10 Must-Watch Malayalam Suspense Thrillers That Will Keep You Guessing

Malayalam cinema has carved a niche for delivering some of India’s most gripping, best Malayalam suspense thrillers, and 2025 has been a stellar year for the genre. These films weave intricate plots, unforgettable performances, and heart-pounding twists that keep audiences glued to their screens. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat storytelling, this list of the top Malayalam suspense thrillers of 2025 is your guide to cinematic brilliance. From psychological dramas to gritty crime investigations, these movies showcase why Malayalam thrillers stand out as a cut above the rest.

Each film on this list delivers suspense that lingers long after the credits roll, making them must-watch entries for thriller enthusiasts. Dive into our curated selection of the best Malayalam suspense thrillers and prepare to be captivated by stories that unravel secrets with every frame.

1. Thudarum

Jothish Shankar’s Thudarum is a masterclass in blending emotional depth with relentless suspense, making it one of the best Malayalam suspense thrillers of 2025. Mohanlal delivers a powerhouse performance as a grieving father whose quest for justice spirals into a labyrinth of revenge and hidden truths. The film’s evocative score and tight pacing amplify its tension, while Shobana’s nuanced role adds heart to the high-stakes drama. Without revealing spoilers, expect a narrative that deftly balances family dynamics with shocking twists, keeping you guessing until the final frame. Crossing ₹200 crore worldwide, Thudarum proves Malayalam cinema’s global appeal. Its seamless storytelling and emotional heft make it a standout among Malayalam suspense thrillers.
Release Date: April 2025 | OTT Platform: Jio Hotstar

2. Rekhachithram

Rekhachithram, directed by Jofin T. Chacko, redefines the genre as one of the best Malayalam suspense thrillers with its innovative alternate-history crime narrative. Asif Ali shines as a detective navigating a case enhanced by AI, unravelling a web of deception that pays homage to 1980s Malayalam classics. Anaswara Rajan’s compelling performance and a surprise Mammootty cameo elevate the stakes. The film’s immersive visuals and tightly woven plot deliver a satisfying climax that leaves audiences buzzing. Earning an 8.9/10 on Digit, it’s a modern masterpiece among Malayalam suspense thrillers, blending technology with human emotion. Its clever twists and sharp dialogue ensure you’ll be second-guessing every clue.
Release Date: January 9, 2025 | OTT Platform: Sony LIV

3. Officer on Duty

Jithu Ashraf’s Officer on Duty is a fiery addition to the best Malayalam suspense thrillers, with Kunchacko Boban leading as a determined cop unravelling a fake jewellery scam that hides darker crimes. The film’s raw action sequences and relentless pacing create a gripping experience, while its intricate plot keeps you hooked. Boban’s intense performance anchors the narrative, making every revelation hit hard. This box-office hit stands out among Malayalam suspense thrillers for its seamless blend of action and mystery, with twists that even seasoned viewers will find surprising. Its gritty realism and high-energy storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Release Date: February 2025 | OTT Platform: Netflix

Also Read : Homebound Movie Review: A Powerful Story of Friendship, Struggle,and Hope

4. Ronth

Shahi Kabir’s Ronth is a gritty, dialogue-driven gem among the best Malayalam suspense thrillers, transforming a routine night patrol into a chilling murder accusation. Kunchacko Boban and Suraj Venjaramoodu deliver standout performances, their chemistry fueling the film’s emotional and suspenseful core. The realistic portrayal of police life, combined with a tightly wound narrative, keeps tension high. Among Malayalam suspense thrillers, Ronth excels in its raw authenticity and emotional undercurrents, making every twist feel earned. Its focus on human struggles within a suspenseful framework ensures you’re invested until the end.
Release Date: March 2025 | OTT Platform: Jio Hotstar

5. Vadakkan

A. Sajeed’s Vadakkan is a spine-chilling supernatural thriller that blends folklore with modern investigation. The story follows a paranormal researcher who lands in Kerala after a series of mysterious deaths tied to a reality TV show. As he explores a remote island steeped in legend, eerie forces blur the line between myth and reality, turning curiosity into survival. With gripping visuals and a haunting atmosphere, Vadakkan stands out as a unique addition to the best Malayalam suspense thrillers of 2025. It’s equal parts mystery, fear, and folklore, offering audiences an edge-of-the-seat experience.
Release Date: May 9, 2025 | OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

6. Identity

Akhil Paul and Anas Khan’s Identity is a multi-layered masterpiece among the best Malayalam suspense thrillers, with Tovino Thomas delivering a career-defining performance. Paired with Trisha Krishnan, the film explores an identity crisis that unravels through shocking revelations. Its nonlinear storytelling and psychological intensity keep you on edge, while the clever plot twists spark endless discussions. Among Malayalam suspense thrillers, Identity shines for its nuanced character work and gripping narrative, making it a must-watch on OTT platforms. Its ability to blend personal drama with suspense ensures a captivating experience.
Release Date: January 2025 | OTT Platform: ZEE5

7. Detective Ujjwalan

Detective Ujjwalan, directed by Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G., is a slow-burning triumph among the best Malayalam suspense thrillers. Dhyan Sreenivasan plays a suspended cop diving into a 40-year-old mystery of a nun’s disappearance. The atmospheric tension and stellar cinematography, especially in the climax, create a haunting experience. Praised on X for its quick audience connection, this film stands out among Malayalam suspense thrillers for its meticulous pacing and emotional depth. It’s a must-watch for those who love unravelling mysteries at a deliberate pace.
Release Date: March 27, 2025 | OTT Platform: Netflix

8. Police Day

Police Day is a dark, procedural gem among the best Malayalam suspense thrillers, with Lal leading as an IPS officer investigating a colleague’s “suicide” that unravels as murder. The film’s intense focus on concealment and betrayal keeps you guessing, with each clue deepening the mystery. Its recent release has sparked buzz on social media for its gripping narrative and strong performances. Among Malayalam suspense thrillers, Police Day excels in its realistic portrayal of investigative work, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
Release Date: September 2025 | OTT Platform: ManoramaMAX (with regional availability on Prime Video)

9. Maranamass

Maranamass, directed by Sivaprasad and headlined by Basil Joseph, is a dark comedy-thriller that balances quirky humour with chilling suspense. Produced by Tovino Thomas, the film follows an internet celebrity whose ordinary life unravels after he witnesses a shocking crime. What begins as a slice-of-life comedy quickly spirals into a tense cat-and-mouse chase filled with oddball characters, sharp satire, and unexpected twists. Its offbeat storytelling and Basil Joseph’s engaging performance make it a refreshing entry in the list of best Malayalam suspense thrillers. By merging comedy with nail-biting suspense, Marana Mass delivers both laughs and gasps in equal measure.
Release Date: May 15, 2025 | OTT Platform: Sony LIV

10. Meesha

Meesha, directed by Emcy Joseph, is a survival-thriller from 2025 that takes the tension deep into the heart of the forest. Kathir makes his Malayalam debut, joined by Hakim Shahjahan, Shine Tom Chacko, Unni Lalu, and more. When forest guard Midhun invites a group of old friends to a feast in the woods, what begins as nostalgia soon turns dark—ambitions, betrayals, and secrets emerge under the canopy. Scenes shift between past and present, exploring themes of loyalty, guilt, and the divisions among people. Meesha is a standout addition to the best Malayalam suspense thrillers, offering psychological ruggedness and an atmospheric edge-of-the-seat experience.
Release Date: August 1, 2025 | OTT Platform: Sun NXT & Prime Video

Conclusion

The Best Malayalam suspense thrillers of 2025 prove why the industry leads the genre, blending mystery, drama, and edge-of-the-seat twists. Whether you’re streaming online or watching in theatres, these films guarantee gripping entertainment. Which one kept you guessing the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!