Ponman to Aadujeevitham: Popular Malayalam films based on books and where to watch on OTT

Malayalam cinema has generously borrowed from books and novels, bringing to life several iconic characters that have been celebrated on the silver screen as well. From Madhu and Sheela’s timeless classic Chemmeen to Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aadujeevitham, the history of book-to-movie adaptations is long and illustrious in Malayalam. The latest instance would be Basil Joseph-starrer Ponman, which is also based on a novel. As Ponman gears up for its OTT release, let’s take a look at some of the popular Malayalam movies that were inspired by best-selling novels or short stories. 

Where to watch book-to-movie adaptations in Malayalam on OTT

Ponman

Where to watch - JioHotstar 

Basil Joseph headlines this Malayalam film, which is based on a popular novel, Naala nchu Cheruppakar written by GR Indugopan. The writer has also penned the movie along with Justin Mathew. Sajin Gopu and Lijomol Jose also star in the film along with Anand Manmadhan and Deepak Parambol. The film tells the tale of PP Ajesh, who lends gold jewellery for weddings, but after Steffi’s wedding, the gold is not returned as promised. Ponman releases on JioHotstar on March 14, 2025.

Aadujeevitham

Where to watch: Netflix 

Aadujeevitham, written by Benyamin, is undoubtedly one of the most popular Malayalam novels in recent times. The best-seller, based on a real-life story, was adapted for the silver screen by Blessy. Prithviraj Sukumaran played the protagonist Najeeb, who had to face inexplicable misery in the desert lands where he was forced to work as a slave. This moving film should be on your watchlist this week. 

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Thoovanathumbikal

Where to watch: iStream, OTTplay Premium 

Fans of Mohanlal and the golden age of Malayalam cinema would vouch for Thoovanathumbikal, which is partly based on director Padmarajan's novel Udakappola. The cult-classic film Thoovanathumbikal narrates the tale of Jayakrishnan and the two women in his life who he loves. Sumalatha as Clara is still a talked-about character, with the background score for Clara-Jayakrishnan scenes having a fan following of its own.

Also read - These 5 classic Malayalam films on iStream will make you feel nostalgic 

Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha

Where to watch: Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium 

The Mammootty-starrer is based on a novel by TP Rajeevan. The award-winning film, directed by Ranjith, follows Haridas who returns to his native village Paleri as he sets out to solve a murder mystery that happened over five decades ago. Mammootty was seen in triple roles in the film, which also had Mythili and Shweta Menon.

Ozhimuri

Where to watch: Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium 

Madhupal directed this Malayalam film, which is based on the book Uravidangal, penned by Jeyamohan. Meenakshi Pillai, who is 55 years old, seeks to divorce her 71-year-old husband, Thanu Pillai (played by Lal). Asif Ali appears as Sarath, the son of the couple, while Bhavana plays the lawyer Balamani.