8 Underrated Malayalam Thriller Movies That You Must Watch

Set against the scenic backdrop of Elaveezhapoonchira in Kerala's Kottayam district, police officers Sudhi and Madhu find themselves entangled in a chilling case during the monsoon. Upon discovering scattered body parts of a woman, they delve into solving the mystery. Played by Soubin and Sudhi Koppa, they lead the investigation in this compelling tale scripted by real-life policemen Nidheesh and Shaji Maarad. 'Ela Veezha Poonchira,' released in June 2022, captivated audiences and critics alike with its gripping plot and stellar performances.

'Keedam' is a thriller following Radhika Balan, a tech expert confronting her cellphone harassers. Beyond its plot, the film explores Radhika's ethical struggle and her decision to take justice into her own hands. A pivotal moment arises when her father, Balan, admits his fear, a rarity in Indian cinema. Radhika defies stereotypes by remaining authentic, neither a superhero nor a damsel, but a real woman navigating love, protection, and danger with sincerity. Directed by Rahul Riji Nair, the film showcases Rajisha Vijayan's portrayal of a strong and multifaceted protagonist.

The narrative revolves around Joseph, portrayed by Joju George, a retired police officer who remains eager to assist his former colleagues whenever needed. Despite being retired, he finds little enjoyment in his newfound leisure. However, when his ex-wife tragically dies in a car accident, Joseph, along with his retired police friends, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her death. Their unofficial investigation unveils disturbing revelations, intensifying the movie's suspense and intrigue with each twist and turn.

Released in 2013, 'Memories' is a gripping Malayalam thriller helmed by director Jeethu Joseph. Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the lead role of Sam Alex, a troubled police officer battling addiction and haunted by his past. The story unfolds as Sam delves into a series of seemingly unrelated murders, uncovering connections that lead him on a tense and dangerous journey. As he navigates through the investigation, Sam must also confront his own inner demons, all while racing against time to capture the elusive killer. With its captivating storyline, stellar performances, and unexpected twists, 'Memories' has earned acclaim as a timeless masterpiece in Malayalam cinema.

Set in the backdrop of the medical field, the story revolves around an ethical doctor, played by Suresh Gopi, who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving unethical medical practices and corruption. As the plot unfolds, the characters are forced to confront moral dilemmas and navigate a complex web of deceit and manipulation. Directed by Madhav Ramdasan, the film features Suresh Gopi, Jayasurya, and Asif Ali in the lead roles.

From being initially overlooked, 'Winter' emerged as a gripping psychological horror-thriller, hailed as one of the genre's best. The story traces the journey of a doctor and his family who stumble upon an abandoned house, encountering chilling events during their stay. Breaking away from traditional horror tropes, the film offers a unique narrative filled with unexpected twists and suspenseful sequences, drawing viewers into its captivating plot. Helmed by Deepu Karunakaran, the movie stars Jayaram, Bhavana Menon, Manoj K Jayan, and Nawab Shah.

'Theevram' is a crime thriller film starring Dulquer Salmaan. In the movie, Salmaan portrays the character of Harsha Vardhan, a young man seeking revenge for the murder of his family. Directed by Roopesh Peethambaran, the film delves into themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of vengeance. Through Salmaan's captivating performance and the film's intense narrative, 'Theevram' takes audiences on a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns as Harsha embarks on his quest for retribution.

Under Priyadarshan's direction, this movie portrays the adventurous journey of Josephine and Radhika, inseparable best friends known for their playful mischief at a renowned ladies' college. Disregarding regulations, they revel in late-night antics and disrupt the peace of their hostel, often leaving their teachers exasperated. Alongside their rebellious antics, they also find themselves entangled in a rivalry with Gita, the influential figurehead of the college.