Thrill Without the Frill: Your Ultimate Guide to Best Malayalam Thriller Movies in OTT | OTT Ratings
Best Malayalam Thriller Movies in OTT: Hey there, fellow thriller junkies! If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through OTT platforms, trying to find a gripping Malayalam thriller that hooks you from the first scene. But let’s face it between work, chores, and adulting, who has the time to hunt down hidden gems? Worry not! I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Here’s a curated list of the best Malayalam thriller movies in OTT, sorted by IMDb ratings, complete with where to watch them and why they’re worth your time.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
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10 Best Malayalam Thriller Movies in OTT 2025: The Ultimate Curated List
To save you the endless scrolling, I’ve compiled this list based on IMDb ratings, audience reviews, and my own late-night binge sessions. Whether you love crime dramas, psychological twists, or gritty mysteries, there’s something here for everyone.
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Movie Title | Release Year | IMDb Rating | Where to Watch | Why You’ll Love It |
Ee.Ma.Yau | 2018 | 8.3 | YouTube | Dark humor meets existential drama in this tale of death and family chaos. |
Joseph | 2018 | 8.2 | Prime Video | A retired cop’s quest for justice turns personal in this emotionally charged thriller. |
Malik | 2021 | 8.1 | Prime Video | Power, politics, and betrayal collide in this epic underworld saga. |
Kammatipaadam | 2016 | 8 | Disney+ Hotstar | Friendship and crime intertwine in this raw, nostalgic thriller. |
Uyare | 2019 | 8 | Netflix | A soaring story of resilience with a gripping emotional core. |
Iratta | 2023 | 7.7 | Netflix | Twin cops, a murder, and secrets that’ll leave you speechless. |
Kannur Squad | 2023 | 7.6 | Disney+ Hotstar | A relentless police chase across India—based on true events! |
Action Hero Biju | 2016 | 7.6 | Disney+ Hotstar | A cop’s daily grind unfolds with wit, action, and moral dilemmas. |
Anweshippin Kandethum | 2024 | 7.4 | TBA | A fresh investigative thriller about two high-stakes Kerala crimes. |
Trance | 2020 | 7.3 | Prime Video | Hypnosis, greed, and a mind-bending plot twist you won’t see coming. |
Top Picks: Deep Dives in Best Malayalam Thrillers In OTT
Let’s unpack three crowd favorites that redefine what Malayalam thrillers can be:
1. Ee.Ma.Yau (2018)
IMDb: 8.3 | Platform: YouTube
Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, this isn’t your typical thriller. It’s a darkly comic exploration of death, family, and societal expectations. When an elderly man passes away, his son’s struggle to give him a “proper” funeral spirals into chaos. The haunting visuals and stellar performances (especially by Vinayakan) make it a must-watch. Fun fact: The film won the Kerala State Award for Best Film in 2018!
2. Joseph (2018)
IMDb: 8.2 | Platform: Prime Video
This Joju George starrer is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense. Joseph, a retired cop-turned-mortician, uncovers disturbing truths while investigating his son’s death. The film’s atmospheric tension and Joju’s powerhouse acting (he bagged a National Award for this!) will keep you glued.
3. Malik (2021)
IMDb: 8.1 | Platform: Prime Video
Fahadh Faasil delivers a career-best performance in this sprawling crime epic. Spanning decades, Malik weaves a tale of community, power struggles, and revenge. The single-take opening scene alone is worth the watch!
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More Gems to Add to Your Watchlist
- Iratta (2023): This Netflix thriller starring Joju George (again!) as twin cops is a rollercoaster of twists. The final reveal? Chills.
- Kannur Squad (2023): Mammootty leads a gritty manhunt in this true-story-inspired cop drama. Perfect for fans of True Detective.
- Trance (2020): Fahadh Faasil plays a fraudulent motivational speaker in this trippy critique of capitalism. Think Fight Club meets Sacred Games.
Why Malayalam Thrillers Are a Must-Watch?
Malayalam cinema has mastered the art of blending realism with riveting storytelling. Unlike formulaic plots, these films thrive on slow-burn tension, complex characters, and social commentary. Whether it’s Fahadh Faasil’s magnetic screen presence or Mammootty’s iconic intensity, these movies keep you hooked without relying on over-the-top action. And the best part? You don’t need to scroll endlessly through OTT menus. Let’s dive in.
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Q1. What defines a “thriller” in Malayalam cinema?
A: Malayalam thrillers often blend social commentary with suspense. Unlike Hollywood’s action-heavy plots, they focus on psychological depth, moral conflicts, and realistic storytelling (like Joseph or Kammatipaadam).
Q2. Are these movies available globally on OTT?
A: Most are! Platforms like Prime Video and Netflix offer them worldwide. For region-specific titles (like Ee.Ma.Yau on YouTube), a VPN might help.
Q3. Any upcoming Malayalam thrillers to watch for?
A: Anweshippin Kandethum (2024) looks promising! Follow us at OTT Rating for updates on its OTT release.
Q4. Why trust IMDb ratings?
A: IMDb scores reflect both critics’ reviews and audience opinions, making them a reliable benchmark. That said, always watch the trailer to gauge your taste!
Wrap-Up & Happy Binging!
There you have it a stress-free guide to the best Malayalam thriller movies in OTT, ranked and reviewed. Whether you’re into cerebral mysteries or action-packed chases, this list has your next movie night sorted. Got a favorite I missed? Share it with us at OTT Rating, and let’s keep the thrill alive!
P.S. Bookmark this page—we update our lists regularly with new releases and hidden gems!
Don’t forget to follow me on IMDB – Poonam_ott_ratings
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