Thrillers have emerged to be the successful ticket for Malayalam cinema previously a number of years. Final 12 months, ended with the motion thriller Marco, which registered stellar success regardless of the gory violence. Persevering with with the pattern, Mohanlal-led thrillers Empuraan and Thudarum too emerged to be among the many large successes of 2025. Alappuzha Gymkhana may very well be the lone light-hearted movie, which grew to become successful this 12 months regardless of not that includes any violence or thrilling moments. From Empuraan to Tovino Thomas-led Narivetta, right here’s a take a look at the thriller movies that dominated Malayalam cinema within the first half of 2025.
From Empuraan to Thudarum, watch the very best of 2025 Malayalam thrillers on JioHotstar by way of OTTplay Premium
High Malayalam thrillers of 2025
Empuraan
Mohanlal’s first launch of the 12 months was much-anticipated and proved to be a winner on the field workplace. The action-packed political thriller follows Stephen Nedumpally aka Abraam Khureshi as he returns to Kerala after Chief Minister Jatin Ramdas floats a brand new get together. However not simply Kerala, the movie weaves in tales from Gujarat, and Khureshi’s worldwide hyperlinks as Interpol tries to trace him down.
The movie helmed by actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran, additionally sparked controversies. However even that didn’t cease the thriller, the sequel to the hit movie Lucifer, from changing into a roaring success on the field workplace.
Thudarum
Barely a month after Empuraan launch, Mohanlal returned to the massive display with Thudarum, one other riveting thriller. However not like the massive canvas of Empuraan, Thudarum focussed on an abnormal cab driver Benz Shanmugham. Nonetheless, the movie quickly sheds its household drama vibes because the police seize Benz Shanmugham’s automobile, which sparks a sequence of incidents which can be linked again to his family members. The movie turns into a riveting thriller as Benz seeks revenge after his stepson Pavi is brutally killed. Be careful for Mohanlal as soon as once more aces the motion sequences within the movie, which additionally options the vile villain of George Sir.
Rekhachithram follows cop Vivek as he tries to determine the sufferer and the assassin after a skeleton is discovered buried within the woods. His probe leads him to a Malayalam movie set in 1985 which had Mammootty within the lead. Even whereas incorporating thriller and crime parts, Rekhachithram narrates an engrossing story that can each thrill and transfer you. Malayalam actors Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan headline this movie, which emerged to be the primary hit of Malayalam in 2025.
Officer On Obligation
One other cop thriller, with actor Kunchacko Boban because the fiery Harishankar, who delves right into a pretend jewelry case solely to grasp that a much more sinister crime is linked to it. Sinister plots and heinous crimes are uncovered as Harishankar probes the case. The movie, helmed by Jithu Ashraf, penned by writer-director Shahi Kabir. Filled with twists and a few uncooked motion, the movie stays suspenseful until the top. Vishak Nair performs the antagonist within the movie together with Priyamani and Jagadish. Officer on Obligation is streaming on Netflix.
Narivetta
Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas headlines this action-packed thriller, which focusses on a tribal protest. Tribals have been protesting because the promised land is but to be allotted to them by the state. However because the police take motion, it results in a tense showdown between the cops and the protesting tribals. An ominous environment engulfs this movie, which raises some unsettling questions. Regardless of the intense topic and political implications, Narivetta succeeded in successful over audiences.