Malayalam cinema last year began with The Great Indian Kitchen and ended with Madhuram and Minnal Murali—pretty much summing up the great year it was for the industry. When it comes to 2022, it's power-packed with big star releases, exciting thrillers, epic comedies and big reunions. Here's a list of 15 most expected Malayalam films in 2022.
Thuramukham
Director: Rajeev Ravi
Starring Nivin Pauly, Thuramukham is set in 1940s and 50s Kochi, with the harbour and trade as its backdrop. The period film portrays the epic struggle between labourers and bosses and has an impressive cast line-up of Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan. The trailer promises an action-packed political film.
Aaraattu
Director: B. Unnikrishnan
After playing his dream role in Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, Mohanlal will be seen in Aaraattu, an action feast where he's already speaking in Telugu. The film is directed by Unnikrishnan and centres around illegal land acquisition. With the presence of Lalettan and major action blocks, this might be the star's return to pure mass after a big gap.
Puzhu
Director: Ratheena PT
Directed by debutant Ratheena, Mammootty plays the role of an intense, authoritarian parent in Puzhu. The teaser shows a serious conversation between an assertive father and a young Kichu, where we can feel the heavy tension slowly building into hatred. With a stellar cast of Parvathy Thiruvothu and Vasudev Sajeesh Marar, and Jakes Bejoy's score, the film has set high expectations.
Malayankunju
Director: Sajimon Prabhakar
Fahadh Faasil had a fantastic year with Malik and Joji in 2021 and has several films lined up for this year. Next is Malayankunju. The trailer hints at a survival drama with Fahadh struggling to overcome a landslide. The film has many surprises, one being AR Rahman making a comeback to Malayalam after three decades.
Salute
Director: Rosshan Andrrews
After the huge success of the 2013's Mumbai Police, director Rosshan Andrrews joins hands with writers Bobby-Sanjay in yet another cop story. Starring Dulquer Salmaan, Manoj K Jayan and Diana Penty, the film promises a solid investigation carried out by a tough officer.
Bro Daddy
Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
We saw Prithviraj, the director in 2019's Mohanlal-starrer Lucifer, which went on to become an industry hit. Prithiviraj dons the hat again in this full-fledged family comedy starring Mohanlal, Meena, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Lalu Alex. The trailer promises fun, frolic and lots of romance.
Naradhan
Director: Aashiq Abu
Aashiq Abu returns to his Mayanadhi colleague in this sharp takedown of the media industry. The trailer takes several jibes but also presents a fun film with a stellar cast to back them.
Bheeshma Parvam
Director: Amal Neerad
The team behind cult classic Big B reunites for an Uber-stylish action film with a killer-looking Mammootty in it. The excitement is high and the film's mood is set thanks a series of character posters We can already hear a cool theme coming our way.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
For many, a dream combination unites for Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. One of Malayalam cinema's best directors join forces with one of its biggest stars to give us a lot of expectations and even more curiosity.
Hridayam
Director: Vineeth Sreenivasan
The songs are already a rage in this college drama that assures an epic love story set across two time periods. Pranav Mohanlal, Darshana and Kalyani Priyadarshan play the main roles in this romance.
Kuttavum Shikshayum
Director: Rajeev Ravi
Rajeev Ravi's other film this year is the Asif Ali starrer which is said to revolve around a robbery that took place in Kasargod in 2015. Other actors include Sunny Wayne, Alencier and Sharaf U Deen.
Kaduva/SG -250 (Ottakomban)
Director: Shaji Kailas, Mathews Thomas
Suresh Gopi may have missed out on a major comeback with the lukewarm Kaval, but the mass-specialist is sure bring back his glory days in his 250th, set in the same terrain as his earlier hits Lelam and Vazhunnor. Given that Prithviraj too will bring out his version based on the character titled Kaduva, the match-up will provide loads of comparisons and a solid rivalry.