A noir-infused romance that feels like a warm, melancholic dream. The film is slow, atmospheric, and dialogue-sparse—relying on lingering glances, rain-soaked nights, and an aching background score. Tovino Thomas proves he can carry intense, brooding roles, and Aishwarya Lekshmi is luminous. The final 20 minutes are a masterstroke in subverting genre expectations. Verdict: The best romantic thriller of the decade. Not for those seeking fast pacing. 4. Angamaly Diaries Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery Cast: A cast of 86 debutantes led by Antony Varghese (Pepe)
But as a whole, 2017 remains the gold standard for Indian regional cinema. 2017 best malayalam movies
Despite being overshadowed by the actor Dileep’s legal controversies, Ramaleela is a sharp political thriller. It openly allegorizes the Ramayana with modern power politics. The screenplay by Sachy is tight, and the twist in the third act is genuinely shocking. The film’s cynical take on democracy and media manipulation feels prescient. Verdict: Watch it for the script, not the star. 7. Godha (The Wrestler) Director: Basil Joseph Cast: Tovino Thomas, Wamiqa Gabbi, Renji Panicker A noir-infused romance that feels like a warm,