12 best Malayalam murder mystery films to check out if you liked Tovino Thomas’ Anweshippin Kandethum

android, 12 best malayalam murder mystery films to check out if you liked tovino thomas’ anweshippin kandethum

12 best Malayalam murder mystery films to check out if you liked Tovino Thomas’ Anweshippin Kandethum

Mystery (noun): A book, film or play, especially about a crime or a murder, with a surprise ending that explains all the strange events that have happened. – Cambridge dictionary

Debut director Darwin Kuriakose’s film Anweshippin Kandethum, starring Tovino Thomas in the lead role, joins the ranks of Malayalam cinema’s extensive collection of mystery films. Revolving around the investigations into the brutal murders of two women, the film’s appeal is heightened by its 1990s setting, a time before the democratisation of technology in the country.

From classics like KG George’s Yavanika, VK Pavithran’s Utharam and P Padmarajan’s Kariyilakkattu Pole to Jeethu Joseph’s recent global hit Drishyam franchise, Malayalam cinema boasts a rich repertoire of exceptional murder mystery movies worth exploring.

Yavanika

Be it the list of the best Malayalam movies of all time or the best murder mysteries, KG George’s Yavanika (1982) is sure to be featured in one of the top positions. Despite over four decades passing since its release, Yavanika continues to captivate audiences, thanks to its brilliant screenplay and amazing performances, all tied together exceptionally by the masterful direction of KG George. Revolving around the disappearance of tabalist Ayyappan (Bharath Gopi), a man with zero goodness in him, and the investigation into it led by Jacob Eeraly (Mammootty), during which the members of Ayyappan’s drama troupe and his son from his first marriage become obvious suspects, Yavanika stands out as a rare example of Malayalam cinema done right. With characters that transcend conventional notions of morality, the film remains a benchmark for murder mysteries, yet to be surpassed.

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CBI franchise

The discussion about Malayalam murder mysteries never truly takes off without mentioning Sethurama Iyer (Mammootty) and the CBI franchise, comprising five films and holds the record as the longest-running series in Indian cinema. However, only the first three — Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988), Jagratha (1989) and Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004) — are truly outstanding, while the last two merely cashed in on the franchise’s success. Unlike other sleuth heroes, Iyer is not characterised by extravagance and flashiness; he seldom engages in fights either. He enters the scene in a calm and composed manner, analyses and understands the case he has been assigned, starts from the bottom and works his way up, one step at a time, and never forgets to tie up all the loose ends before reaching conclusions. With watertight scripts and Mammootty’s spectacular presence, the CBI movies still remain classics in the realm of Malayalam murder mysteries.

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Utharam

While VK Pavithran’s Utharam (1989), penned by MT Vasudevan Nair, is a murder mystery movie, it also delves into the intricacies of human nature and explore the wide range of emotions and feelings experienced by all. Unlike typical mystery movies, Utharam lacks an impending trial, a central police character or even a crime per se. Yet, it is a remarkable film that examines guilt and atonement from an unconventional viewpoint, offering a narrative that refrains from passing judgments. Utharam, starring Mammootty in the lead role, centres on the mysterious death of a woman, seemingly by suicide, with unclear motives known neither to her husband, despite their apparently happy relationship, nor to her close acquaintances.

Kariyilakkattu Pole

After director Harikrishnan (Mammootty) is found dead under mysterious circumstances at his home, DSP Achuthankutty (Mohanlal) is tasked with investigating the case. During the probe, the officer uncovers the filmmaker’s past, making the case complicated, as many people in his life harboured grudges against Harikrishnan and wished to see him dead due to his vile and evil nature. Meanwhile, Achuthankutty also encounters someone who speaks highly of the filmmaker. With a tightly woven script, featuring natural-flowing moments and characters of remarkable depth and complexity, Padmarajan’s Kariyilakkattu Pole (1986) stands as a commendable work.

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Drishyam franchise

Arguably the most celebrated Indian films of recent times, Drishyam (2013) and its sequel Drishyam 2 (2021), starring Mohanlal, centre on the mysterious disappearance of a young man and the efforts of a family, responsible for his death, to avoid being caught. Despite being average in terms of technical aspects, the Drishyam films demonstrate how a compelling narrative can overshadow its cinematic flaws. While the 2013 film seemingly answers all questions about the crime and cover-up by the end, director-writer Jeethu Joseph’s skill in creating suspense helps make an equally gripping world in Drishyam 2. Through carefully crafted moments and tightly woven narratives, the Drishyam movies engage viewers, staying one step ahead always.

Mukham

Unlike many murder mysteries that typically save the culprit’s reveal for the climax, Mohan’s Mohanlal-starrer Mukham unveils the criminal early on. However, what captivates viewers is the intricate world-building that makes it seem nearly impossible to catch the murderer, not just due to their power but also their sharpness. While the male characters in the film, specifically the cops, are misogynistic to the core, only showing sympathy to women who conform to societal norms, Mukham also places such a man as the antagonist, thus raising important questions.

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Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha

Based on TP Rajeevan’s novel of the same name, Ranjith’s Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009) revolves around the brutal rape and murder of a woman from an oppressed caste in the 1950s, a case that went unsolved back then. Considered the first recorded murder case in the newly formed state of Kerala, both the novel and the film follow a young detective who reopens the case over 50 years later. While the movie couldn’t fully capture the essence of the novel, Paleri Manikyam is sure to give fans of murder mysteries chills due to its well-constructed setting and narrative progression. Mammootty skillfully portrays three roles in the film, particularly excelling as the antagonistic Murikkinkunnath Ahmed Haaji.

Ee Thanutha Veluppankalathu

Revolving around the mysterious murders of affluent persons, Joshiy’s Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu (1990), written by P Padmarajan, follows SP Haridas Damodaran (Mammootty) as he investigates the crimes. With a compelling narrative and exceptional performances, the film immerses viewers in the officer’s quest to unravel the truth. Even as the backstory and motive behind the crimes are unveiled towards the end, they seamlessly integrate with the film’s tone, unlike many recent genre movies. It’s shocking to realise that Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu was released almost 34 years ago and yet its gripping narrative remains timeless.

Mumbai Police

With a nonlinear style of storytelling that reveals only just enough at all times, Rosshan Andrrews’ Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Mumbai Police (2013), centring on the murder of a senior police officer, keeps viewers on their toes from start to finish. Although its depiction of homosexuality and a homosexual antagonist has faced valid criticism over time, one can’t help but appreciate writers Bobby and Sanjay’s meticulous development of the crime, its concealment and the investigation into it. Packed with suspenseful moments and an unexpected climax, Mumbai Police took Kerala by storm upon its release.

Honourable Mention: Anjaam Pathiraa

Similar to Utharam, Midhun Manuel Thomas’ Anjaam Pathiraa (2020), starring Kunchacko Boban, also doesn’t feature a cop at the centre, though the protagonist works alongside the department. More of a psychological slasher thriller centred on a serial killer who ruthlessly targets rivals, Anjaam Pathiraa also brilliantly employs subplots to amplify its central plot, thus creating an exhilarating viewing experience. With an exceptional cast not commonly seen in mystery films, the movie set a high standard for future serial killer films, although subsequent releases have not quite matched its level.

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