2019 was a great year for Malayalam cinema and there were some movies that were very special and exceptional.
In this blog, I am sharing my top 5 Malayalam movies of 2019.
You can also watch the video below
5 – Uyare
At number 5 is Uyare directed by Manu Ashokan
Just like the movie Chapaak by Deepika Padukone that just released in 2020, Uyare too deals with a story of an ambitious woman who wants to be a pilot but her dream is shattered when her boyfriend splashes acid on her face. She loses her self confidence and her will power until an Airline Vice President gives her a chance to dream and live again.
This movie is entirely eclipsed by the very talented Parvati’s performance.
She effortlessly portrays the role of a bubbly ambitious girl before the attack, the recluse pessimist after the attack and finally redeeming her self confidence back.
Every emotion is shown naturally and without any exaggeration.
Asif Ali too plays the role of an over-possessive boyfriend and later the acid attacker very well and we just boil in anger and disgust whenever we see him on screen.
Watch it for Paravati and a heartwarming story of a woman who in spite of all odds persevers and finally tastes victory.
4 – Moothon
At number 4 is Mothoon directed by Geetu Mohandas
This Masterpiece was eclipsed by Jalikattu everywhere because they released in the same year but this movie no less of a spectacle.
The story revolves around a boy named Mulla from Lakshadweep searching and finding his older brother in Mumbai
Nivin Pauly is unrecognizable as a drug inhaling buff gangster Akbar Bhai who is the elder brother Mulla is looking for. He has gotten into the skin of the character very well and his performance reflects that.
Special mention to Shashank Arora who plays the role of the antagonist and gives a natural performance
It’s a heartbreaking movie and stings you in places but beautiful nonetheless. Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi shows us the Island as beautifully as he shows the narrow dim-lit Mumbai lanes and brothels.
A must watch movie for sure
3 – Virus
At number 3 is Virus directed by Aashiq Abu
You might have seen a lot of Hollywood movies about virus outbreak and how they tackle with all the workforce and modern medical technologies, but what happens when such a virus hits India where hospitals are understaffed, the technology used is old and medical equipment is limited?
Well, That’s exactly what is captured In this movie. Based on the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, A bunch of brave people from all walks of life fight against all the odds and manage to contain the virus, some even sacrificing their lives for it.
The entire ensemble of star cast has given a superb performance with special mention to Soubin Shahir and Asif Ali who shine in their individual roles. ( Shots of Soubin Shahir and Asif Ali )
This is one of the best epidemic movies produced by the Indian cinema till now and is a must watch
2 – Kumbalangi Nights
At number 2 is Kumbalangi Nights directed by Madhu Narayanan
Remember Premam? How the movie touches you in a way that you just can’t explain.
That was a relationship between a boy and a girl. In Kumbalangi Nights, it is about the relation between 4 brothers Saji, bobby, Shammi, and Bonny.
All of them are in an altercation with one or the other brother and don’t see each other in the eye.
But all this changes when Bobby falls in love with Baby.
The brothers initially fight but in the end, come together to unite Bobby with Baby.
The cinematography is super fresh and you will see Kerala in a very different light. Although Kerala is beautiful, I have never seen it this gorgeous. The background score and theme song by Sushin touches you and in a way heals you as you see the brothers come together slowly and steadily.
Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir give superb performances and so does Anna Ben. ( shots of actors )
You also see Fahadh Faasil who plays Shammi in a very different light and you would be pleasantly surprised by his cracking performance. ( shots of Fahadh Faasil )
1 – Jalikattu
The No.1 Malayalam movie of 2019 was Jalikattu directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
Jalikattu movie has nothing to do with the traditional bull race that takes place in South India. But the essence of chasing a bull for winning the prize is similar to the race. However, in the Jalikattu race, the winner gets a prize, here in the movie the buffalo is the prize everyone is after.
The movie shows the ugly side of human nature like jealousy and greed. It also shows how people will go to any length to satisfy it.
The cinematography and background score of the movie has a very unique texture that you might not have seen any movie before. The Theme music and chants are used precisely like a demon inching closer. The scenes shot in the night are very unique and beautiful to watch.
Anthony Verghese plays the role of Anthony very well. He reminds us of his performance in the cult classic movie Angamalay Diaries. Here he is driven by the urge to show the world he is a champion. And win over his love through his display of masculinity. We also get to see that he is cunning and can do anything to get what he wants. His arc rival played by Sabumon Abdusamad is effortless and we get to see his constant thirst for revenge.
Jalikattu is not a movie but an experience. At the end of the movie, you feel like you just came home after a long night in the forest watching people ruthlessly hunting a Buffalo.
What were your favorite Malayalam Movies? Tell me in the comments below
