Top 10 Malayalam Movies Adapted From Novels

1. ‘Chemmeen’

The one and only classic Malayalam hit movie was an adaptation of the classic novel by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai by the same name. The film won many awards over the years, and the novel itself is considered as a classic and the best one ever written in Indian literature. The film just made sure that it stays the same way as it is.

2. ‘Mathilukal’

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is considered as one of the best writers in Malayalam literature. And his many works were later taken for film adaptations. But none stand close to ‘ Mammootty’ starred Mathilukal. The film was released in 1990 and won many awards at the National level.

3. ‘ Thanmathra’

This film was directed by ‘ Blessy’ and released in 2005. It was an adaptation of the short story “ Orma,” written by ‘ Padmarajan’. The movie showcased the terror of Alzheimer's disease. It received many Awards at the State level.

4. Ore Kadal

Another Mammootty film in this list, Ore Kadal was a film adaptation of the Bengali novel “Heerak Deepti.” The book was written by Sunil Gangopadhyay. The film was released in 2007 and directed by ‘ Shyamaprasad’. It won many State Awards later.

5. Daivathinte Vikrithikal

‘ Raghuvaran’ played the main character in this movie, which was a film adaptation of the novel written by ‘Mukundan’ of the same name. He won a Best Actor Award in the National level for his performance in this film. Lenin Rajendran directed this film in the year 1992.

6. ‘Vidheyan’

A 1993 Malayalam film, Vidheyan was a film adaptation of the novel written by ‘Zacharia’, named “Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum”. Mammootty played the main character in this movie, and the movie was directed by none another than the legendary director from Malayalam, Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

7. Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal

One of the best films made in Malayalam till date. Padmarajan’s greatest work is still believed to be a classic among critics and viewers alike. It is a film adapted based on the work of ‘K K Sudhakaran’.

8. Anubhavangal Paalichakal

Another Thakazhi novel adapted as a movie. The film was released in 1971 and directed by ‘ K S Sethumadhavan’. Many of the legendary stars of the time were cast in this film including, Prem Nazir, ' Sheela', Sathyan Nadar, etc. The movie was known to be the last movie of Sathyan, and Mammootty made his debut with this film.

9. ‘Balyakalasakhi’

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s evergreen hit novel Balyakalasakhi was made into a movie in 2014 by director Pramod. Mammootty and Isha Talwar played the main characters, but the film was a flop at the box office, even though it had a strong storyline. But the novel is considered to be a tragic romantic novel in Malayalam literature.

10. ‘Thoovanathumbikal’

Another romantic hit from Padmarajan. “Thoovanathumbikal” is a movie adaptation of the novel “Udakappola.” The novel is written by none another than Padamarajan himself. ‘ Mohanlal’ played the main character in this classic film, and it is considered to be a classic in the Malayalam movie history.