6 underrated Malayalam films of 2025 that deserve more love, and where to watch on OTT

Malayalam cinema ends 2025 on a good note, with some remarkable box office achievements, with the likes of Lokah transcending language barriers. Even when movies like Mohanlal’s Thudarum get celeb rated, several Malayalam films went under the radar despite exceptional storytelling and performances. From Arjun Ashokan-led Thalavara, Anaswara Rajan’s Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal and even the award-winning Feminichi Fathima were mostly missed by the audiences in theatres and even on OTT. Check out 6 underrated Malayalam films in 2025 that needed more love and where to watch on OTT

Underrated Malayalam films of 2025

Thalavara 

Where to watch: Prime Video (Also on OTTplay Premium with a top-up)

Malayalam actor Arjun Ashokan depicts the ordeal of Jyothish, who faces much prejudice from society owing to his skin ailment. As the youngster battles the odds and even his own securities, we got a film worth rooting for. Penned and helmed by Akhil Anilkumar, Thalavara won glowing reviews from critics but that sadly did not translate to box office success. Revathy Sharma plays the female lead in Thalavara, along with Ashokan, Devadarshini and others.

Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal  

Where to watch: Prime Video (Also on OTTplay Premium with a top-up)

Director Sharan Venugopal narrates the predicament of three brothers who return to their ancestral home in Kerala, as their mother lies on her deathbed. The reunion of three brothers after several decades brings some happy moments even while raking up bitter memories. The film also gives space to two young cousins Nikhil and Athira, who meet for the first time and explore their bond. The film is as much their story as the three siblings. Joju George, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Alencier Ley Lopez play the three brothers, while Thomas Mathew and Garggi Ananthan are seen as the young cousins. The film raised some eyebrows for the cousins’ relationship, but still did not receive the love and appreciation it deserves.

Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal 

Where to watch: Manorama Max

Malayalam actress Anaswara Rajan plays the lead role of Anjali, who feels suffocated by her fiance as he insists on keeping a tab on everything she does. Her grandmother’s death and the subsequent funeral preparations turn chaotic as neighbours, local leaders and even distant relative poke their nose, leaving the family in a spot. Director S Vipin treats the situation with a dose of humour and some touching emotions, that we get a film that would make you smile despite the grim setting. Azees Nedumangad as Ajnali’s father Murali gives one of his best performances in the film, which also features Siju Sunny, Joemon Jyothir, and Mallika Sukumaran.

Feminichi Fathima 

Where to watch: Manorama Max

Feminichi Fathima shot to fame with its lead actor Shamla Hamza winning the Kerala State Film Best Actress Award. But for the award buzz, Feminichi Fathima hardly created any waves upon its theatrical or even digital release. The film revolves around the titular Fathima who takes care of the entire family without any complaints, but when she makes a simple request for a mattress, she finds no supporters. This sets her on a quiet path of self-discovery in the film, which takes on patriarchy in a rural Kerala household. Feminichi Fathima deserves to be on your watchlist this festive weekend.

Samshayam 

Where to watch: Manorama Max

Samshayam stars noted actors Vinay Forrt and Sharafudheen in the lead roles. The film follows the couple Manojan and Vimala, who are blessed with a baby but with the wife raising suspicions about the child’s parentage. Yet another film that got the critics’ nod, but completely missed by audiences. Most viewers were not even aware that such a movie had been released. It needs to be pointed out that Sharafudheen’s two other films The Pet Detective and Padakalam opened to mixed reviews but had decent runs and featured in the producers’ Association’s list of 2025 hits.

Also read: Malayalam cinema suffers Rs 360-Cr loss in 2025, even Rs 300-Cr blockbuster Lokah couldn't save it

Ithiri Neram

Where to watch: Sun NXT via OTTplay Premium

Noted actor Roshan Mathew joined hands with Zarin Shihab for this beautiful film, titled Ithiri Neram. Former lovers Aneesh and Anjana meet after seven years, spend an evening reminiscing their romantic past and rekindling precious memories. Prasanth Vijay’s film is reportedly headed to Sun NXT (OTTplay Premium) and is expected to make its digital debut soon.

Malayalam movies FAQs

Q. Which Malayalam OTT is coming out December 2025?

A. The Malayalam movies that released on OTT in December 2025, include Pranav Mohanlal's Dies Irae, Mammootty-led Dominic and The Ladies' Purse and Nidhiyum Bhoothavum that are available to stream on OTTplay Premium.

Q. Which are the latest Malayalam movies?

A. The latest Malayalam movies include Nivin Pauly's horror comedy Sarvam Maya, Shane Nigam-led Haal and Unni Mukundan's Mindiyum Paranjum that are releasing in theatres on December 25, 2025.