1. Pazhassi Raja
Based on the legendary king of Malabar- Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, a film named Pazhassi Raja got released in the year 2009. Directed by Hariharan, it starred Mammootty as Pazhassi Raja and
Sarath Kumar
, Manoj K. Jayan, Padmapriya and Kaniha as other characters. It tells the story of the struggle of a king and his followers against the mighty East India Company to save their kingdom. The movie became a blockbuster at the box-office and also received many accolades. Produced and distributed by Sree Gokulam Release, it collected more than 32 crores from the theaters.
2. 'Urumi'
This 2011 film starring Prithviraj became one of the top-grossing hits of the year. Directed by
Santosh Sivan
, it is the story of the advent of the Portuguese rule in India, and the struggle of some natives to oppose them. It has a host of brilliant actors like Prithviraj,
Prabhu Deva
, Arya, Genelia D’Souza,
Vidya Balan
, and Nithya Menon. The astonishing cinematography of Santosh Sivan along with the outstanding background score of
Deepak Dev
has contributed to the success of the movie.
3. 'Veeraputhran'
It is a legendary film based on the great freedom fighter
Mohammed Abdur Rahiman
. It portrays many instances of the Indian freedom fight from Malabar. The movie has Narain in the role of Abdur Rahiman and
Raima Sen
as his wife. Though the picture opened up to many controversies, it received many positive reviews and wide appreciation. It did not make much profit at the theaters but justified the life of this freedom fighter.
It is the story of the great social reformer of Kerala,
Sree Narayana Guru
. Directed by R. Sukumaran, it features
Thalaivasal Vijay
as SreeNarayana Guru and also many other brilliant artists like Mammootty,
Kalabhavan Mani
, and
Navya Nair
. The film is also a medium to propagate the teachings and preaching of the Guru. It also portrays a strong aversion towards the highly casteist and patriarchal society of Kerala. Though the picture failed to be a commercial success, it is a dedication for this great leader.
This film traces the roots of Malayalam cinema that goes back to the 1930s. Directed by Kamal, it stars Prithviraj and Mamta in the chief roles. The movie portrays the life of J. C Daniel, who is known as the father of Malayalam cinema. It received a National Award in 2012 for the best feature film. It came out to be a hit at the box-office despite many controversies and made a profit of around four crores.
6. Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha
This 1989 film is considered as one of the best legendary stories ever in Malayalam cinema. It stars Mammootty,
Suresh Gopi
, and Madhavi in the lead roles. The story of Aromal Chekavar and Chandu has been popularized in Kerala through the many ballads about them. The movie portrays this story from the perspective of the antagonist. Directed by the veteran filmmaker Hariharan, it won four National Awards and Six State Awards.
7. 'Kalapani'
This film portrays the cruelties of the British people against those who tried to defend them. Directed by Priyadarshan, it features Mohanlal, Prabhu,
Amrish Puri
, and Tabu in the chief roles. It tells the condition of the prisoners in the Cellular Jail of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The movie received several accolades including three National Awards and six State Awards. It got released in Tamil and Hindi and bagged a huge success.
8. Rakthasakshikal SIndabad
This movie directed by
Venu Nagavally
takes us back to the outburst of the communist revolution in Kerala. It features Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Murali, and Sukanya in the lead. It portrays the protest of the communist comrades against social inequality and injustice. The picture became a super hit at the theaters and also motivated many youngsters to join the Communist party.
9.'1921'
This movie traces back to the Mapila Uprising of 1921 led by the Muslims against the British and Hindus. It also shows many historical instances from the freedom struggle. Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Madhu, and Urvasi play the lead characters in the film. Directed by I. V Sasi, the picture proved to be a box-office hit and completed 100 days in the theaters.
10. 'Thalappavu'
This movie tells about the Naxalite revolution in Kerala with the focus on Naxal Varghese. It is the directorial debut of Madhupal, with Prithviraj, Lal, and
Atul Kulkarni
as the characters. This movie failed to impress the audience in the theaters. However, it won many accolades including two State Awards and also got many positive comments. This picture brings out the humanitarian activities of the Naxalites and their positive aspects.