Malayalam Cinema 2025 half-yearly report: Here are the best films (so far) this year

In 2025, Malayalam cinema continued to bring in quality films that also appealed to the masses. The first half of 2025 saw blockbuster films such as Thudarum and L2: Empuraan, both of which were led by Mohanlal, with the latter kicking up quite a storm too. Police movies too seem to be in vogue with Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, and Tovino Thomas reported as cops in Officer on Duty, Rekhachithram, Narivetta and Ronth, albeit chasing totally different types of cases. Naslen-led Alappuzha Gymkhana ensured laughter was also aplenty at the cinemas. From Thudarum to Alappuzha Gymkhana and Ronth, here are the best Malayalam films in the first half of 2025.

Best Malayalam films of 2025 (so far)

Thudarum

OTT platform: JioHotstar

Mohanlal made a triumphant statement at the cinemas his collaboration with noted filmmaker Tharun Moorthy turned out to be a roaring success at the box office. The action-packed thriller follows Shanmughan, who is Benz to his dear ones, as he tries to retrieve his beloved ambassador that has been seized by the cops. Prakash Varma too made a stellar debut as the menacing George sir in the film, along with Shobana, Farhaan Faasil, Binu Pappu, and Thomas Mathew.

L2: Empuraan

OTT platform: JioHotstar

Malayalam filmmaker-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran followed up his 2019 hit Lucifer with Empuraan, ensuring that the changing political landscape in the state is reflected in his movie too. But this also led to L2 Empuraan getting embroiled in controversies. However, it did not hamper its chances at the box office as Mohanlal-starrer shattered quite a number of records in its stellar run.

Rekhachithram 

OTT platform: SonyLiv, OTTplay Premium

A thriller which blends in mystery and crime, but also manages to be an ode to Malayalam cinema. That was quite an achievement by director Jofin T Chacko in this film, which stars Asif Ali as CI Vivek, who literally digs up a skeleton and sets out to find the nameless victim from the past. Anaswara Rajan plays the other key role in this film, which also has a Mammootty factor.

Officer on Duty

OTT platform: Netflix

A compelling cop thriller with Kunchacko Boban in charge as the hot-headed Hari Shankar, who we are told was demoted. As the cop goes after an ordinary fake jewellery case, it leads him down a dangerous path as he unearths sinister details that have a direct impact on his life. Actors Priyamani, Vishak Nair and Jagadish too lent their support to the film, helmed by debutant Jithu Ashraf but more importantly penned by Shahi Kabir.

Alappuzha Gymkhana 

OTT platform: SonyLiv, OTTplay Premium

Naslen is once again back as the charming teenager, who is struggling academically. Why not compete in the boxing competition to fetch grace marks, he wonders, as he takes along his buddies to Alappuzha Gymkhana. This film, helmed by Khalid Rahman, ran on humour and wit, and became an instant hit with the youngsters grooving to Panjara punch and other tracks from the film.

Also read: Alappuzha Gymkhana review: Khalid Rahman, Naslen deliver a delightful underdog tale that packs a winning punch 

Narivetta

OTT platform: SonyLiv

For filmmaker Anuraj Manohar’s directorial, Tovino Thomas donned the khakhee as he, along with his battalion, went to Wayanad, where a tribal protest is brewing. Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramoodu and Tamil filmmaker-actor Cheran also joined him in this film, which takes a realistic look at police action on agitating tribals.

Also read: Narivetta OTT release date: When, where to watch Tovino Thomas' gritty Malayalam thriller 

Ronth

OTT platform: TBA

Another cop film, which also checks the realistic box. Roshan Mathew signs up as rookie cop Dinnathan, who tags along with the senior officer Yohannan, played by Dileesh Pothan. Their personal trauma weighs on them as they strive to do their duty, facing the many challenges on that night. Noted writer-director Shahi Kabir has helmed this movie, which is winning positive feedback for its compelling story and performances.

Also read: Ronth movie review: Shahi Kabir’s grounded cop drama echoes Training Day with a conscience