Marking a shift toward big-budget "superhero" and folklore-inspired cinema, this 2025 release became one of the industry's highest-grossing films.

Courtroom Drama Why it made the list: The legendary Mohanlal delivered a powerhouse performance as a blind sculptor seeking justice after a brutal assault. Neru is a tight, 90-minute legal thriller with zero fat. The interrogation scenes are masterclasses in dialogue writing. If you like slow-burn dramas that explode in the final act, add this immediately to your list.

Comedy-Drama / Road Trip Why it made the list: Starring Fahadh Faasil in a rare non-psycho role, this film is a wholesome family entertainer. It follows a middle-aged man carrying a mysterious antique lamp from Mumbai to Kerala. The film balances subtle humor with genuine heartache. It proves that new Malayalam movies don't need violence to be engaging.

. Based on recent critical acclaim, box office success, and audience ratings (as of April 2026), here is a curated list of the best new and upcoming Malayalam movies. 15 Greatest Malayalam Films of the Last 15 Years 29-Oct-2025 —