Known as Kerala’s grand harvest festival, Onam is a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural celebration. It is celebrated by Malayalees all over India and across the world. Now, as we celebrate Thiruvonam or the main Onam on September 15, we’re all looking forward to the delicious Sadya, the beautiful Pookalam, and a lot of celebrations. But that’s not all. No Onam is complete with a bunch of Onam special movies releasing around this time. Now, not everyone might like going to the theatres on a festive day. So what do you do? Simple – watch some of the top Malayalam movies on ZEE5 with your friends and family! Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming family dramas, hilarious comedies, or thought-provoking narratives, ZEE5 has you covered with a stunning Onam movie collection filled with some must-watch Malayalam movies.
Here are seven Malayalam movies on ZEE5 that are bound to elevate your Onam festivities:
1. Nunakkuzhi (2024)
Start your Onam movie marathon with a dash of comedy and crime. Nunakkuzhi is the Onam special release on ZEE5 that is streaming on the platform since September 13, 2024. It is a 2024 Malayalam crime comedy movie directed by Jeethu Joseph. Nunakkuzhi features the talented Basil Joseph, Grace Antony, and Siddique in lead roles. The plot revolves around a young man who, after losing his laptop in an IT raid, gets embroiled in a case of mistaken identity, sex tape, and murder. With a mix of humor, suspense, and twists, Nunakkuzhi is the perfect movie to watch with family on Onam.
2. Manorathangal (2024)
For those who enjoy anthologies, Manorathangal is the perfect streaming option for you. It is an anthology film that presents nine of M. T. Vasudevan Nair’s classic short stories in a film format. With an ensemble cast including legends like Mohanlal and Mammootty, this anthology film is directed by the likes of Priyadarshan, Santhosh Sivan, Ranjith, and others. Presented by Kamal Haasan, the Manorathangal anthology film explores various human emotions through each narrative. That is what makes it a captivating choice for the reflective mood accompanying Onam celebrations.
3. Nadanna Sambhavam (2024)
Nadanna Sambhavam is a comedy-drama that could be the perfect addition to your Onam movie lineup. Directed by Vishnu Narayan, this movie stars Biju Menon and Suraj Venjaramoodu in lead roles. The story of this Malayalam movie revolves around the humorous yet heartfelt conflicts within a villa community. The light-hearted plot makes it ideal for watching with family during the Onam holidays.
4. Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil (2024)
Are you in the mood for a blockbuster? Then Prithviraj Sukumaran and Basil Joseph’s Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil should top your list. Released in the theatres in May 2024, this comedy film has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year. Set against the backdrop of Guruvayoor, the story follows the chaotic and heartwarming journey of love, misunderstandings, and family ties. Moreover, if you’ve watched Prithiviraj’s Nandanam, you’ll find a lot of parody scenes from that blockbuster film in Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil that make it a perfect watch for the Onam.
5. Ullozhukku (2024)
Onam is a great time for deep reflection, and Ullozhukku offers a poignant story that reflects that. Directed by Christo Tomy, the film features Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead giving stellar performances. Set in a flood-ravaged Alappuzha region of Kerala, the film revolves around a family whose plans to bury a relative are delayed due to the floods. Soon, they’re forced to confront long-buried secrets and lies that threaten their unity. The film emphasizes on transparency and understanding amongst relatives making it a great Onam watch.
6. Mandakini (2024)
Mandakini is an engaging drama that brings an unusual mix of humor and family dynamics to the screen. Starring Althaf Salim and Anarkali Marikar, as Aromal and Ambili, this film unfolds an entertaining narrative filled with surprising twists. It all starts when Ambili accidentally consumes an alcoholic drink meant for her new husband, Aromal.
The movie’s blend of romance, comedy, and family confrontation makes it a great choice for a light-hearted Onam watch.
Celebrate Onam with ZEE5!
Onam is a time for joy, togetherness, and cultural appreciation. What better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in some must-watch Malayalam movies on ZEE5? You can watch the first two films with your regular ZEE5 subscription and for the remaining four, viewers in the US can get a Simply South Add-On on ZEE5 and watch these movies along with a bunch of regional content. So, gather your loved ones, prepare your Onam Sadya, and settle in for a memorable movie marathon that will make your Onam celebrations even more special.
Onam Aashamsagal(Happy Onam)!