Malayalam cinema continues its golden run not just in theatres but also across the digital world. This week, streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema, and SonyLIV have lined up a series of new Malayalam releases that promise everything from gritty thrillers to emotional dramas and sci-fi fantasies.
From the much-anticipated “Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra” to the intense “Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali” and the mysterious “Mirage”, Malayalam audiences are in for a cinematic treat at home.
Malayalam Cinema’s Digital Dominance
Over the past few years, Malayalam filmmakers have found a second home in the OTT ecosystem. While the pandemic pushed the industry towards digital releases, the creative freedom and pan-India reach offered by platforms like Netflix and Prime Video have permanently changed how Malayalam films are consumed.
This week’s releases perfectly reflect that evolution a mix of commercial storytelling and experimental cinema wrapped in high-quality production.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (Netflix)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Drama
Director: Vinayak Sasi
Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Anson Paul, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Indrans
Platform: Netflix
Release Date: October 21, 2025
The first chapter of the ambitious Lokah cinematic universe, Chandra introduces viewers to a futuristic world where time, technology, and destiny collide. The story follows Chandra, a scientist trapped between two dimensions — one ruled by logic, the other by illusion.
Shot extensively in Kochi and Dubai, Lokah: Chandra blends visual effects, philosophical undertones, and deep emotional arcs rarely seen in regional cinema. Critics have already called it “India’s first truly conceptual Malayalam sci-fi film.”
Netflix has acquired global rights, making it available with subtitles in ten languages, ensuring that Malayalam storytelling travels beyond borders.
“Lokah isn’t just a film it’s an experience. It explores how human choices shape parallel worlds,” says director Vinayak Sasi in an interview.
Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali (Amazon Prime Video)
Genre: Crime Thriller / Psychological Drama
Director: Rajeev Chandran
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Nimisha Sajayan, Shine Tom Chacko, Parvathy Thiruvothu
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Release Date: October 23, 2025
After the blockbuster success of Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Kunchacko Boban returns in Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali — a slow-burn crime thriller set in the dark underbelly of Kerala’s political system.
The film’s title translates to “The Internal Conspiracy” and lives up to it. Boban plays Advocate Joseph, who unearths a decades-old secret linking high-profile murders and corporate fraud. The screenplay balances suspense with emotional depth, a trademark of Malayalam noir.
Shot in muted tones by cinematographer Girish Gangadharan, the film’s moody visuals add to its psychological tension. Prime Video insiders reveal that the film is trending in the Top 10 India section within 24 hours of release.
“We wanted to portray how power and corruption seep silently into personal lives,” says director Rajeev Chandran.
Mirage (Disney+ Hotstar)
Genre: Mystery / Psychological Thriller
Director: Vysakh Anil Kumar
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Darshana Rajendran, Soubin Shahir
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Release Date: October 25, 2025
Following the massive OTT hit 2018: Everyone Is a Hero, actor Tovino Thomas returns in Mirage, a haunting psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and hallucination.
Thomas plays Ravi, an architect whose life spirals out of control after a tragic accident. As he begins to see visions of a mysterious woman in mirrors and reflections, the story evolves into a mind-bending narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the last frame.
The film is praised for its cinematography and sound design, creating a surreal yet believable world. Critics are calling it “a Malayalam answer to Inception.”
holvi F.C. (JioCinema)
Genre: Sports Comedy / Family Drama
Director: Sujith S. Nair
Cast: Sreenath Bhasi, Basil Joseph, Grace Antony, Vinay Forrt
Platform: JioCinema
Release Date: October 22, 2025
If you’re looking for something lighthearted, Tholvi F.C. (which means Team of Failures) will lift your mood. The film follows a small-town football club that has never won a single match but refuses to give up on their dream of playing in Kerala’s professional league.
Blending humor with heartwarming storytelling, Tholvi F.C. celebrates team spirit, resilience, and community bonds. With stellar performances and catchy music, it’s already becoming a fan favorite.
“It’s not about winning it’s about never quitting,” says director Sujith Nair.
Vettaiyan (SonyLIV)
Genre: Action / Political Thriller
Director: Anwar Rasheed
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Mamta Mohandas, Indrajith Sukumaran
Platform: SonyLIV
Release Date: October 24, 2025
Vettaiyan brings together an explosive mix of politics, revenge, and moral dilemma. Fahadh Faasil plays an ex-cop who turns into a vigilante after being framed by corrupt officials. The film’s non-linear storytelling and razor-sharp dialogues have impressed both critics and audiences alike.
SonyLIV’s exclusive digital release ensures high-quality streaming and Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the cinematic experience for subscribers.
Why Malayalam Films Dominate OTT Right Now
Malayalam filmmakers are known for their authentic writing, layered characters, and technical brilliance. Unlike big-budget Hindi releases, Malayalam films rely more on storytelling than spectacle making them perfect for OTT platforms.
Streaming has also helped Malayalam cinema reach a global Malayali diaspora, from Dubai to Toronto. With English subtitles becoming standard, non-Malayalam viewers too are discovering these gems.
According to a recent report by Ormax Media, Malayalam content saw a 47% growth in OTT viewership between 2023 and 2025 the highest among all regional industries.
OTT Platforms Bet Big on Regional Content
Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have realized the massive potential of South Indian markets. Both have increased investments in original Malayalam productions and are partnering with leading directors.
Netflix India’s head of content, Monika Shergill, recently stated, “Malayalam cinema brings a unique depth and realism that resonates across borders. We are proud to showcase their storytelling to global audiences.”
From Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra to Mirage, this week’s lineup proves that Malayalam cinema’s storytelling brilliance has found its perfect stage in OTT.
Whether it’s sci-fi experiments, crime dramas, or emotional family stories — the digital screen is now the new theatre for Kerala’s creative minds.
So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into the world of Malayalam masterpieces — now streaming at the touch of a button.
