We are in 2024. In the last few years, Malayalam cinema has blurred the linguistic boundaries, and the OTT has further smoothened the pan-Indian passage. A host of young blood descended into this space, positioning themselves in a space that leaned towards realistic cinema. Just when you thought one had cracked a fool-proof formula for the box office, the rules kept modifying. At one point there was this influx of superstar glorification vehicles that struck gold at the box office. When that formula started thinning, a surge of realistic films started making its way into Malayalam cinema and then just when you thought one had attained a balance at the box office, 2023 turned out to be a mixed bag. But what has remained consistent since time immemorial has to be the box office pull of Mammootty and Mohanlal. That’s one peak, none of the younger lot has been able to surpass (only Dulquer Salman commands the next best initial after the big Ms). So understandably the stakes are still technically on two of our biggest superstars this year as well. That also means the ones we look forward to will invariably prioritise their films. Here are our picks. In exactly this order.
Malaikottai Valiban, on January 25
Even the most ardent Mohanlal fan would agree that despite those occasional box office winners, it’s been a dry patch for the actor for the longest time. The last terrific Mohanlal performance happened nearly a decade ago. And the actor seems to be oddly satisfied with this career shift. Maybe not quite so! His decision to team up with Lijo Jose Pellissery is a clear indication that the actor is willing to rethink his choices. Meanwhile, the film written by PS Rafique, is said to be the costliest film mounted by Lijo and is said to be an action-packed period drama with an ensemble of actors from all over India. The first-look posters and teasers (Mohanlal in a fine new makeover) hold a lot of promise.
Bramayugam, in February
Unlike his peers, what a Mammootty film ensures today is avant-garde content. And, of course, his production house, Mammootty Kampany, is already championing fresh and quality content ever since its conception. The first-look poster featuring a fierce and aging Mammootty with a wicked grin (netizens drew parallels with his iconic role in Vidheyan, 1994) was enough to pique intrigue for an avid moviegoer. Another high point is that it’s the sophomore offering from Rahul Sadasivan who made a spectacular debut with the psychological horror, Bhoothakaalam (2022). Scripted by Rahul, the dialogues are written by award-winning Novelist TD Ramakrishnan. Reportedly in this horror thriller, Mammootty plays a black magician. The narrative is headlined by Arjun Asokan along with Sidharth Bharathan and Amalda Liz.
Manjummel Boys
Director Chidambaram’s debut film, Jan.E. Man is the reason why his second film is awaited eagerly. Jan.E. Man was a fresh, nuanced take on friendships and dysfunctional relationships, stroked with spontaneous humor and well-written characters. His latest is said to be a survival thriller set in Kodaikanal, based on a real-life incident featuring a bunch of friends. The cast looks very interesting — Soubin Shahir (who has also co-produced it), Sreenath Bhasi, Khalid Rahman, Ganapathi, Lal, etc. Sushin Shyam’s music is a big plus.
Aadujeevitham, on April 10
His last film, Kalimannu (2013) was controversial as the lead actor Swetha Menon’s real-life delivery was captured for the film. In his two-decade-long career graph that includes seven films, his narratives have always pivoted around intense, complex relationships. They were stories about compassion, loss, and love. Now after nearly a decade, he is back with his magnum opus based on Benyamin’s 2008 novel by the same name. It’s a survival drama about Najeeb who migrates to Saudi Arabia from Kerala for better prospects and gets stranded there. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the titular role, and he has opted for some drastic weight loss for the role. It is said that Blessy has added some cinematic liberties to the text. It took almost five years to finish the film and the crew were stranded in Jordan for over 2 months owing to the pandemic. The film shot in 3D will be released in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu. AR Rahman has the done and the music and Rasool Pookutty handles the sound design.
Premalu, on February 9
Director Girish AD’s debut film was a delight that had two teenagers in the thick of things. He pitched a multitude of characters into the narrative with their idiosyncrasies and turned it into an absolute joyride. His second one, Super Sharanya had a confused, shy adolescent at the centre. Again it had the staples one could identify from his debut — the quirky, relatable characters, irreverence, and a lot of fun. When he comes out with his third film, it is crucial to note that the film is bankrolled by Bhavana Studios who are always known for backing quality content. The latest is a rom-com headed by the ever-reliable Naslen and Mamitha Baiju. Seems to be his comfort zone.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam, in May
Tovino Thomas who had a quiet 2023 is back with a (triple) role of a lifetime in debutant Jithin Lal’s fantasy period drama. Set in 1900, 1950, and '90s, Tovino plays a legendary thief (appears in a triple role). The teaser promises to be an action-packed spectacle. Written by Sujith Nambiar, Tovino’s heroes are assigned to safeguard the treasures of their land. Jomon T John is the cinematographer, and the film also stars Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmy, and Basil Joseph among others. Considering the lengths Tovino will go to for the physical transformation of a character, this triple avatar sure looks enticing.
Aavesham, on April 11
There are quite a few things to be excited about Aavesham. A) It is director Jithu Madhavan’s second film after the horror-comedy Romancham, which was also the first big hit of last year; b) Fahadh Faasil’s inclusion automatically lends credibility to the project; c) bankrolled by Nazriya Nazim and Anwar Rasheed under the banner of Anwar Rasheed Entertainment and Fahadh Faasil and Friends; d) Fahad’s character is a spin-off of Chemban’s hilarious cameo in Romancham. That’s that.
Varshangalkku Shesham, on April 14
You can call the Vineeth Sreenivasan cinematic universe cringe and cloyingly feel-good. You can accuse him of projecting characters and conflicts superficially. Most of his films showcase a psychedelic happy world where conflicts snap out in a jiffy. And some more. But the plain fact is that very few filmmakers have cracked the box office formula like this guy. Take his last biggie — Hridayam, a mostly shallow, feel-good endeavor that provided a fresh lease of life to star son Pranav Mohanlal, and also worked wonders at the box office. This time he is back with Pranav and an ensemble cast that includes Kalyani Priyadarshan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Basil Joseph, Neeta Pillai, etc. Reportedly it is a tale of friendship between an actor and a director.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
