This week has a lot of releases in various languages. There are 4 must watch movies in Malayalam. From adrenaline-pumping action and political drama to dark comedies and slow-burn thrillers, there’s something for everyone. Empuraan, the much-awaited sequel to Lucifer, takes us deeper into the world of Khureshi Ab’raam, played by Mohanlal, while Extra Decent offers a darkly humorous yet emotional tale of trauma and family drama.
Meanwhile,
Kummattikali brings youthful energy and suspense set against the backdrop of a colorful festival, and
Am Ah immerses us in a mystery thriller with a scenic and atmospheric touch. Whether you're in the mood for intense drama or something more reflective, these films are sure to keep you hooked.
Empuraan
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Empuraan is the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer (2019) and further explores the dark world of Khureshi Ab'raam, played by the ever-suave Mohanlal. The film has made headlines not only for its adrenaline-pumping action and edge-of-the-seat political drama, but also for its bold political nuances, including nods to real-life events like the Gujarat riots.
Prithviraj returns as Zayed Masood, and Tovino Thomas is the young and troubled Jathin Ramdas. The ensemble cast includes Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Kishore, and international actors like Rick Yune and Jerome Flynn. The film is also a technical benchmark as the first Malayalam film to release in IMAX and EPIQ formats. Prepare for a punchy cocktail of action, drama, and satire.
- Platform: JioHotstar
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Language: Malayalam + Tamil, Telugu, Kannada
Extra Decent (ED)
Extra Decent is a 2024 Malayalam dark comedy thriller directed by Aamir Pallikkal, featuring Suraj Venjaramoodu in a layered role. The film follows Binu, a man scarred by the traumatic death of his elder brother, as his life spirals into chaos. The narrative blends dark humour with family drama and emotional depth, portraying the consequences of a toxic childhood. With strong performances and a gripping plot, the film has gained positive reviews, especially for Suraj’s portrayal of the troubled yet compelling Binu.
Supported by talented actors like Grace Antony, Shyam Mohan, Sudheer Karamana, and Vinaya Prasad, the film captures the emotional turbulence within a fractured family. Technical contributions from Sharon Srinivas, Ankit Menon, and Sreejith Sarang enhance its moody and intense atmosphere. Critics have appreciated the film’s raw handling of trauma and its smart mix of comedy and suspense.
- Platform: SainaPlay
- Release Date: April 26, 2025
- Language: Malayalam
Kummattikali
Set against the colourful backdrop of the coastal Kummattikali festival, the film follows four spirited youngsters—Dennis, Luka, Bhairavan, and Ameer—known as the "Kummati Boys." Their carefree lives take a dramatic turn when they become entangled in a serious crime.
With Madhav Suresh, Mithun Prakash, Rashik Ajmal, and Dhananjay in lead roles, the film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Lena, Mime Gopi, and Major Ravi. It promises a gripping mix of youthful energy, tradition, and suspense.
- Platform: Manorama Max
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Language: Malayalam
Am Ah
Am Ah is a 2025 Malayalam mystery thriller directed by Thomas K. Sebastian, set in the fog-covered hills of Idukki. The film follows Stephen (Dileesh Pothan), a road supervisor who arrives in the village of Kavantha to oversee a stalled road project. What initially seems like a mundane task quickly becomes more mysterious when Stephen meets Ammini Amma (Devadarshini) and her inquisitive granddaughter, Baby Nihara. The film blends suspense with serene landscapes, using the surrounding mountains as a metaphor for the mystery that slowly unravels. With a strong screenplay by Kaviprasad Gopinath and captivating cinematography by Anishlal R.S., the film maintains a measured pace, drawing viewers into its atmospheric world.
While critics gave the film an average rating of 2.5 stars, praising the emotional depth of the performances—especially Devadarshini's portrayal—they felt the film didn't fully realize its potential. The suspenseful moments and intriguing twists keep viewers hooked, but the characters and narrative often play it safe. Despite these shortcomings, the film's mood, pacing, and solid performances make it a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn thrillers.
- Platform: Sun NXT and Prime
- Release Date: April 18, 2025
- Language: Malayalam
What to watch?
If you’re a fan of high-octane action and political drama, Empuraan is your pick. With Mohanlal returning as the suave Khureshi Ab’raam, it offers a thrilling combination of political nuance, action, and real-life events, making it a must-watch for action lovers and fans of intense drama. On the other hand, if you enjoy dark comedy with emotional depth, Extra Decent delivers a smart blend of humor and suspense, anchored by Suraj Venjaramoodu’s stellar performance.
For those seeking youthful energy mixed with suspense, Kummattikali offers a gripping tale of carefree youngsters caught in a web of crime, framed within the colorful Kummattikali festival. Lastly, if you're in the mood for a mystery thriller with atmospheric tension, Am Ah offers a slow-burn story that will engage fans of suspense and rural dramas.
