Premam to Drishyam: New-age Malayalam films that are worth a watch

The winds of change have begun to hit the Malayalam film industry and the outcome is certainly delightful. Exploring themes that are different from the conventional ones, new-age Malayalam films cater to the changing tastes of the audience. Here are a few new-age Malayalam films that are worth watching&hellip;<br /> <br /> <strong>Drishyam</strong><br /> <br /> A gripping story of a family that encounters a sudden twist of fate, <em>Drishyam</em>, can be categorized as one of the best Malayalam movies ever made. This enduring masterpiece was directed by Jeethu Joseph and featured Mohanlal and Meena in leading roles. <em>Drishyam</em>, with its nail-biting suspense and unexpected storyline, turned out be the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. While Mohanlal, with his poised restraint, does justice to his role of Georgekutty, Meena, too, lives up to the demands of her character. An absolute entertainer, this is one movie that cinema lovers cannot afford to miss.

Ustad Hotel

Written by Anjali Menon and directed by Anwar Rasheed, Ustad Hotel, tells the story of a young chef, played by Dulquer Salman, and his bonding with his grandfather, Thilakan. This heart-touching tale, which takes the audience on a savoury journey, features long sequences of cooking and several references to the delicious Malabari cuisine. Ustad Hotel, also throws light on issues of poverty and the conflict between the rich and the poor in India. With an engaging soundtrack, a sincere narrative and realistic characters, this film is a delightful watch. Apart from being a commercial success, the film also went on to win three National Film Awards.

<strong>Bangalore Days</strong><br /> <br /> A fun-filled youth entertainer, <em>Bangalore Days</em>, revolves around the experiences of three cousins &ndash; Arjun, played by Dulquer Salmaan, Kuttan, played by Nivin Pauly and Divya, played by Nazriya Nazim. Set mostly in the city of Bangalore, the film has a simple narrative that is embedded in subtle moments of emotion. This refreshing film is not only visually entertaining, but also musically vibrant. It explores the various dimensions of human relationships and focuses on the theme of love and hope. The film was awarded three Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress Awards for Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim, and Best Screenplay Award for Anjali Menon.

<strong>Premam</strong><br /> <br /> The romantic comedy drama film, <em>Premam</em>, is a three-part portrait of the lead character&rsquo;s attempts to find true love. This film stars Nivin Pauly, Madonna Sebastian, Sai Pallavi and Anupama Parameshwaran, and is written, edited and directed by Alphonse Putharen. This simple, yet engaging film, unearths the beauty of love, making it popular among young movie goers. &lsquo;<em>Malare</em>,&rsquo; a song from the film, became a huge hit and is said to have broken the record charts of the Malayalam film industry. With over 17 debutants in the star cast and a pleasant storyline, <em>Premam</em> is truly a refreshing watch.

Neelaakasham Pacha Kadal Chuvanna Bhoomi

This 2013 Malayalam thriller movie featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Dhritiman Chatterjee, Sunny Wayne in lead roles, tells the story of two youngsters who go on a bike trip. From stunning visuals to a beautifully crafted script, this film has all the elements required to hold the audience’s attention. This film was shot in several locations in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Nagaland and Sikkim. Set against a political backdrop, Neelaakasham Pacha Kadal Chuvanna Bhoomi received positive reviews from the audience as well as the critics.

Ayaalum Njanum Thammil

The film, Ayaalum Njanum Thammil, tells a candid story of the transformation of an indifferent young doctor into a sincere, responsible one. This 2012 drama flick features Prithviraj, Pratap Pothen, Narain, Samvrutha Sunil, Rima Kallingal and Remya Nambeesan in lead roles. The engaging narrative switches gently between the past and the present to introduce viewers to Dr Ravi Tharakan, played by Prithviraj. While some of the scenes in the film are strikingly moving, there are certain others that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The film was a hit at the box-office and also received four Kerala State Film Awards.