Mollywood Roundup Part 2 - Top 10 Malayalam Movies of 2013

Mollywood 2013 Roundup Part 2 - My Top 10 Malayalam Movies

1. Drishyam

The best movie of 2013 was reserved for the penultimate week. Released 0n 19th Dec the movie is growing from strength to strength. The number of Family/Lady audience thronging theaters to watch the film is something we haven't seen in past decade or so.  With 100% positive reviews the film is also set to be the biggest hit of 2013.



2. Left Right Left

Easily the most discussed movie of 2013. One of the boldest [regarding the issues it discussed] movie ever to hit the big screen. You may love it or hate it, but you just cannot ignore it.


3. Celluloid

Biopics are rare in Indian cinema. Celluloid is a movie that narrated story of the birth of Mollywood and the sad story of its Director, the father of Malayalam cinema. A must watch for every fan/admirer/student of Malayalam cinema

4. Mumbai Police, 101 Chodyangal

 

A good emotional investigation thriller with a bold climax & a riveting performance from Prithviraj

State & National award winner finally hi the screens this year. The film was also appreciated at this years IFFI & IFFK. A must watch movie told from the POV of a child.


5. Shutter

Voted best film @ IFFK last year, the film hit the screens in 2013 to glowing reviews.

6.  Amen

 

People lapped up and made big what is said Said to be Mollywood's first 'Fantasy Rom-Com' & gave the extremely talented Lijo Jose his first hit.

7. Philips & the Monkey Pen



The film which theaters refused to screen at first, later caught on thanks to the tremendous WOM and the non-stop hard work by its producers. Easily one of the best movie for Children's made in Malayalam


7. Thira, Memories

 

A strong theme, Shobana's knock-out performance, Vineeth's direction made this a great watch.

2nd Investigative thriller for Prithviraj this year, 2nd Jeethu Joseph film to feature in the list & hit charts.

8.  Nadan 

Arguably Jayaram's best ever performance, Kamal backed Celluloid with another good film

9. Annayum Rasoolum

A Romantic drama that is more rooted to reality, a perfect directorial debut for Rajiv Ravi.A must watch for Brilliant Fahad, Beautiful Andrea and interesting songs.

10. 5 Sundarikal

  5 Directors, 5 themes, 5 short films. A good Tribute to Women-hood




Special Mentions: Tourist Home, North 24 Kaatham, Romans, Neram, Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, Artist, Punyalan Agarbathis



Films that held up well even after multiple viewing's got better positions in the list. These are my top 10 Malayalam movies of 2013 and may not necessarily be the best 10 of 2013. You can read My FDFS reviews of most of these movies by clicking the respective title.




Read  Mollywood 2013 Roundup Part 1 - Analysis of Malayalam Film Industry in 2013 Here

Mollywood 2013 round up Part 1 - Analysis of Malayalam Film Industry in 2013

In 2012, Mollywood saw not only large number of hits but also big & genuine [hit from theatricals itself] hit too. Compared to that 2013 is way off the chart. Number of genuine/big hits are on the lower side this year. 

In 2013 Mollywood had 158 releases [about 12 dubbed films too] which is by far the biggest year ever in Malayalam as far the number of releases in a calendar year is concerned. Its also the largest number in the entire country this year, no other language film industry had this many releases in 2013. Eventhough fewer genuie hits, 2013 saw many films entering safe zone thanks to the ever rising Satellite rights, figures even touched 6+ crores as per rade reports. 

While revenue from music cd sales has diminished rights from mobile companies and fm stations are helping the industry. Also now producers are selling youtube and other online streaming rights too to counter piracy.

Total investment crossed 300 crore mark, and about 20 films can be called hits and 20 other earning break even/safe status. Budget wise there has been discipline this year, according to data from KPA only one film crossed 5/6 crore budget mark. The number of films produced with the help of Kerala State Film Development Corporation has also increases this year to 36 from 30 last year. 2013 also saw about 80 debutant Directors & Producers entering the industry. 

With many huge projects announced/planned already involving almost all big stars of Kerala, hoping for a better 2014. 

Part 2 to be written soon

Credits: Producers Association & Manorama