Top 10 Malayalam Movies of 2026 You Must Watch — Complete Review

1. Drishyam 3

Director: Jeethu Joseph Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sarath, Siddique Box Office: ₹228+ crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The most anticipated Malayalam film of the decade is finally here — and Georgekutty is back.

Six years after the events of Drishyam 2, Georgekutty’s life appears stable. He has adapted the story of his past into a successful film and continues to live with his family while attempting to move forward. However, journalists Yami and Rony begin investigating possible real-life inspirations behind the film, particularly the circumstances surrounding Varun’s death.

The film crossed ₹100 crore in just 58 hours and ₹200 crore within 7 days of its release, becoming the highest-grossing installment in the franchise and one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever made.

FocusMallu Verdict: The first half is slow but the second half delivers. Mohanlal as Georgekutty is timeless. If you loved Drishyam 1 and 2 — you have to watch this. Mixed reviews but the box office numbers tell the real story. Watch it.

Where to watch: Theatres now — OTT release expected soon

🥈 2. Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros

Director: Savin SA Cast: Alphonse Puthren, Amith Mohan Rajeswari, Vijay Babu, Nihal Nizam Box Office: ₹234.46 crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros is the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2026 with ₹234.46 crore worldwide gross.

The sequel everyone waited for — and it delivered beyond expectations. A coming-of-age story that every Gulf Malayali who grew up in Kerala in the 90s and 2000s will deeply connect with.

A predictable but relatable coming-of-age sequel that balances youthful chaos with emotional depth.

FocusMallu Verdict: This one hits different if you are away from home. The nostalgia, the friendship, the Kerala memories — it will make you want to call your old friends immediately. Must watch for every Gulf Malayali.

Where to watch: OTT — check Netflix/Amazon Prime

🥉 3. Aadu 3

Director: Midhun Manuel Thomas Cast: Jayasurya and ensemble Box Office: ₹121.31 crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aadu 3 is one of the blockbuster hits of 2026 — the third installment of the cult comedy franchise that Gulf Malayalis have been quoting for years.

The Aadu franchise is a celebration of Malayalam humor at its best — absurd, loud, brilliant, and uniquely Keralite.

FocusMallu Verdict: Pure entertainment. Do not overthink it. Get your friends together, make some popcorn, and enjoy 2.5 hours of non-stop laughs. Perfect for a Gulf Malayali weekend. Absolute must watch.

Where to watch: OTT — Amazon Prime

4. Patriot

Director: Mahesh Narayanan Cast: Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban, Revathi Box Office: ₹82 crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐

Patriot brings together the Big Ms of Indian cinema — Mohanlal and Mammootty — under the direction of Mahesh Narayanan, with a star-studded cast including Nayanthara, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, and Revathi in pivotal roles.

When Mohanlal and Mammootty share the screen — it is a historic event for any Malayali. The film did not quite match the hype but the performances are extraordinary.

A formulaic and regular tech scam tale that struggles to stay afloat throughout on par with its ensemble star cast and technical finesse — this predictable thread misses the wow factor despite the convergence of great performers.

FocusMallu Verdict: Watch it for the two legends on screen together — something you may never see again. The story is weak but the performances save it. Watch once.

Where to watch: OTT — Disney+ Hotstar

5. Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies

Box Office: ₹33.47 crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A dark comedy action film that surprised everyone. One of the best sleeper hits of 2026 — flew under the radar but earned massive word-of-mouth praise.

A sharper, funnier follow-up that blends dark comedy and mild thrills into an engaging, if slightly uneven, family drama.

FocusMallu Verdict: The kind of film that Malayalam cinema does best — small budget, big heart, brilliant writing. If you missed this one you missed something special. Highly recommended.

Where to watch: OTT — Netflix

6. Pennum Porattum

Director: Rajesh Madhavan Cast: Rajesh Madhavan, Subash Chandran, Raina Radhakrishnan ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A chaotic village satire seen through a dog’s eyes, Pennum Porattum exposes human greed, violence, and hypocrisy with absurd humour and biting metaphors.

One of the most original Malayalam films of 2026. Completely unlike anything you have seen before.

FocusMallu Verdict: Malayalam cinema at its creative best. Strange, funny, thought-provoking. Not for everyone but if you enjoy experimental cinema — this is a gem. Watch it with an open mind.

Where to watch: OTT — SonyLIV

7. Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu

Director: Jithu Satheesan Mangalathu Cast: Askar Ali, Vineeth Kumar, Sidharth Bharathan ⭐⭐⭐

Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu presents an intriguing time-loop mystery set in the wilderness, impressing with its concept and atmosphere but leaving viewers puzzled with its unanswered questions.

A thriller that takes risks — some of which pay off brilliantly.

FocusMallu Verdict: Perfect for thriller lovers who enjoy puzzle films. Watch it with someone you can discuss theories with afterwards. Good weekend watch.

Where to watch: OTT — Amazon Prime

8. Athiradi

Box Office: ₹54.69 crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐

One of the surprise commercial hits of early 2026. A masala entertainer that delivered exactly what it promised — no more, no less.

FocusMallu Verdict: Pure commercial entertainment. Switch your brain off and enjoy. Good timepass.

Where to watch: OTT — Zee5

9. Mohiniyattam

Director: Krishnadas Murali Cast: Saiju Kurup, Kalaranjini, Sreeja Ravi ⭐⭐⭐

Box Office: ₹40.63 crore worldwide

A family drama with strong performances from the veteran cast. The kind of Malayalam film that reminds you why you love this industry.

FocusMallu Verdict: Watch this one with your family on a video call with parents back in Kerala. Feels like home. Recommended for family viewing.

Where to watch: OTT — Manorama MAX

10. Pallichattambi

Box Office: ₹12.29 crore worldwide ⭐⭐⭐

A village-set comedy drama that connected strongly with Kerala audiences. Lighter fare but genuinely entertaining.

FocusMallu Verdict: Simple, sweet, and feels like Kerala. Watch when you are homesick and want something warm and familiar. Good casual watch.