Top 22 Best Malayalam Movies 2022: Vichithram, Ariyippu, Padavettu and More

The Malayalam film industry has given its audience some of the best movies to watch this year. There were several genres that the filmmakers explored this year, which made the fans even more excited about the movies. Malayalam cinema is known for its rich cultural background, technological advancement, and masterful storytelling. But what always intrigues the audience is their ability to create blockbusters every year. The Malayalam movie industry has been a unique showstopper with different genres and themes. This blog talks about the top 20 Malayalam movies released in 2022. The list has been curated based on the overall gross revenue, the watch time, and much more. Check them out, and see what you still need to watch!

Best Malayalam Movies of 2022 to Watch Online on OTT Platform

Some of the best Malayalam movies that were released on different OTT platforms this year are listed below:

Movie Name	IMDB Rating	OTT Platform
Beeshma Parvam	7.7	Disney+ Hotstar
Pada	7.8	Amazon Prime Video
Night Drive	6.7	Netflix
Freedom Fight	7.5	SonyLiv
Bhoothakaalam	7.5	SonyLiv
Bro Daddy	7	Disney+ Hotsar
Puzhu	6.2	SonyLiv
Jo and Jo	7.1	Amazon Prime Video
12th Man	6.9	Disney+ Hotstar
Malayankunju	6.9	Amazon Prime Video
Padma	5	Amazon Prime Video
Thallumaala	7	Netflix
Palthu Janwar	7	Disney+ Hotstar
Oru Thekkan Thallu Case	6.5	Netflix
Pathonpatham Noottandu	7.1	Amazon Prime Video
Ottu	6	Amazon Prime Video
Kotthu	7.3	Amazon Prime Video
Eesho	6.2	SonyLiv
Padavettu	7.8	Netflix
Rorschach	7.1	Disney+ Hotstar
Vichithram	8.9	TBA
Ariyippu	8.3	Netflix

 

Beeshma Parvam

Directed by Amal Neerad, the story of the movie revolves around the life of a man named Michael, who has taken over his family business in Kochi. However, people working under him find his behavior towards them rude and they come together to take revenge and make a plan to bring him and his business down. The movie was released in theatres on 3rd March, 2022 and was later released on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar on 1st April, 2022. 

Cast: Mammootty, Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Nadia Moidu, and others. 

Release Date: 1st April, 2022

Duration: 144 minutes

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Pada

Directed by Kamal KM, the story of the movie is based on a real-life story back in 90s, when the government-imposed laws that worked against the public, taking their rights from them for the sole purpose to protect the capitalist interest. The movie revolves around how a group of few men fight for their rights, and how they convince the government to take back the laws that could be harmful for the society. The movie was released in theatres on 10th March, 2022, and was later released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. 

Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Vinayakan, Joju George, and Dileesh Pothan

Release Date: 10th March, 2022

Duration: 130 minutes

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

 

Night Drive

Directed by Vysakh, the story of the movie revolves around the lives of a young couple, who meet with an accident when they are out on a drive. They are left between a police officer who investigates their case and a corrupt politician, who want to take them with him. The movie was released in theatres on 11th March, 2022 and was later released in the OTT platform Netflix. 

Cast: Anna Ben, Roshan Mathew, Indrajith Sukumaran, Siddique

Release Date: 11th March, 2022

Duration: 118 minutes

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Freedom Fight

Directed by Akhil Anilkumar, Jeo Baby, Francies Louis, Kunjila Mascillamani, and Jithin Issac Thomas, the story of the movie revolves around the lives of five different individuals. It is an anthological movie that is based on five stories, which talks about the importance of freedom in the society. The movie was released in theatres on 11th February, 2022 and is now available on the OTT platform SonyLiv. 

Cast: Joju George, Rohini, Rajisha Vijayan, Josey Sijo, and others.

Release Date: 11th February, 2022

Duration: 152 minutes

Genre: Drama

 

Bhoothakaalam

Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, the story of the movie revolves around the lives of a mother-son duo, who after the death of a family member, come across some horrific events that makes them think whether it is happening to them in reality or are they just losing their minds because of the grief. The movie was released in theatres on 21st January, 2022, and is available for the audience to watch it on the OTT platform SonyLiv. 

Cast: Shane Nigam, Revathi, Saiju Kurup, Valsala Menon, and others.

Release Date: 21st January, 2022

Duration: 105 minutes

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Bro Daddy

Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the story of the movie revolves around the life of a man, who after experiencing some questionable events at their house, along with his father, decide to investigate the events and take on the challenges that come with it. The movie was directly released on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar, on 26th January, 2022. 

Cast: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Lalu Alex, Kalyani Priyadarshan, and others,

Release Date: 26th January, 2022

Duration: 159 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Drama

 

Puzhu

Directed by Ratheena, the story of the psychological movie revolves around the life of a man, Kuttan, who lives in an apartment along with his wife and son, Kichu. Kichu is frustrated by his father’s nature and he wishes for him to die. Kuttan becomes suspicious that someone might be planning to kill him, and becomes even more paranoid when his younger sister, who he has a bitter relationship with, moves in a flat close to his house along with his husband, who Kuttan hated even more. Following all these events, Kuttan loses his mind and starts acting like a psychopath. The movie was directly released on the OTT platform SonyLiv, on 12th May 2022.

Cast: Mammootty, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Vasudev Sajeesh Marar, Appunni Sasi, and others.

Release Date: 12th May, 2022

Duration: 122 minutes

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Jo and Jo

Directed by Arun D. Jose, it is a story that takes place during the second phase lockdown of COVID-19 pandemic, which revolves around the lives of two siblings Jomol and Jomon, who are always keen on exposing each other’s secret to their parents, which results in many differences in their relationship. The story takes a turn when they find a love letter from a mysterious person, and both Jomol and Jomon, dedicate most of their time to find the evidence if the letter was meant for the other person. The movie was released in theatres on 13th May, 2022, and was later released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. 

Cast: Nikila Vimal, Mathew Thomas, Naslen, Melvin, and others.

Release Date: 13th May, 2022

Duration: 134 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Drama

12th Man

Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the story of the movie revolves around the lives of eleven friends, who have come together to celebrate a bachelor party. However, things fall apart, when they receive a phone call informing them about a death. To solve the mystery, a drunk police officer steps in to investigate whether the death was natural or was it a murder. The movie was directly released on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar, on 20th May, 2022.

Cast: Mohanlal, Shivada Nair, Chandhunadh, Priyanka Nair, and others.

Release Date: 20th May, 2022

Duration: 163 minutes

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

 

Malayankunju

Directed by Sajimon Prabhakar, the movie’s story revolves around the life of a mechanic, Anikkuttan, who is not in the right state of mind after his father commits suicide when his sister elopes with a man from lower caste, just a day before her wedding. Anikkuttan does not seem to have a good relationship with his neighbor Suni, and also hates her new born daughter, who disturbs his sleep in the middle of the night. However, his life falls apart after losing his mother in a landslide, and almost everyone in that area loses their lives except Suni’s daughter. Anikkuttan takes Suni’s daughter to the hospital to get her treated, and finally happily accepts her as his daughter, since she has lost her family in the landslide. The movie was released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video, on 22nd July, 2022. 

Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Rajisha Vijayan, Indrans, Jaffer Idukki, and others.

Release Date: 22nd July, 2022

Duration: 114 minutes

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Padma

Directed by Anoop Menon, the movie’s story revolves around the lives of a psychologist Ravishankar who lives in a city along with his wife, Padmaja, who are now a vital part of a good society. While attending the sessions with his clients, he comes across some life changing events that happen with them, and tries to help them get out of it. The movie was directly released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video, on 15th July, 2022. 

Cast: Surabhi Lakshmi, Anoop Menon, Mohammad Salman Khan, Mareena, and others.

Release Date: 15th July, 2022

Duration: 122 minutes

Genre: Drama

Thallumaala

Directed by Khalid Rahman, the story of the movies revolves around the life of a man, who is all ready to get married, but things take a turn for him, and certain events occur in his life that completely alters his plans. The movie was released in theatres on 12th August, 2022 and was later released on the OTT platform Netflix, on 11th September, 2022.

Cast: Tovino Thomas, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Shine Tom Chacko, and Chemban Vinod Jose.

Release Date: 11th September, 2022

Duration: 148 minutes

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

Palthu Janwar

Directed by Sangeeth P. Rajan, the movie’s story revolves around the life of an animator, Prasoon, who is forced to take the job of a veterinary inspector without any interest in the job. Throughout his time at the job, Prasoon is faced with a lot of challenges and is constantly accused of wrongdoings he has not done by his coworkers. The movie was released in theatres on 2nd September, 2022 and was later released on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar on 14th October, 2022. 

Cast: Basil Joseph, Johny Anthony, Dileesh Pothan, Indrans, and others.

Release Date: 14th October, 2022

Duration: 117 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Drama

 

Oru Thekkan Thallu Case

Directed by Sreejith N, the story of the movie revolves around the lives of Ammini Pilla, Podiyan Pilla, and Vasanthi. Things take a turn when Podiyan visits Vasanthi solely for his physical interest, which Ammini sees and slaps Podiyan for his behavior. Podiyan along with his friends, hits Ammini Pilla, leaving him in a bed rest for a month. Ammini seeks revenge for endangering his life and decides to teach Podiyan a lesson to not hurt anyone in the future. The movie was released in theatres on 8th September, 2022, and was later released on the OTT platform Netflix. 

Cast: Biju Menon, Padmapriya, Roshan Mathew, Nimisha Sajayan, and others.

Release Date: 8th September, 2022

Duration: 152 minutes

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

Pathonpatham Noottandu

Directed by Vinayan, the story of the movie revolves around a man named, Arattupuzha Velayudha Chekavar, belonging to a Ezhava family in the 19th century, who is keen on fighting and making sure that no one is discriminated under his watch, be it in the name on caste, gender religious. The movie was released in theatres on 8th September, 2022, and later was released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video on 7th November, 2022. 

Cast: Siju Wilson, Kayadu Lohar, Anoop Menon, Chemban Vinod Jose, and others.

Release Date: 7th November, 2022

Duration: 158 minutes

Genre: Action, Drama, History

 

Ottu

Directed by Fellini TP, the story of the movie revolves around a man named Kichu, who wishes to make some money. Soon he is offered a job in which he is supposed to befriend a man named David, who has recently lost his memory in an accident. The story revolves whether or not Kichu accepts this strange job and if he does, what measures does he follow in order to make David his friend. The movie was released in theatres on 8th September, 2022, and was later released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. 

Cast: Arvind Swami, Kunchacko Boban, Jackie Shroff, Eesha Rebba, and others.

Release Date: 8th September, 2022

Duration: 126 minutes

Genre: Action, Thriller

Kotthu

Directed by Sibi Malayil, the story of the movie is inspired from real life events, which talks about the lives of political party workers belonging to North Kerala, and the challenges they have to face that result in bloodshed. The movie was released in theatres on 16th September, 2022 and is available for the audience to watch on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. 

Cast: Asif Ali, Roshan Mathew, Sudev Nair, Siddique

Release Date: 16th September, 2022.

Duration: 155 minutes

Genre: Drama

Eesho

Directed by Nadirsha, the story of the movie begins when a security guard, working at an ATM, who also happens to be a witness in a case that involves a powerful industrialist, who crosses path with an unidentified man named Eesho. After having a friendly conversation with Eesho, the security guard may have given him some confidential information. Soon he realizes that Eesho may not be who he thinks he is, and the question arises about who Eesho is and what is his purpose? The movie was directly released on the OTT platform SonyLiv on 5th October, 2022. 

Cast: Jayasurya, Jaffer Idukki, Namitha Pramod, Suresh Krishna, and others.

Release Date: 5th October, 2022

Duration: 107 minutes

Genre: Thriller

Padavettu

Directed by Liju Krishna, Padavettu is a movie that tells the story of the less fortunate people in the society who have to fight for their right in order to find an identity of their own in the world, and get the same resources that is meant for all. The movie was released in theatres on 21st October, 2022, and was later released on the OTT platform Netflix.

Cast: Nivin Pauly, Aditi Balan, Shammi Thilakan, Shine Tom Chacko, and others.

Release Date: 21st October, 2022

Duration: 145 minutes

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller

 

Rorschach

Directed by Nissam Basheer, the story of the movie revolves around the life of a man named Luke Anthony, who is out to take revenge from everyone who has caused him harm in his past which resulted in completely destroying his future. The movie was released in theatres on 7th October, 2022, and was later released on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar, on 11th November, 2022. 

Cast: Mammootty, Asif Ali, Jagadish, Bindu Panikkar, and others.

Release Date: 11th November, 2022

Duration: 150 minutes

Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller

Vichithram

Directed by Achu Vijayan, the story revolves around the life of a woman named Jasmine, who lives at her ancestral house along with her five sons, who end up getting involved in the incidents which affects their relationship with each other. The movie was released in theatres on 14th October, 2022 and is yet to release on the OTT platform that has not been announced yet.

Cast: Shine Tom Chacko, Lal, Kani Kusruti, Ketaki Narayan, and others.

Release Date: 14th October, 2022

Duration: 138 minutes

Genre: Drama

 

Ariyippu

Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the story of the movie revolves around the lives of a couple living in Noida, who have been struggling to make an earning for themselves during the pandemic. However, things take a bad turn when a fake video of the couple is circulated in the place they work in, leaving them shocked and also affects their relationship with each other. The movie was released in theatres on 4th August, 2022 and was later released in the OTT platform Netflix, on 16th December, 2022.

Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Divya Prabha, Danish Husain, Loveleen Mishra, and others.

Release Date: 16th December, 2022

Duration: 107 minutes

Genre: Drama

Each of the above-mentioned movies brought a good amount of appreciation from both the critics and the audience, making 2022 one of the best years for the Malayalam film industry.