TOP 10 MOLLYWOOD MOVIES PORTRAYING SOCIAL ISSUES

Cinema has always had a social impact; thus, using it to spread awareness about social issues is a noble, tried, and tested cause. These movies not only portray the hardships faced by society but also inspire resolve to make society a better place. Here’s a list of 10 Mollywood movies that battles stigma and portrays social issues that need to be discussed. 

1. Spirit

This 2012 satirical drama stars Mohanlal in the lead role. The movie is directed and written by Ranjith. The film was released amidst overwhelmingly positive reviews. The film deals with alcohol addiction and how it can alter an addict’s life as well as those around them. 

2. Nirnayakam

This 2015 drama was directed by V.K.Prakash and written by the writer duo Bobby and Sanjay. The cast of the movie includes Asif Ali, Prem Prakash, Malavika Mohanan, and Tisca Chopra. The film explores the concept of human rights and the need for governments to take responsibility and be accountable for ensuring the same. The film addresses the pressing concerns around human rights, especially in the current context.

3. Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam

This 2003 film is directed and written by T.V Chandran. The movie revolves around Shahina, a young girl who is keen on her academics but is forced into an arranged marriage. The film explores issues ranging from dowry, marital rape, and shady marriage deals for economic exploitation. The protagonist Shahina is played by Meera Jasmine.

4. Khaddama

This 2011 survival movie was produced by P.V.Pradeep and directed by Kamal. The cast includes prominent actors such as Kavya Madhavan, Sreenivasan, and Biju Menon. The movie follows the life of Aswathi, a young woman from Kerala who has to go as a maid to the Gulf after her husband’s untimely death. What follows is a heart wrenching tale of difficulties faced by immigrants, inspired by real-life incidents.

5. Uyare

This 2019 drama is directed by Manu Ashokan. Received with high appreciation, the movie tells the story of Pallavi, an acid attack survivor who fights against all odds to reclaim her life. After being attacked by her partner, she had to give up on her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, but she slowly gets back on her feet and joins a cabin crew amidst unwavering support from her friends and family. The character of Pallavi is played on the reel by actress Parvathy Thiruvothu. The movie touches upon real-life aspects of acid attack survivors and their lives after the attack.

6. How Old Are You?

How Old Are You? is a 2014 movie produced by Listin Stephen and Directed by Rosshan Andrews. The movie revolves around Nirupama, a working woman who fell into her mundane, boring life. After a series of embarrassing events, she decided to become a better version of herself. The movie stars Manju Warrier in the main role. The film addresses increasing concerns about ageism and other difficulties faced by older women in society.

7. Trance 

Directed and produced by Anwar Rasheed, this 2020 psychological film deals with pseudo religions and the growing world of fraudsters exploiting people for money. The film revolves around Viju, who is recruited to become a miracle-performing fraudster, and what follows is a whirlwind journey of betrayal, deception, and capitalizing on religion.

8. Thira 

Thira is a 2013 thriller film starring Shobana Pillai and Dhyan Sreenivasan in the lead roles. The movie is centered on Dr. Rohini, who is a cardiac surgeon and also a social worker who rescues girls from human trafficking rings. The movie is directed by Vineeth Srinivasan and produced by Manoj Menon. The film explores severe and sensitive topics such as human trafficking and sexual abuse.

9. Virus

This 2019 medical thriller movie is based on the Nipah virus spread in Kerala. Directed by Aashiq Abu, the movie showed people infected by the virus and how the state battled with it, finally declaring the state Nipah free after a heavy battle. Drawn from real experiences, the movie is a tribute to the countless people in the medical sector who worked together to prevent a wider spread of the deadly virus. The movie's exploration of a pandemic situation holds relevant even in the present scenario.

10. Ozhimuri

This 2012 drama was directed by Madhupal and inspired by the book “Uravidangal” written by Jeyamohan. The film’s cast includes Lal, Asif Ali, Bhavana, Mallika, and Shwetha Menon. The movie explores the transition between a matrilineal to a patrilineal system in society that eventually led to the oppression of women within the domestic sphere for a long time in history.