Six must-watch Malayalam crime thriller movies on OTT if you loved Jeethu Joseph's Valathu Vashathe Kallan: Drishyam to Iratta

Malayalam cinema continues to take over the crime thriller space with gripping narratives and strong performances. While audiences are eagerly waiting for director Jeethu Joseph’s much-anticipated Drishyam 3, his recent film Valathu Vashathe Kallan, starring Biju Menon and Joju George, has quietly made its way to OTT. The film, which was released in theatres on January 30, 2026, is now streaming on Manorama Max. If you enjoy intense investigations, morally complex characters, and unexpected twists, here are six Malayalam crime thrillers currently available on OTT - Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar, Zee5 and more, that deserve a spot on your weekend watchlist.

A look at the top 5 Malayalam crime thriller movies

Drishyam franchise - Streaming on JioHotstar & Amazon Prime Video


The Drishyam series, led by Mohanlal, is widely regarded as one of India’s finest crime thrillers. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film follows a seemingly ordinary cable operator who goes to extreme lengths to protect his family after a crime changes their lives. The sequel, Drishyam 2, continues the psychological cat-and-mouse game with even higher stakes. Both films stand out for their clever plotting and emotional depth. These were also remade in Hindi cinema, and now everyone is gearing up for the release of Drishyam 3.

Iratta - Streaming on Netflix

Iratta, starring Joju George in a dual role, offers a dark and emotionally heavy take on crime and family trauma. The story begins with the mysterious death of a police officer inside a station, leading to an investigation handled by his estranged twin brother. As secrets from their past come to light, the film evolves into a deeply unsettling yet powerful exploration of guilt, violence, and memory. Joju George’s layered performance has been widely praised.

Anweshippin Kandethum - Streaming on Netflix

Set in the 1990s, Anweshippin Kandethum stars Tovino Thomas as a determined police officer revisiting a cold case that once derailed his career. Unlike stylised thrillers, the film takes a grounded approach, focusing on procedural details and the emotional toll investigations take on officers and victims’ families. Its slow-burn storytelling and realistic tone make it a compelling watch.



Memories - Streaming on JioHotstar

Before achieving massive success with Drishyam, Jeethu Joseph showcased his mastery of suspense with Memories. The film features Prithviraj Sukumaran as a once-brilliant cop struggling with alcoholism and personal tragedy, who is pulled back into service to track down a serial killer. The film balances emotional vulnerability with nail-biting suspense.

Nayattu - Streaming on Netflix

Political crime drama Nayattu takes a gritty and realistic look at how power and politics can shape the justice system. The story follows three police officers who go on the run after an accidental death turns them into scapegoats in a politically sensitive case. The film is praised for its tense pacing and commentary on institutional pressure. This movie is one of the hardest-hitting Malayalam thrillers in recent years.



Ronth – Streaming on JioHotstar

Starring Roshan Mathew and Dileesh Pothan in lead roles, this Malayalam crime thriller has received positive responses from both audiences and critics. The film is a spiritual successor to, and set in the same universe as, the 2021 movie Nayattu. Ronth is written and directed by Shahi Kabir.

Thudarum - Streaming on JioHotstar

Thudarum brought together veteran stars Mohanlal and Shobana, marking their much-awaited reunion on screen. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film mixes crime, drama, and emotional storytelling, earning both critical acclaim and strong box-office success upon its release. This movie reaffirmed Mohanlal's legacy in the industry.


Ela Veezha Poonchira - Streaming on Prime Video

Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022) is a Malayalam thriller that received strong critical praise and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Shahi Kabir, the film features Soubin Shahir, Sudhi Koppa and Jude Anthany Joseph in key roles. It revolves around a gripping murder investigation that unfolds at a remote police wireless station located on a hilltop.

Stay tuned for more such recommendations for our readers.