Malayalam films have mastered the genre of slow-burning thrillers with intricate storytelling and realistic performances. If Rekachitram kept you at the edge of your seat with its gripping plot and investigation twists, here are six movies that offer you the same mix of suspense, crime, and psychological drama.
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017) – A Crime Thriller with a Realistic Base
A seemingly ordinary bus journey turns into a chaotic police investigation when a newlywed woman’s gold chain is snatched. The suspect, played masterfully by Fahadh Faasil, remains an enigma, keeping both the police and the audience guessing about his true motives. With a script that thrives on realism, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum offers a gripping portrayal of human nature and morality under pressure.
Director Dileesh Pothan weaves a low-key yet suspenseful crime drama that has more interest in human behavior rather than conventional thriller tropes. If you liked Rekachitram for the unpredictability of its characters and realistic narrative, this one's a must-watch.
Where to Watch: Jio Hotstar
Genre: Crime, Drama
Anjaam Pathiraa (2020) – A Chilling Serial Killer Mystery
When police officers begin to die under mysterious circumstances, criminologist Anwar Hussain is pulled into a dangerous investigation. What starts off as a routine crime case takes a sinister turn as the killer leaves behind confusing messages and ghastly crime scenes. With its fair share of thrilling sequences and shocking revelations, Anjaam Pathiraa keeps audiences hooked till the end.
This movie shares the same love for detailed police investigations and psychological depth that Rekachitram has. The movie builds a chilling atmosphere as Anwar pieces together the puzzle, and it is one of the best Malayalam thrillers in recent times.
Where to Watch: Sun NXT
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
C U Soon (2020) – A Tech-Driven Suspense Thriller
Rekachitram stressed the use of newer methods of investigation, and C U Soon takes it to a different level. This techno-thriller is shot entirely on computer and mobile screens—video calls, messaging apps, and online tracking—providing a gripping and fast-paced whodunit. The movie revolves around a man searching for his missing girlfriend, but in the course of his search, he comes across unsettling secrets hidden in her virtual life.
Fahadh Faasil, Roshan Mathew, and Darshana Rajendran deliver power-packed performances that keep you on the edge while watching the film. If you enjoy new storytelling formats and smart investigation plots, C U Soon is an excellent addition to your watchlist.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Mystery
Kooman (2022) – A Dark Psychological Thriller
A series of strange deaths shock a peaceful village, and the village police officer, acted by Asif Ali, takes the law into his own hands to solve the mystery. However, as his own past comes back to haunt him, the lines between good and evil begin to blur. Kooman is not just a crime thriller—it's a riveting psychological drama that probes the darker side of the human mind.
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the mastermind behind Drishyam, this movie keeps you hooked with its multi-layered plot and unexpected twists and turns. If you enjoyed the investigative elements of Rekachitram, the slow-burning tension and nail-biting climax of this movie will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) – A Slow-Burn Revenge Drama
Maheshinte Prathikaaram doesn't seem like a thriller at first, but it shares the same slow-burning tension as Rekachitram. The film is based on Mahesh, a small-town photographer, whose life is destroyed after a public humiliation. The film starts off as a simple slice-of-life story but gradually evolves into a satisfying tale of personal justice and redemption.
With brilliant cinematography and natural performances, this film does complete justice to the emotional weight of revenge and redemption. If you liked Rekachitram for its character-driven drama, this film offers a different but equally rewarding experience.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Revenge
Joseph (2018) – A Hard-Hitting Investigative Thriller
A retired policeman is pulled back into the criminal world when he stumbles upon a suspect case that becomes deeply personal. With his keen powers of observation and years of experience, Joseph slowly unravels a shocking conspiracy no one could have expected. The film's level of investigation and emotional depth make it one of Malayalam cinema's most gripping thrillers.
Like Rekachitram, Joseph is based on realistic police procedure and edge-of-the-seat suspense. It also deals with loneliness and justice and is a very cerebral crime thriller.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Crime, Thriller
If Rekachitram has left you craving more intense and intellectual thrillers, these six movies will keep you engaged with their suspenseful plots and iconic performances. Need more recommendations? Visit our Malayalam Movie Guide for the newest streaming updates!
Images Courtesy IMDB
