Regional cinema in India has often gone underappreciated in the past with most people having an inclination towards mainstream Bollywood. However, in recent times, with social media promotions on various cinema accounts and pages for enthusiasts, the reach of regional films have definitely increased. When discussing regional films, it would be a sin not to talk about Malayalam films.

The Kerala film industry has been producing gems for ages winning several National Awards and acclamation. Recently, ‘Ustad Hotel’ completed eight years since it was first release. It is one of the few selected films that got recognition and deservingly so. Let’s take a look at five such Malayalam films that are underappreciated and deserve much more recognition.

Angamaly Diaries (2017)

Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film narrates the story of protagonist Vincent Pepe (Anthony Varghese) and the challenges he faces while running a pork business along with his gang. Beautiful visuals, food, music and culture play major parts in the film.

Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)

The R.S.Vimal film, although criticized for being a tad bit lengthy, tells an inspiring love story of a Hindu girl Kanchanamala (Parvathy) and a Muslim boy Moideen (Prithviraj) and their struggles against societal and religious barriers.

Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020)

As the name suggest, the film tells the story of Ayyappan (Biju Menon) and Koshy (Prithviraj) and their stand-off. Both the actors give stellar performances in the film directed by Sachy. This is the trio’s second film after ‘Anarkali’.

Premam (2015)

 Alphonse Putharen’s ‘Premam’ shows the life of George David (Nivin Pauly) and his episodes with love, from his teenage to adulthood. The film is able to bring in some nostalgia from the 80s and 90s in a genuine and simple way.

Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Directed by Madhu C Narayanan, the film is set in the fishing village of Kumbalangi in Kochi, Kerala and tells the story of four step and half-brothers living in a dysfunctional home and how they eventually stand up for each other. Many consider it one of the best Malayalam films of the decade.