Malayalam cinema is known for its gripping thrillers, clever screenplays and unexpected plot twists. From murder mysteries and psychological dramas to stories about families hiding dark secrets, these films keep viewers guessing until the final scene. They often rely on strong performances, carefully placed clues and suspense rather than predictable action sequences.
If you enjoy films that make you question every character and rethink the story after the ending, these 10 Malayalam thriller movies deserve a place on your watchlist. The list includes popular favourites such as Drishyam and Anjaam Pathiraa, along with mystery-driven films such as Kishkindha Kaandam and Ela Veezha Poonchira.
10 Best Malayalam Thriller Movies To Watch
1. Drishyam (2013)
Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil and Asha Sarath
Release date: 19 December 2013
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Drishyam follows Georgekutty, a cable television operator whose peaceful family life is thrown into turmoil after an unexpected incident. When the police begin investigating the case, he uses his knowledge of films and his ability to plan ahead to protect his family.
The film builds suspense through small details, shifting suspicions and a tense battle of wits. Its clever storytelling and memorable climax make it one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated thrillers. Watch closely, as even seemingly ordinary conversations can become important later.
2. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Jinu Joseph, Unnimaya Prasad, Sharaf U Dheen and Sreenath Bhasi
Release date: 10 January 2020
Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, this crime thriller centres on Dr Anwar Hussain, a criminologist who assists the police with a series of murders targeting officers. As more victims emerge, the investigation reveals a disturbing pattern and raises questions about the killer's identity and motives.
The film combines police procedural elements with psychological suspense. Each new clue adds another layer to the mystery, making it a strong choice for viewers who enjoy serial-killer investigations and tense revelations.
3. Memories (2013)
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Miya George, Meghana Raj, Vijayaraghavan and Suresh Krishna
Release date: 9 August 2013
Memories, directed by Jeethu Joseph, follows Sam Alex, a police officer struggling with personal tragedy and alcoholism. He is drawn into a series of murders that require him to put his investigative skills to work despite his troubled past.
As the case develops, the connections between the victims become increasingly important. The film balances emotional drama with a gripping investigation, while Prithviraj's performance adds depth to the troubled central character. Its layered mystery keeps the audience searching for answers.
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4. Mumbai Police (2013)
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya, Rahman and Aparna Nair
Release date: 3 May 2013
Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, Mumbai Police begins with a police officer investigating the murder of his colleague. Before he can share a crucial discovery, an accident leaves him with memory loss. He must then reconstruct the investigation and uncover what happened.
The premise turns the lead character into an investigator who cannot fully trust his own memories. As he revisits evidence and relationships, the case becomes more complicated. The film stands out for its psychological tension and a reveal that changes the way viewers understand the story.
5. Joseph (2018)
Cast: Joju George, Dileesh Pothan, Irshad, Athmeeya Rajan and Madhuri Braganza
Release date: 16 November 2018
Directed by M. Padmakumar, Joseph follows a retired police officer known for his sharp investigative instincts. Although he has left active service, a personal tragedy draws him into a case that gradually exposes a much wider web of secrets.
The film moves between emotional moments and investigative developments, giving the mystery a strong human angle. Joju George's performance is central to the story, while its carefully revealed details encourage viewers to pay attention to every lead. It is a good pick for fans of grounded crime dramas.
6. Forensic (2020)
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Mamta Mohandas, Reba Monica John, Saiju Kurup and Renji Panicker
Release date: 28 February 2020
Directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan, Forensic follows a forensic officer who helps the police investigate a series of disturbing crimes involving children. The team uses scientific evidence and crime-scene analysis to identify the person responsible.
The film explores how seemingly minor clues can help investigators build a larger picture. As the case becomes more urgent, the pressure to find the culprit increases. With its focus on forensic methods and a string of unsettling discoveries, the film suits viewers who enjoy evidence-led mysteries.
7. Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022)
Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sudhi Koppa and Jude Anthany Joseph
Release date: 15 July 2022
Directed by Shahi Kabir, this atmospheric thriller is set at a police wireless station on a remote hilltop. The officers stationed there come across a disturbing case that leads them into a mystery involving human remains and a series of unsettling discoveries.
The isolated setting adds to the tension, while the film gradually reveals information about the crime. Rather than relying on constant action, it builds suspense through conversations, clues and the characters' reactions. It is ideal for viewers who prefer slow-burn thrillers with a dark atmosphere.
8. Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)
Cast: Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Vijayaraghavan, Jagadish and Ashokan
Release date: 12 September 2024
Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, Kishkindha Kaandam centres on a family living in a forested area, where a missing gun and a young child's disappearance raise troubling questions. The story follows a forest officer who becomes connected to the family through marriage and begins noticing inconsistencies in their lives.
The mystery unfolds slowly, with memory, family relationships and hidden truths playing important roles. The film does not rush to explain everything, allowing viewers to form their own theories as new details emerge. Its measured storytelling makes it particularly rewarding for fans of layered mysteries.
9. Iratta (2023)
Cast: Joju George, Anjali, Arya Salim, Srikant Murali and Srindaa
Release date: 3 February 2023
Directed by Rohith M. G. Krishnan, Iratta begins with a death at a police station. The investigation becomes more complicated because the case involves twin brothers who work in the police force and have a difficult relationship.
As officers question witnesses and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the story explores the brothers' past and the tensions between them. Joju George plays both brothers, giving the film a strong central performance. The dark atmosphere and gradual revelations make this a thriller best watched without reading spoilers.
10. Officer on Duty (2025)
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Jagadish, Vishak Nair and Jithu Ashraf
Release date: 20 February 2025
Directed by Jithu Ashraf, Officer on Duty follows a troubled police officer whose investigation into a seemingly minor case leads him towards a much more dangerous criminal network. As he digs deeper, the case becomes personal and puts him under increasing pressure.
The film blends crime investigation with action and suspense. Its changing leads and escalating danger keep the story moving, while the central character's own struggles add another layer to the narrative. It is a more recent option for viewers looking for a Malayalam crime thriller with intense investigative sequences.
| Movie | Release date | Main cast | Thriller style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drishyam | 19 December 2013 | Mohanlal, Meena | Family mystery |
| Anjaam Pathiraa | 10 January 2020 | Kunchacko Boban, Jinu Joseph | Serial-killer investigation |
| Memories | 9 August 2013 | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Miya George | Crime mystery |
| Mumbai Police | 3 May 2013 | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya | Psychological thriller |
| Joseph | 16 November 2018 | Joju George, Dileesh Pothan | Investigative drama |
| Forensic | 28 February 2020 | Tovino Thomas, Mamta Mohandas | Forensic crime thriller |
| Ela Veezha Poonchira | 15 July 2022 | Soubin Shahir, Sudhi Koppa | Atmospheric mystery |
| Kishkindha Kaandam | 12 September 2024 | Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali | Slow-burn mystery |
| Iratta | 3 February 2023 | Joju George, Anjali | Psychological crime drama |
| Officer on Duty | 20 February 2025 | Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani | Crime-action thriller |
These Malayalam thriller movies offer different kinds of suspense, from the family secrets of Drishyam to the serial-killer investigation in Anjaam Pathiraa and the slow-building mystery of Kishkindha Kaandam. If you enjoy psychological twists, Mumbai Police and Iratta are worth adding to your list, while Memories and Forensic deliver gripping crime investigations.
For the best experience, avoid reading detailed plot summaries before watching. These films work because they reveal information gradually, giving you time to form your own theories before the truth comes out.
FAQs
Which Malayalam thriller movie has the best twists?
Drishyam is one of the most widely recognised Malayalam thrillers for its clever plotting and suspenseful climax. Mumbai Police is another strong choice for viewers who enjoy psychological revelations.
Which Malayalam thriller is best for a crime investigation story?
Anjaam Pathiraa, Memories and Forensic are good choices because their stories centre on police investigations, evidence and the search for a culprit.
Which recent Malayalam thriller should I watch?
Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) and Officer on Duty (2025) are recent options, offering a slow-burn mystery and a crime-action investigation respectively.
Are these Malayalam thriller movies suitable for family viewing?
Not all of them. Several feature murder, disturbing themes, violence or mature situations. Check the film's age rating and content before watching with younger viewers.