Nivin Pauly (known for boy-next-door roles) shocks in this dark, uncomfortable film. The nonlinear narrative and surreal sequences (a dancing ghost, talking animals) polarized audiences, but for those who appreciate Lynchian influences, Aby is a bold experiment. The film is less about plot and more about the subjective experience of a fractured mind. Verdict: Divisive but ambitious. Not for mainstream tastes. 9. Villain Director: B. Unnikrishnan Cast: Mohanlal, Vishal, Manju Warrier, Hansika Motwani
Below is a detailed review of the top 10 Malayalam movies of 2017, categorized by impact and craft. (The Lead and the Witness) Director: Dileesh Pothan Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nimisha Sajayan 2017 best malayalam movies
A psychological drama about a man whose mental instability and drug addiction alienate his family, leading him to seek redemption through extreme means. Nivin Pauly (known for boy-next-door roles) shocks in
A political drama where a man is forced to become a pawn (like a puppet Ram) in a corrupt election game, leading to a violent power struggle. Verdict: Divisive but ambitious
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
But as a whole, 2017 remains the gold standard for Indian regional cinema.
Here’s a detailed review and retrospective of the best Malayalam movies of 2017—a landmark year often hailed as the beginning of the "new wave" or the Malayalam cinema renaissance. 2017 wasn't just a good year for Malayalam cinema; it was transformative. The industry moved decisively away from formulaic star vehicles toward content-driven, realistic, and genre-bending films. This was the year when "small films" with strong scripts started consistently outperforming big-budget masala movies at the box office. Directors like Lijo Jose Pellissery, Mahesh Narayan, and Dileesh Pothan became household names, and actors like Fahadh Faasil, Tovino Thomas, and Nivin Pauly redefined stardom through risky, unconventional choices.