice. Despite a serious subject, the movie proves to be on a lighter note and director Jude Antony Joseph ensures the tone throughout. This family entertainer is not something to be missed from the list of movies this year. 

13. Oppam

---

Scripted and directed by Priyadarshan, Oppam is a crime-thriller based on a story by writer Govind Vijayan. Actor Mohanlal's potrayal of a blind man is one of the main reasons to watch this movie. His flawless performance and an engaging narrative are reasons enough to feature the film in our list. 

 

14. Anuraga Karikin Vellam 

---