Must Watch International Award Winning Malayalam Films

A number of films are released in the Malayalam film industry out of which majority of them do well in the homeland, however, the scenario is different in the international scene. To get noticed abroad, the movies need to have a certain amount of influence and Indianness. Fortunately, some films have managed to get a mix of both resulting in international acclaim. Let us look at some of the movies, that have stood at International Film Festivals.

Ottaal

'Ottaal' is directed by Jayaraj Rajasekharan Nair and is the story of an old fisherman and his grandson. The movie is an adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s short story ‘Vanaka’ and is a highly watchable film for more reasons than one. ‘Ottaal’ was named the best children’s film at the Berlin International Film Festival and likewise was honoured with the Crystal Bear Award in the Generation Kplus’ section. The film was also screened at the Mumbai Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Kerala.

Vanaprastham

The 1999 Indian French - German co-production Malayalam movie directed by Shaji N. Karun was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Los Angeles International Film Festival. The movie was also screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. The film went on to win the special prize of the jury at Istanbul International Film Festival Turkey. The performance of Mohanlal is considered as one of his best in Malayalam cinema.

Swaham

This award-winning feature film directed by Shaji N Karun was met with widespread critical acclaim upon release. The story revolves around Annapoorna who lives with her son and daughter. The film was screened at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and also went on to win Bronze Rosa Camuna at Bergamo Film Meeting in Italy. The following year ‘Swaham’ won the Best Film at Innsbruck Film Festival in Austria.

Elippathayam

‘Elippathayam’ is critically considered as one of the most outstanding films in the history of Malayalam cinema. The film is an exploration of the feudal system in Kerala at its twilight. Ace director Adoor Gopalakrishnan won the British Film Institute Award for the Most Original and Imaginative film at the National Film Theatre in 1982. The movie was shown at a number of film festivals around the world, including the 1982 Cannes Film Festival.

Mathilukal

This film directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan depicts the prison life of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, an outspoken writer who openly objects Britain’s imperialistic control of his homeland. Mammootty plays the role of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. 'Mathilukal' was well received upon screening at the Venice Film Festival. The movie also bagged the OCIC Awards the same year at Amiens Film Festival. In 2002, it also won an award for the best film at Aubervilliers International Children's Film Festival. Forbes included Mammootty’s performance on its list, '25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema.'

Vidheyan

This 1993 film written and directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan is a cinematic adaption of the novel 'Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum' by Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia. The film explores the master-slave dialectic in a South Karnataka setting. The film went on to win the NETPAC Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. The movie also bagged the Interfilm Award – Honourable Mention at the Mannhiem - Heidelberg International Film Festival.