11 Fantastic Malayalam Films To Watch In 2021 Buff's Checklist is a list of things to keep an eye on.

There is much more to Indian cinema than Bollywood, but unfortunately, only Hindi films are effective in attracting attention. Movie buffs rejoiced this year when the Malayalam film Jallikattu was selected as India's official entry for the Oscars in 2021.

Because of the pandemic, there haven't been many successful Hindi films this year. Malayalam films, on the other hand, have gotten a lot of attention lately, thanks to the fact that most of them are now available on OTT platforms. Here are some of the best Malayalam movies released in 2021 that you might have missed.

1. The Great Indian Kitchen

The film was initially turned down by Amazon Prime Video due to its contentious subject matter. The controversial issue of women entering the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is the subject of Jeo Baby's film. It also touched on the taboo surrounding menstruation.

Prime Video purchased the rights to this film after it received positive feedback and comments from the audience on the Malayalam service Neestream.

2. Joji

This film, starring Malayalam superstar Fahadh Faasil, was praised by Hindi actors such as Gajraj Rao, who mocked Bollywood's obsession with remakes and box office numbers at the expense of quality. This crime drama will hold your attention until the very end. Finally, the twist comes as a complete surprise.

3. Drishyam 2

If you didn't remember, Ajay Devgn's debut film Drishyam was a remake of the same-named Malayalam film. The Malayalam sequel has already been released. The film is fantastic to watch, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, much like the first.

4. The Priest

In this mystery thriller, superstar Mammootty solves enigmatic suicide cases. When he works through the events, he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work.

5. Nayattu

This is a must-see for anyone who is tired of masala police dramas. Nayattu is a suspenseful survival thriller about three civil police officers who are suspected of being the perpetrators of a crime. It takes a toll on their lives as they share their personal stories.

6. Vellam

Vellam is a tale about the sheer helplessness of an alcoholic who is left stranded by family, friends, and society, and it stars Jayasurya, who gives an outstanding performance in the film, which is based on true events. He finishes his drug treatment, but can society tolerate him as he is now?

7. Kho Kho

For many people, Kho Kho is still a foreign sport. This film is an inspiring sports drama about a school coach who forms a team in an all-girls school based on the same. It's worth watching because of what happens next.

8. Aarkariyam

In this film, acclaimed cinematographer Sanu John's ambitious project, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Biju Menon, and Sharaf U Dheen play a family. Shirley and Roy are forced to leave Mumbai and travel to Pala, where Shirley's father resides, during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her elderly father drops a bombshell as the storey progresses. Roy realises her house isn't what he expected.

9. Aanum Pennum

This anthology film takes you through different eras in the history of Kerela to narrate three short stories that talk about women who live life on their own terms.

10. Nizhal

The Judicial magistrate encounters a boy who narrates murder stories with elements from real life after suffering from post-traumatic stress. When he meets him, he discovers that his stories aren't all made up and that their problems are connected in some way.

11. Love

This film depicts the inner workings of a couple whose love-filled marriage is on the rocks. Throughout the 90 minutes, the thriller will keep you hooked and leave you wondering what will happen next.