The 55th Kerala State Film Awards, announced on November 3, 2025, in Thrissur, have once again highlighted the vibrant soul of Malayalam cinema. From heart-pounding thrillers to poignant dramas, this year's honorees showcase the industry's knack for blending raw emotion with innovative storytelling. With 128 films in contention and 38 shortlisted, the jury, led by Prakash Raj, zeroed in on tales that resonate deeply while pushing creative boundaries. The big news? These celebrated gems are now available to binge on major OTT platforms, making cinematic gold accessible from your couch. Let's dive into the award-winning lineup that's redefining Malayalam storytelling.

Manjummel Boys: The Ultimate Survival Saga Sweeps the Awards

Topping the charts as Best Film, Manjummel Boys directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval, clinched a whopping 10 trophies, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography (Shyju Khalid), and Best Character Artist (Male) for Soubin Shahir. Inspired by a real-life 2006 incident, this survival thriller follows a group of friends whose carefree trip to Kodaikanal turns nightmarish when one falls into the infamous Guna Caves. What unfolds is a raw exploration of brotherhood, regret, and resilience, laced with nail-biting tension and heartfelt moments. Soubin Shahir's portrayal of the group's anchor steals the show, while the film's technical wizardry—think immersive sound design and visuals—amps up the claustrophobia. Stream it on Disney+ Hotstar since May 2024, where it's racked up millions of views, proving why it's a pan-India sensation.

Bramayugam: Mammootty's Haunting Triumph in Black and White

Mammootty's seventh Best Actor win for Bramayugam cements his legendary status, marking his ninth overall in the category. Rahul Sadasivan's folk-horror masterpiece, shot in stark black-and-white, transports viewers to 17th-century Kerala, where a wandering singer (Arjun Ashokan) seeks refuge in a crumbling manor ruled by the enigmatic Kodumon Potti (Mammootty). Sidharth Bharathan shares the Best Character Artist (Male) nod for his chilling turn as the servant. This isn't your typical ghost story; it's a brooding allegory on power, folklore, and the shadows of colonialism, with Mammootty's guttural performance evoking primal dread. The film's atmospheric score and visuals linger long after the credits. Catch it on SonyLIV, where it dropped in March 2024, perfect for late-night chills.

Premalu: Romantic Comedy That Stole Hearts and Awards

Bagging the Best Popular Film, Premalu by Girish A.D. is a breath of fresh air in the rom-com genre. Starring Naslen K. Gafoor as the awkward Sachin and Mamitha Baiju as the elusive Reenu, it chronicles a Hyderabad-set tale of unrequited love, cultural clashes, and laugh-out-loud mishaps. What elevates it? Sharp wit, relatable millennial vibes, and a soundtrack that sticks. Amidst the awards buzz, it grossed over ₹100 crore, blending humor with subtle social commentary on modern relationships. Now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from April 2024, it's the ideal pick-me-up for date nights or solo giggles.

Aattam: A Tense Drama on Consent and Hypocrisy

Aattam*, Anand Ekarshi's chamber thriller, earned Best Editing (Sooraj E.S.) and shone at the 70th National Awards as Best Feature Film in Malayalam. Echoing 12 Angry Men, it unfolds in a theater troupe reeling from an actress's (Zarin Shihab) assault accusation. Vinay Forrt leads an all-theater-veteran cast in a single-room showdown that peels back layers of male fragility and groupthink. It's uncomfortable, unflinching, and utterly compelling—a mirror to societal undercurrents. Available on Amazon Prime Video since March 2024, it's a must for those craving intellectual cinema.

Kishkindha Kaandam: Mystery That Keeps You Guessing

Asif Ali's riveting performance in Kishkindha Kaandam snagged a Special Jury Award, alongside nods for Best Editing (Sooraj E.S.). Dinjith Ayyathan's psychological thriller unravels in a monkey-haunted village, where newlyweds (Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali) face eerie disturbances. Vijayaraghavan as the grizzled father adds gravitas to this web of secrets and folklore. With twists sharper than a forest vine, it's a slow-burn gripper. Stream it on Disney+ Hotstar from November 2024—ideal for thriller aficionados.

All We Imagine As Light: Poetic Glimpse into Urban Longing

Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light received a Special Award for Women/Transgender, plus international acclaim with Cannes' Grand Prix and Golden Globe nods. This Malayalam-Hindi gem follows two Mumbai nurses (Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha) navigating loneliness, desire, and dreams amid the city's chaos. Lyrical visuals and tender performances make it a quiet revolution in indie storytelling. Fresh on Disney+ Hotstar from January 2025, it's a reflective pause in our fast-scroll lives.

Bougainvillea: Amal Neerad's Stylish Psychological Dive

Sushin Shyam's score won Best Music Director for Bougainvillea, with Jyothirmayi earning Special Jury for her comeback as amnesiac Reethu. Amal Neerad's slick thriller, loosely from Lajo Jose's novel, probes memory and murder through Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil's cameos. It's visually intoxicating, blending neon aesthetics with emotional fractures. On SonyLIV since December 2024, it's a stylish late-night unraveling.

Paradise: A Fractured Anniversary in Crisis Lanka

Paradise by Prasanna Vithanage, with Darshana Rajendran's Special Jury nod, is a taut drama of an Indian couple (Roshan Mathew and Darshana) whose Sri Lankan getaway amid economic turmoil exposes marital rifts. Presented by Mani Ratnam, it's a poignant commentary on privilege and paradise lost. Dual-streaming on Amazon Prime Video and ManoramaMAX from July 2024, it's subtly devastating.

Malayalam cinema's 55th awards edition proves its diversity—from cave horrors to city sighs—while OTT access democratizes these stories. Whether you're in for thrills or tears, these films invite you to witness brilliance. Grab your popcorn; the reel revolution continues.

Read Also: Fahadh Faasil's Aavesham Snubbed at 55th Kerala State Film Awards: Fans Cry Foul Over Ranganna's Omission

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