Malayalam movies have always stood out of the pack of other Indian language movies due to the sheer content they deliver in terms of story, direction and brilliant directors and actors personified. Fast forward to 2024, the only change what Malayalam movie have done is to reach and penetrate to other part of the country and beyond. The quality was never questioned but this year particularly lacked any kind of options for the movie goers from other Indian regional languages plus the great OTT factor removed the language barrier/subtitle.
Malayalam movies does not just stick on to a single genre, for every “Aadu Jeevitham” you have a “Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil “ so for the audience there is always something new to cherish. The scale of these movies and the making time of these movies will astonish Bollywood because you can wrap an average movie anywhere below a 10 crore budget.
Just going by the box office numbers, gross 1000 + crores has been collected by Malayalam movies in the first half of the 2024. Unlike other industries the big numbers come in due to superstars, down here it has been evenly distributed by upcoming actors and the regulars. The fun fact is that the big M’s of Malayalam industry have not contributed towards 1000 crore as much as they wanted to but they have been part of movies which has experimental tone in nature.
Unique Story Telling
Malayalam cinema is known for its strong narratives and innovative storytelling techniques. In 2024, this trend continues with filmmakers exploring diverse genres and complex themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Even though you have the best actors in town, you need a convincing story line and an excellent screen play to make in engaging. A wave of innovative directors and new talent is infusing fresh ideas into Malayalam cinema. Directors like Lijo Jose Pellissery, Chidambaram S Poduval, Jithu Madhavan, Rahul Sadasivan, Mahesh Narayanan, and Midhun Manuel Thomas are pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking, experimenting with narrative structures and visual styles. The focus is not on larger-than-life elements or star power, but on writing, performance, and technique.
Relatable Characters and People You See Around
The characters in Malayalam movies often exhibit depth and authenticity, making them relatable to the audience. The films tend to focus on everyday life and real-world issues, portraying them in a nuanced and empathetic manner. Take the case of Amal Davis in “Premalu” or Kuttentan from “Manjumel Boys” or even the College going students in “Avesham” all these characters connect with the people. Malayalam films often explore common issues faced by the common people, making them relatable to the audience. The Malayalam film industry’s smaller budgets and lack(read less) of commercialization have led to a focus on storytelling and creativity. This has resulted in the emergence of unconventional themes and a more realistic approach, which resonates with the audience.
Strong Performances: Acting/ Reacting
Malayalam Movies are always blessed with talented and brilliant actors/technicians. Apart from the Big M’s who do no need any kind of introduction to acting, the flag bearers of Malayalam movies Prithviraj Sukumara and Fahad Fasil (FAFA these days) has experimented with different roles and adding layers to the characters they portray. The emphasis is on the “actor” tag rather than a being a star.
Digital Platforms and Wider Reach
The emergence of OTT has made these Malayalam movie accessible to various pockets of the country and abroad. OTT platforms have transformed the film industry, making content accessible across geographical boundaries. Behind the scenes of entertainment, Malayalam movies often have hidden educational aspect (not necessarily a conventional one). With the wide reach of OTTs, the content they deliver can have a significant impact on the education of viewers, especially in terms of moral values and social norms which is kinda missing in other indian movies.
Future Perfect?
Not everything is rosy rosy in Malayalam movie industry but as in every industry the norms keep on changing but adapting to it without losing its effect has the charm.
In 2024, the Malayalam film industry remains a powerhouse of creativity and quality, driven by its commitment to storytelling, cultural authenticity, and artistic excellence. May it sore new heights Amen!