Introduction
Welcome to the riveting world of Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies, where suspense, intrigue, and gripping narratives converge to create an immersive cinematic experience. Malayalam cinema, known for its rich storytelling tradition, has carved a niche for itself in the crime thriller genre, seamlessly blending compelling narratives with stellar performances. These films not only captivate audiences with their intricate plots but also showcase the depth of storytelling prowess within the Malayalam film industry.
Also Read: Top 15 best Malayalam Action Movies with high IMDB Rating in 2024
Join us as we are going to disclose the best of Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies, exploring the masterful storytelling, stellar performances, and the unique cinematic language that sets these films apart in the world of international cinema. So let’s start…
Joji
So our first movie from list of Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies begins with movie- Joji. Joji is a dramatic story set in a troubled family dealing with a dominating father, financial struggles, and dark secrets. Joji, the main character, tries to escape his difficult situation by plotting to harm his father. The film unfolds as the family faces the consequences of Joji’s actions, leading to conflicts, suspicions, and unexpected twists. In the end, Joji’s life takes a grim turn, leaving viewers questioning his fate. It’s a gripping tale of family dynamics, betrayal, and the consequences of desperate choices.
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Actors | Fahadh Faasil |
| Release date | 7 April 2021 |
| Running time | 113 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Salute
Our Second movie from list of Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies is Salute. The story of Aravind Karunakaran, a retired cop. He and his team wrongly arrest Murali for murder, only to find out later that Murali is innocent. Aravind, unlike his colleagues, refuses to stay silent and retires. Years later, he discovers clues pointing to a serial killer in Kerala. Rejoining the force, he faces obstacles from his own brother and colleagues who want to stop him. Eventually, he realizes the killer died in a car accident, but he uses this information to free Murali. Despite his efforts, Aravind and his team get suspended.
| IMDB Rating | 7/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Actors | Dulquer Salmaan, Manoj K. Jayan, Diana Penty |
| Release date | 17 March 2022 |
| Running time | 143 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Ira
The movie revolves around Aryan, a doctor who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Jennifer’s grandfather, Minister Chandy. A complex web of deceit, revenge, and corruption unfolds as Central Police Officer Rajeev investigates the case. Aryan, seemingly innocent, claims he was framed. As Rajeev delves into the events surrounding Chandy’s death, a shocking revelation emerges – Aryan and Rajeev had conspired to kill Chandy. The plot takes unexpected turns, exposing corruption within the police force and deceit within Jennifer’s family.
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Actors | Unni Mukundan, Gokul Suresh |
| Release date | 16 March 2018 |
| Language | Malayalam |
Detective
The story unfolds with the mysterious death of Rashmi, initially declared a suicide, causing grief in her family. Her father accuses Mohan Kumar, Rashmi’s husband and a young politician, of being responsible for her demise. Public suspicion leads to Mohan’s political downfall, replaced by Jose. James Joseph, convincing everyone of Mohan’s guilt, has him briefly arrested. Shyam Prasad and his team, appointed to investigate, encounter resistance from John Samuel and James, who attempt to eliminate Shyam. Despite facing goons, Shyam perseveres, eventually arresting the culprits. Further investigations, including fingerprint analysis, reveal Rashmi’s death as murder.
| IMDB Rating | 7/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Mystery |
| Actors | Suresh Gopi, Sindhu Menon, Prajod Kalabhavan, Madhupal |
| Release date | 16 February 2007 |
| Running time | 135 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Ela Veezha Poonchira
Madhu, a dedicated cop stationed on the perilous Poonchira hilltop, faces the constant threat of lightning strikes as he patrols the area to ensure the safety of visitors. As he returns to duty, he discovers that Venkayam is set to leave, and Sudhi is joining. A tragic incident unfolds when a mother and her sons visit, resulting in one son’s death due to a lightning strike. Madhu is deeply affected. The next day, Sudhi’s carefree nature causes tension. During an investigation into body parts discovered across the district, Sudhi becomes entangled in a dark secret involving Madhu’s deceased wife. Sudhi tries to report Madhu, leading to a tense confrontation where Madhu reveals a disturbing truth.
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller/Mystery |
| Actors | Soubin Shahir, Sudhi Koppa, Jude Anthany Joseph |
| Release date | 15 July 2022 |
| Language | Malayalam |
Night Drive
“Night Drive” is a thrilling Malayalam crime movie released in 2022. It follows a young couple who face trouble after a car accident during their night drive. The story unfolds as they get caught between a diligent cop investigating the accident and corrupt political figures pursuing them. Starring Indrajith Sukumaran, Roshan Mathew, Anna Ben, and Siddique, the film keeps you hooked with suspense and was released on March 11, 2022. It’s a captivating tale of the challenges the couple faces in the aftermath of the accident.
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller/Mystery |
| Actors | Indrajith Sukumaran, Roshan Mathew, Anna Ben |
| Release date | 11 March 2022 |
| Running time | 118 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
John Luther
John Luther, a dedicated and workaholic Circle Inspector in Munnar, juggles his duty and family commitments when his sister Leena’s engagement clashes with a critical investigation. Focused on solving a hit-and-run case involving a missing pillion rider, John encounters another mystery with a missing schoolboy. A confrontation with goons leaves John with a severe injury, losing hearing in one ear. Upon returning, John links the cases, discovering a pickup truck and a disturbed individual, Venkit, who turns out to be a failed medical student with a gruesome past. However, a twist unfolds when John realizes Prasad, Who is the real serial killer.
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Mystery |
| Actors | Jayasurya, Elango Kumaravel |
| Release date | 27 May 2022 |
| Language | Malayalam |
Memories
Sam Alex, a police officer in Kerala, faces a tragic loss when his wife and daughter are murdered. Seeking revenge, he kills the perpetrator but falls into alcoholism. His mother convinces him to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances of married men. Sam discovers a pattern in the killings, leading him to a delusional killer who leaves cryptic messages in Aramaic on the victims. As Sam digs deeper, he unravels the killer’s belief that the victims sacrificed themselves for their wives’ sins. Through his investigation, Sam identifies the killer as Anand, who has assumed a new identity, Peter.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Actors | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Meghana Raj, Miya George, S. P. Sreekumar |
| Release date | 9 August 2013 |
| Running time | 143 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Kooman
Giri Shankar, a young police officer in his village, is great at solving mysteries. His skills are admired by his superiors but make some colleagues jealous. Unfortunately, he faces disrespect from arrogant villagers. When he tries to stop drug smuggling, his boss scolds him. Later, his boss retires, and a new, arrogant inspector named Harilal takes over. Harilal insults Giri for no reason. However, things take a surprising turn, and Harilal, along with two constables, gets suspended after some incidents. This changes the atmosphere in the police station.
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime/Mystery |
| Actor | Asif Ali |
| Release date | 4 November 2022 |
| Running time | 153 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Jana Gana Mana
In a small town called Ramanagaram, a respected college professor named Saba Mariyam dies under suspicious circumstances. This leads to student protests against police actions. A cop named ACP Sajjan Kumar is assigned to solve the case but faces interference due to political connections. Sajjan, desperate for justice, takes matters into his own hands, leading to a controversial incident that turns him into a public hero. However, human rights activists file a complaint against him, leading to a courtroom showdown. During the trial, a defense lawyer reveals a shocking truth: the professor was killed in a hit-and-run by a colleague named Vidyasagar, who had personal issues with her. The plot thickens as Sajjan is arrested.
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Actors | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Pasupathi Raj, G. M. Sundar, Mamta Mohandas |
| Release date | 28 April 2022 |
| Running time | 165 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
7th Day
The story unfolds on a gripping Christmas night when IPS officer David Abraham, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, inadvertently becomes entangled in a mysterious chain of events. After a chance accident involving Shan (Vinay Forrt) and Vinu (Anu Mohan), David’s suspicions are aroused when Vinu mysteriously disappears from the hospital. Shan begins recounting a tale involving his friends – Ebineser (Tovino Thomas), Jessica (Janani Iyer), and Cycle (Praveen Prem) – revolving around a missing sum of Rs. 1crore 75lakhs. Vinu, accused of stealing the money, is pursued by a menacing goon named Charlie, commissioned by the feared crime boss Christopher Moriarty. As David investigates, he uncovers a web of deceit and desperation among the friends.
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller/Mystery |
| Actors | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Vinay Forrt, Janani Iyer |
| Release date | 11 April 2014 |
| Running time | 134 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Nizhal
The movie follows John Baby, a magistrate recovering from a car crash. He wears a face mask because of his injured nose and starts experiencing strange hallucinations. His friend Shalini brings a case involving a boy named Nitin who shares murder stories in class. As Baby investigates, he discovers that the stories are real crimes. Following the leads, Baby and Shalini find disturbing truths in the case files of Sharmila’s late husband. It turns out that Sharmila unintentionally transmitted these stories to her son Nitin.
| IMDB Rating | 6.3/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Mystery/Thriller |
| Actors | Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara |
| Release date | 9 April 2021 |
| Running time | 124 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Malik
Ahammadali Sulaiman, a respected figure in the coastal town of Ramadapally, faces a tough time when he’s arrested under a serious law. The police, wanting to take matters into their own hands, try to get a young guy named Freddy, who happens to be Ali’s nephew, to harm Ali. The story goes back to a time when people of different faiths lived peacefully in Ramadapally. Ali, involved in some trouble, becomes a smuggler but also does good things, especially after a big earthquake.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Actor | Fahadh Faasil |
| Release date | 15 July 2021 |
| Running time | 162 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Heaven
During a camping trip, some NCC cadets find a decomposed body in the woods. A detective named Bijoy Kuruvilla discovers that a cop named Peter Kurishinkal is the murderer. Peter, a smart cop, lives with his mom and son. As they investigate a mass murder, Peter finds out his own son, Sebin, was killed. The initial suspect, a right-handed worker, is also found dead. Peter rejoins the police to solve the case. While looking into it, he realizes the killer is left-handed. They arrest someone named Stephen, but Peter learns there’s a bigger plan involving another cop named Kishore.
| IMDB Rating | 6.6/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller/Mystery |
| Actor | Suraj Venjaramoodu |
| Release date | 17 July 2022 |
| Language | Malayalam |
Anjaam Pathiraa
Anwar Hussain, a psychologist working with the Kochi City Police, gets involved in solving a string of murders targeting police officers. The crimes involve a unique pattern, with victims found dead alongside Lady Justice figurines and traces of a hypnotic drug called Zolpidem. As Anwar investigates, he discovers a hacker, a masked killer, and a connection to a sculptor named Sudhakar. The killings intensify, and Anwar theorizes that the murderer uses Zolpidem to hypnotize victims. The case takes unexpected turns, involving a fidget spinner, a supposed dead hacker named Simon, and the revelation of a vengeful motive by a psychologist named Dr. Benjamin Louis.
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Actors | Kunchacko Boban, Sharaf U Dheen |
| Release date | 10 January 2020 |
| Running time | 144 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Garudan
The story follows DCP Harish Madhav investigating the sexual assault of Theresa Philip, leading to the conviction of college professor Nishanth Kumar. Seven years later, Nishanth files for a retrial, challenging the evidence. The court reopens the case, revealing surprising details. Nishanth, now an advocate, proves his innocence, exposing flaws in the DNA report and blaming a burglar named Murugan.
As Nishanth seeks redemption, Harish faces personal losses, and Minister Mathew orchestrates revenge. The plot takes a dark turn as Harish discovers Nishanth’s involvement in past assassinations and his dangerous nature.
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Actors | Suresh Gopi, Biju Menon |
| Release date | 3 November 2023 |
| Running time | 138 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Joseph
Joseph, a retired detective with sharp instincts, living a lonely life after parting ways with his wife Stella. His life takes a dramatic turn when he’s asked to investigate a murder case by SP Venugopal. As he digs into the crime scene, Joseph unravels a complex web of personal and professional mysteries. The initial suspect, Manu, is apprehended, but things get more complicated when Joseph learns about Stella’s accident.
Joseph opens up about a haunting past involving his ex-girlfriend Lisamma’s death, which contributed to the strain in his relationship with Stella. Determined to uncover the truth about Stella’s accident, Joseph uncovers a dark organ transplantation scheme orchestrated by a hospital. He carefully pieces together the puzzle, tracking down a suspicious black car linked to Stella’s incident.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Drama/Thriller |
| Actors | Joju George, Dileesh Pothan, Athmiya Rajan, Malavika Menon |
| Release date | 16 November 2018 |
| Running time | 138 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Forensic (Kadaisi Nodigal)
In this movie, a disturbing tale unfolds as a young boy engages in macabre activities, smuggling and preserving animal organs beneath his bed. His father’s violent reaction shapes his path, leading to a future where he becomes a pawn in a complex web of crimes. Simultaneously, ACP Rithika Xavier investigates a series of child abductions and murders, suspecting a serial killer at large.
As the investigation unfolds, forensic expert Samuel Kattookkaaran, facing personal and professional challenges, uncovers a shocking connection to a decade-old unsolved case from Rithika’s past. The narrative takes unexpected turns as it reveals the existence of a mastermind orchestrating a sinister plot to frame Rithika’s daughter Nayana. As Samuel and his team delve deeper, they discover the dual personality of the child killer and the vengeful motives behind the crimes.
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Mystery/Thriller |
| Actors | Tovino Thomas, Mamta Mohandas, Saiju Kurup, Renji Panicker, Reba Monica John |
| Release date | 28 February 2020 |
| Running time | 133 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
12th Man
A group of friends gathered for Siddharth’s bachelor party at a remote resort. Things got complicated when an annoying guy named Chandrashekhar interrupted them, but they managed to send him away. During dinner, an argument about keeping secrets led to a game where they shared their messages and calls, unveiling embarrassing secrets. The situation escalated when Siddharth got a call implying an affair, leading to chaos. Later, Shiny, one of the friends, tragically fell to her death. Chandrashekhar, who turned out to be a cop on leave, investigated and uncovered a web of affairs and deception. It appeared that Jithesh was involved with Shiny, but it turned out to be Merin, Sam’s wife.
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
| Genre | Mystery/Thriller |
| Actors | Mohanlal |
| Release date | 20 May 2022 |
| Running time | 163 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Villain
The story kicks off with three guys getting murdered in a weird way – drug injection at gunpoint. On his retirement day, ADGP Mathew Manjooran IPS is roped into investigating the case. With the help of ASP Harshitha Chopra and DSP Iqbal, they link the victims to a hospital. Turns out, a doctor named Shaktivel is seeking revenge for medical wrongdoing. Mathew, dealing with his own family tragedy involving a drug lord named Felix, is caught up in a tense hunt. The plot thickens as secrets are revealed, leading to a surprising twist involving Mathew’s colleague Iqbal.
| IMDB Rating | 6.1/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Action/Mystery |
| Actors | Mohanlal, Vishal, Srikanth, Raashi Khanna, Hansika Motwani, Manju Warrier |
| Release date | 27 October 2017 |
| Running time | 144 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
Frequently Asked Questions on “Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies“
Q. What defines Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies and sets them apart from other genres?
A. Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies are characterized by their intense narratives, intricate plots, and exploration of moral dilemmas. They often delve into the psychological aspects of crime, providing a unique blend of suspense and thought-provoking themes that distinguish them from other genres.
Q. Who are some of the standout directors known for their contributions to Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies/Cinema?
A. Directors like IV Sasi, Govindan Aravindan, Amal Neerad, KG George, Aashiq Abu, Bharathan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Sreenivasan have made significant contributions to the Malayalam Crime Thriller genre. Their films showcase a mastery of storytelling, cinematography, and character development, contributing to the genre’s success.
Q. Can you recommend some must-watch Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies for someone new to the genre?
A. Some must-watch Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies are Joji, Detective, John Luther, Memories, Jana Gana Mana, 7th Day, 12th Man, Anjaam Pathiraa, Villain.
Q. How has the Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies evolved over the years, and what are the recent trends in these movies?
A. Recent trends include a focus on realistic storytelling, strong character development, and exploration of contemporary social issues, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies.
Q. What role do actors play in the success of Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies, and are there any actors particularly associated with the genre?
A. A strong cast often contributes significantly to the success of Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies. Actors like Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Parvathy, among others, have delivered memorable performances.
