Malayalam watchlist: All eyes on Mohanlal’s ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’

January 2024 will also witness the release of 'Abraham Ozler', 'Aattam', and 'Manjummel Boys'.

BySouth First Desk

Published Dec 31, 2023 | 10:00 AMUpdatedDec 31, 2023 | 10:00 AM

Malayalam watchlist January 2024

As the New Year 2024 is around the corner, Malayalam filmmakers are hopeful that their new releases will do well at the box office.

In 2023, more than 200 Malayalam films were released in theatres. However, only 10 movies turned out to be blockbuster hits.

2024 will begin with the release of the much-hyped movie, Malaikottai Vaaliban helmed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. It has Mohanlal in the lead role.

This is followed by films like Abraham Ozler, Aattam, and Manjummel Boys.

Malaikottai Vaaliban

Mohanlal’s Malaikottai Vaaliban is the most anticipated movie of 2024. The movie will have its release on 25 January.

A breathtaking teaser of the movie was released recently. The teaser shows the actor in a never-seen-before avatar that left his fans with goosebumps.

Mohanlal said Lijo created a grand spectacle, a glimpse of which the audience will be able to see in this teaser.

The first single of the song was also released by the makers last week.

Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Danish Sait, Manoj Moses, Katha Nandi, and Manikandan Achari play significant roles in Malaikottai Vaaliban.

It will be dubbed and released simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.

John & Mary Creative, Max Labs, Century Films, and Saregama India Ltd are bankrolling Malaikottai Vaaliban.

It was shot in 130 days in Rajasthan, Chennai, and Pondicherry.

The script is by PS Rafeeque, who earlier worked with Lijo Jose in Nayakan (2010) and Amen (2013).

The film is edited by Deepu Joseph and designed by Ronex Xavier.

Abraham Ozler

Jayaram’s much-anticipated Abraham Ozler is touted to be a medical thriller. It is directed by Midhun Manuel who made the psycho-thriller Anjam Pathrita (2019), a successful venture.

Abraham Ozler will be released on 11 January 2024.

Abraham Ozler is written by Randheer Krishnan.

Midhun Manuel Thomas scripted two movies in 2023 — Phoenix and Garudan and both were received well by audiences and critics. As a result, Abraham Ozler has piqued the interest of everyone.

As per reports, the Malayalam film will also have an extended cameo of Mammootty.

Related: Jayaram’s ‘Abraham Ozler’ to release on 11 January 2024

Aattam

Aattam is the debut feature film of Anand Ekarshi. It casts Vinay Forrt, Zarin Shihab, and Kalabhavan Shajohn besides newcomers with a theatre background in key roles.

The movie will hit the marquee on 5 January 2024.

Aattam witnessed houseful shows during the International Film Festival Kerala (IFFK) held in Thiruvananthapuram from 8-25 December.

Aattam is a commercial entertainer and a film of this genre getting a space in the IFFK is a positive sign for us. In the movie, I did my research for the role and discussed with director Anand Ekarshi about how we can give a good colour to the character,” Vinay Forrt said at the IFFK screenings.

Aattam is produced by Joy Movie Production.

The cinematography is by Anurudh Anees and the editing is by Mahesh Bhuvanend.

Related: ‘Aattam’ is a well-executed movie raises its voice against patriarchy, misogyny, and conditioned mindsets 

Manjummel Boys

Manjummel Boys has been in the news for some time.

The first-look poster of Manjummel Boys starring Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Balu Varghese was released recently. It gives a hint that the Malayalam film is set in Kodaikanal and revolves around a young group of people who sets out on a tour.

The shooting of the film was wrapped up on 17 July, after a 101-day schedule.

Soubin Shahir, also the producer of the film, shared that he was proud of what he and his team created.

Manjummel Boys is directed by Chidambaram, who earlier directed Jan.E.Man (2021). It also features Ganapathi, Lal Jr, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, Khalid Rahman, Chandu Salimkumar, and Vishnu Reghu in significant roles.

It will be released in January. However, the date is yet to be confirmed.

Shyju Khalid is the cinematographer and Vivek Harshan is the editor.

Sushin Shyam composed the music and Ajayan Chalissery is the art director.

Related: First look of Malayalam film ‘Manjummel Boys’ launched