The Malayalam film industry is currently witnessing an exhilarating transformation as leading stars break away from their conventional roles to embrace more avant-garde characters and stories. Spearheading this evolutionary cinema trend is the celebrated Mammootty, who is coming off a fantastic year in 2023. As we look ahead to 2024, anticipation builds around Mammootty’s upcoming performances that promise to challenge the status quo and bring to life some truly pioneering themes.
Meanwhile, a roster of younger actors such as Fahadh Faasil, Neeraj Madhav, Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj, Darshana Rajendran, Roshan Mathew, Manju Warrier, and Nimisha Sajayan are leaving their mark on pan-Indian screens, appearing in both widely acclaimed films and series alike.
In a year brimming with potential, several films are poised to capture the imaginations of eager moviegoers. While it is common for dark horses to unexpectedly emerge as front runners, as was the case with last year’s Purusha Pretham and Romancham, let’s shine a spotlight on some of the most highly anticipated films of 2024.
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s “Malaikottaai Vaaliban” has been the buzz of the town since its announcement. Starring Mohanlal, the film unfurls in scenic locales like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Chronicling the journey of a wrestler—or perhaps a savant?—from pre-Independence India, this film has piqued the curiosity of many. January 25 marks its release date, featuring Lijo’s favored collaborators, cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan, and music director Prashant Pillai. PS Rafeeque pens the script, bringing the expectancy of another hit akin to his prior works, Amen and Nayakan.
Blessy’s adaptation of Benyamin’s critically acclaimed novel “Aadujeevitham” stars Prithviraj as Najeeb. The film narrates the heart-wrenching survival saga of a Keralite drawn into the bleak world of slavery in West Asia. Shot across the desolate expanses of Jordan and the Sahara, the movie also boasts compositions by the legendary AR Rahman.
Tovino Thomas fans are in for a treat as “Ajayante Randam Moshanam,” directed by newcomer Jithin Lal, features Thomas in a triple role set across three time periods. The cast includes Aishwariya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, and Krithi Shetty.
The year also welcomes the fantastical epic “Barroz,” with superstar Mohanlal pulling double duty as both actor and director. Accompanied by Santhosh Sivan’s camera work and a script by TK Rajeev Kumar, “Barroz” spins a tale of a centuries-old guardian of Vasco da Gama’s treasure, intertwining Kerala’s historical maritime commerce.
The sequel to Jithu Madhavan’s hit horror-comedy “Romancham,” titled “Aavesham” and led by Fahadh Faasil, continues the off-kilter story of friends plagued by superstition following their ill-advised use of an ouija board. The film promises laughter and chills in equal measure.
Vineeth Sreenivasan’s “Varshangalkku Shesham” brings together a stellar cast that includes Pranav Mohanlal, Kalyani Priyadarshan, and Nivin Pauly. The director maintains secrecy about the plot, heightening the anticipation among fans.
“Bramayugam” sees Mammootty donning the attire of a Theyyam performer in a story set against a backdrop of sorcery and black magic that once dominated the local culture of Kerala. Rahul Sadasivan, director of the acclaimed “Bhoothakaalam,” helms this intriguing project.
With “Turbo,” director Vyshakh reunites with Mammootty for an action-packed drama, while Jayasurya embodies the legendary priest Kadamattathu Kathanar in the period film “Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer,” anticipated to release in seven languages, featuring Anushka Shetty in her Malayalam debut.
Anand Ekarshi’s debut film “Aattam,” a critically lauded drama centered around a sexual harassment case, delves deep into the male psyche and methodology to keep audiences riveted.
Looking ahead, audiences also await Prithviraj’s “L2 Empuraan,” the sequel to the blockbuster “Lucifer,” as well as a host of other potential hits including “Bazooka,” “Malayali from India,” and “Guruvayur Ambala Nadayil,” to name a few.
The year kicks off with “Abraham Ozler,” featuring Jayaram, directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. As the cinema landscape unfolds, one thing is clear: 2024 is set to be a riveting year for Malayalam film enthusiasts as stars, new narratives, and fresh talent collide on the silver screen.
