Filled with laugh-out-loud hilarious text and cartoons, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series follows Greg Heffley as he records the daily trials and triumphs of friendship, family life and middle school where undersized weaklings have to share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner and already shaving! On top of all that, Greg must be careful to avoid the dreaded CHEESE TOUCH!
The first book in the series was published in 2007 and became instantly popular for its relatable humor. Today, more than 300 million copies have been sold around the world!
Mahesh Narayanan’s directorial debut was based on the real-life rescue of Indian nurses from ISIS-held Tikrit. Parvathy Thiruvothu’s performance earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. Survival Thriller Cast: Parvathy Thiruvothu, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil 4. Mayaanadhi
, director Dileesh Pothan returned with another masterpiece of realism. Starring Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha Sajayan, with a standout performance by Fahadh Faasil as a mysterious thief, the film turned a simple gold chain theft into a profound character study. It remains a masterclass in how to extract high-stakes drama from everyday life. 3. Take Off A gripping survival drama based on true events, Take Off followed the harrowing ordeal of 46 Malayali nurses trapped in Tikrit, Iraq, during the 2014 ISIS insurgency. Parvathy Thiruvothu delivered a career-defining, award-winning performance as Sameera, supported by Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil. The film was lauded for balancing intense geopolitical tension with deeply personal stakes. 4. Mayaanadhi Directed by Aashiq Abu, Mayaanadhi was the year's most soul-stirring romance. It told the tragic and tender story of Mathan (Tovino Thomas), a mule for a criminal gang, and Aparna (Aishwarya Lekshmi), an aspiring actress. With its haunting score and "technically sound" filmmaking, it broke traditional romantic tropes, leaving an indelible mark on its audience. 5. Parava Soubin Shahir’s directorial debut, Parava , was a nostalgic and visually stunning tribute to the pigeon-racing culture of Mattancherry. While the story focused on the coming-of-age journey of two teenage boys, Dulquer Salmaan’s extended cameo became one of the film's emotional anchors. The film was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Kochi’s backstreets and its incredible young cast. Honorable Mentions: 11 sites Best of Malayalam Movies in 2017 - Review Reels Jan 10, 2018 —
A psychological drama about a man whose mental instability and drug addiction alienate his family, leading him to seek redemption through extreme means.
Directed by Sidhartha Siva, Ottamuri Veliyadukal is a drama that follows the story of a group of people who are struggling to come to terms with their past and find their place in the world. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Mohanlal, and was praised for its poignant storytelling and nuanced characters.
The only downside is that 2017 lacked a truly great comedy (like Kumbalangi Nights came later) and the mainstream superstars (Mammootty, Mohanlal) had relatively weak years apart from Villain .
The year 2017 was a remarkable one for Malayalam cinema, with a diverse range of films that showcased the industry's creativity and versatility. From thrillers like Take Off and Aruvam to dramas like Ottamuri Veliyadukal and Sudani from Nigeria, Malayalam movies continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and explore new themes and ideas. These films not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations about social issues, cultural exchange, and human relationships. As the Malayalam film industry continues to evolve and grow, it's clear that 2017 will be remembered as a standout year for Malayalam cinema.
If you have to watch from this year:
Mahesh Narayanan’s directorial debut was based on the real-life rescue of Indian nurses from ISIS-held Tikrit. Parvathy Thiruvothu’s performance earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. Survival Thriller Cast: Parvathy Thiruvothu, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil 4. Mayaanadhi
, director Dileesh Pothan returned with another masterpiece of realism. Starring Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha Sajayan, with a standout performance by Fahadh Faasil as a mysterious thief, the film turned a simple gold chain theft into a profound character study. It remains a masterclass in how to extract high-stakes drama from everyday life. 3. Take Off A gripping survival drama based on true events, Take Off followed the harrowing ordeal of 46 Malayali nurses trapped in Tikrit, Iraq, during the 2014 ISIS insurgency. Parvathy Thiruvothu delivered a career-defining, award-winning performance as Sameera, supported by Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil. The film was lauded for balancing intense geopolitical tension with deeply personal stakes. 4. Mayaanadhi Directed by Aashiq Abu, Mayaanadhi was the year's most soul-stirring romance. It told the tragic and tender story of Mathan (Tovino Thomas), a mule for a criminal gang, and Aparna (Aishwarya Lekshmi), an aspiring actress. With its haunting score and "technically sound" filmmaking, it broke traditional romantic tropes, leaving an indelible mark on its audience. 5. Parava Soubin Shahir’s directorial debut, Parava , was a nostalgic and visually stunning tribute to the pigeon-racing culture of Mattancherry. While the story focused on the coming-of-age journey of two teenage boys, Dulquer Salmaan’s extended cameo became one of the film's emotional anchors. The film was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Kochi’s backstreets and its incredible young cast. Honorable Mentions: 11 sites Best of Malayalam Movies in 2017 - Review Reels Jan 10, 2018 —
A psychological drama about a man whose mental instability and drug addiction alienate his family, leading him to seek redemption through extreme means.
Directed by Sidhartha Siva, Ottamuri Veliyadukal is a drama that follows the story of a group of people who are struggling to come to terms with their past and find their place in the world. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Mohanlal, and was praised for its poignant storytelling and nuanced characters.
The only downside is that 2017 lacked a truly great comedy (like Kumbalangi Nights came later) and the mainstream superstars (Mammootty, Mohanlal) had relatively weak years apart from Villain .
The year 2017 was a remarkable one for Malayalam cinema, with a diverse range of films that showcased the industry's creativity and versatility. From thrillers like Take Off and Aruvam to dramas like Ottamuri Veliyadukal and Sudani from Nigeria, Malayalam movies continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and explore new themes and ideas. These films not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations about social issues, cultural exchange, and human relationships. As the Malayalam film industry continues to evolve and grow, it's clear that 2017 will be remembered as a standout year for Malayalam cinema.
If you have to watch from this year: