Watch these 6 best Malayalam action films, after SRK’s Jawan’s south Indian-style action thriller

Malayalam action thriller blockbusters.

Those who have religiously followed Atlee’s filmography will find nothing original about Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. The film which is getting high praise from film critics from Mumbai and Delhi is in reality a mishmash of various Atlee, and Shankar and Vijay films, which haven’t even been packaged differently. Vigilantism, socio-political issues, and father-son sentiments all stuffed into a glossy, dramatic, larger-than-life narrative is a given in Atlee’s cinematic universe. What, perhaps, sets them apart is the towering presence of SRK who aces the dual characters with his unrestraint charisma. Thematically such massy action potboilers (Vikram, Jailer, RDX) are winning at the box office down south. How does this genre work in Malayalam considering historically such out-and-out action-packed mass entertainers have been far fewer in here? It has only been in the recent past that Malayalam cinema has introduced the concept of mass action set-pieces. Otherwise, the action genre in Malayalam has rarely had a fast-paced, condensed, aggressive, narrative structure. They have mostly been add-ons and have never been visceral theatre experiences. Even historical epic films have had tame action sequences that never really stood out. We have attempted to bring you a list of some of the films that paid obeisance to this genre, though not entirely, at least to a large extent.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

When it comes to action genres, Malayalam cinema can be categorized as before and after Big B. Amal Neerad gives a clever rejig to the John Singleton film Four Brothers and places it in the backdrop of Fort Kochi. When their mom is murdered, the four brothers come together, headlined by the inscrutable and deadly Bilal John Kurishingal (Mammootty) to uncover the perpetrators. Bilal, Eddy, Murugan, and Bijo use their sources and ingenuity to systematically scout the length and breadth of the growing metropolis to reach their target. Bilal and co get down to the business of confronting his adversaries, facing the various impediments before them, elevated by some sleekly choreographed action sequences, staggering stunts in a fast-paced narrative, accelerated by some trippy background score.

Where to watch: Hotstar

Amal Neerad sets his action-family saga, a hat-tip to Godfather and Mahabharata in the backdrop of an ancient feud between two warring families. There is Michael (Mammootty) of Anjootti, the towering patriarch who rules his lineage with an iron hand and the ensuing fireworks that arise due to the resentment simmering between his own kin. As Michael tries to hold fort, the enemy camp aligns with Michael’s nephews to declare war on him resulting in an expected closure. Stylishly designed mass action set pieces ensure that Michael remains an ominous presence on screen — his fall and rise, are powerfully showcased through extended action set-pieces.

Where to watch: Netflix

A narrative set in North Malabar that almost entirely builds its world in the backdrop of free-for-all-fights. Strapping, aimless young men rekindle friendships strictly on the merit of the next mindless brawl. A scuffle can lead to lifelong bonds over home-cooked meals. In a non-linear narrative that runs over 155 minutes, the fights that always start for ludicrous reasons are incisively and wackily staged. Sparks, blows, and punches spin inside packed theatres, car parking areas, weddings, and mosques spontaneously. Directed by Khalid Rahman, and written by Muhsin Parari, Tovino Thomas, and Kalyani Priyadarshan headline this whacky fun ride that doesn’t have a single dull moment. An indulgent action-packed adventure that’s very local, original, and outrageously cheeky.

Where to watch: In theatres

A decade-old vengeance saga is revived at the same church festival ground where it all started. The characters have evolved but the hatred is still simmering, leading to a rousing all-out action-filled narrative. Roni, Doni, and Xavier are friends and are also trained in various forms of martial arts. A romance sparks the first combat, soon leaving the arena open for more ugly brawls. Though they move on with their lives, as always, the past comes back with heavy blows. It sets the tone for a good old-fashioned action drama, spruced with solid adrenalin-pumping stunts, rooting for the heroes, and detesting the villains with all our might. RDX (directed by Nahas Hidayath) is not about the most complex storyline or deep, profound characters, it is more about superbly staged action set pieces that run on a predictable wafer-thin narrative. And it works!

Where to watch: Netflix

Once again the storyline is irrelevant here. A bustling, flavourful, and festal town in Central Kerala is where all the action is taking place. A group of lads is leading a fairly aggressive lifestyle, wriggling with pigs and men at regular intervals. Silly arguments, money deals, and even weddings lead to fist fights and other additional punches. It’s about protecting territories, family, or securing sources but a fight will erupt, no matter what. That way Lijo Jose Pellisery stages a lot of raw, unrehearsed fights that last anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes adding a musicality to the narrative. They can be fun, hilarious, grim, and even fatal but they keep you riveted every single second on screen.

Where to watch: Hotstar

When it is Amal Neerad at the helm, rest assured he can create an adrenaline rush when you least expect it. It all seemed so casual and tame in the beginning. A young couple (Fahadh Faasil and Aishwarya Lekshmi) shifts from Dubai to a small town in Kerala. But the town seemed infested with perverse men who enjoy sexually objectifying women. When the young heroine is molested by a group of men, is when the man decides to take over. In the last 40 minutes we are witness to a raging, brilliantly staged massy action set piece where the man uses his intellect to outwit a bunch of brawny men. He takes out every available prop/weapon to rain on his adversaries, setting the tone for a nail-biting finish.

Where to watch: Hotstar

There are some superbly arranged action sequences in Pulimurugan that pivot around a hunter who is considered a local hero for saving a village from man-eating tigers. Mohanlal, who is considered the most agile and graceful actor when it comes to executing stunts, makes those portions worthwhile. Look out for his introduction stretch where he locks horns with a maneater and another one featuring a ferocious canine who withers under his gaze.