When it comes to thrilling cinema, Malayalam films consistently steal the show. As 2025 draws to a close, OTT platforms have made it easier than ever to enjoy these gripping stories in Hindi. The top 5 Malayalam films of the year, according to IMDb ratings, are all thrillers—packed with mystery, suspense, and adrenaline-pumping moments.
From the search for a missing man linked to a mysterious dog, to an ancient skeleton discovered in a forest, to a series of missing girls in the city, to a man fighting a corrupt system after his beloved Ambassador car is seized, these films cover the full spectrum of thrilling narratives. All five are available to stream in Hindi on popular OTT platforms.
1. Eko (IMDb Rating – 8.3)
Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, Eko is the highest-rated Malayalam film of 2025. Featuring Sandeep Pradeep, Vineeth, Narayan, Binu Pappu, and Biyana Momin, it is the final installment of Bahul Ramesh’s “Animal Trilogy,” following Kishkindha Kandam (2024) and Kerala Crime Files 2 (2025).
The story revolves around a missing dog breeder, Kuriyachan, a businessman with a dark past who brought a rare breed of dog from Malaysia. The narrative shifts between World War II and the present, exploring hidden motives of the characters, all intertwined with unique dogs. The film will be available on Netflix.
2. Rekhachithram (IMDb Rating – 7.8)
Directed by Jofin T. Chacko, Rekhachithram is a crime thriller starring Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Manoj K. Jayan, Siddique, Jagadish, Saikumar, Harishree Ashokan, and Indrans.
The plot unfolds in Malakkapara, where a wealthy businessman, Rajendran, shares a shocking live confession on Facebook before ending his life. A police officer, Vivek Gopinath, investigates Rajendran’s confession, uncovering a decades-old buried skeleton with a mysterious anklet. The film explores the connection between the past murder, the skeleton, and Rajendran’s death. Rekhachithram streams on SonyLIV.
3. Lokah Chapter One: Chandra (IMDb Rating – 7.7)
This 2025 blockbuster, directed and written by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salman, is a superhero sci-fi thriller. Kalyani Priyadarshan stars in the lead role, playing Chandra, a mysterious girl with hidden powers who comes to Bangalore to protect the world.
A corrupt inspector and a dangerous gang challenge her, and her dark secret—she survives by drinking blood—unfolds alongside a centuries-old story. Available on JioHotstar, Lokah Chapter One: Chandra combines mystery, action, and sci-fi elements.
4. Kalamkaval (IMDb Rating – 7.6)
Directed by Jithin K. Jose, Kalamkaval is an action thriller inspired by the real-life serial killer Cyanide Mohan. Starring Mammootty, Vinayakan, Giben Gopinath, Gayatri Arun, Rajisha Vijayan, and Shruti Ramachandran, the film focuses on Kerala police investigations into missing women.
Set in early 2000s Kerala, SI Jayakrishnan uncovers the truth behind communal violence, linking missing women to a dark and complex network. Kalamkaval released in theaters on 5 December 2025 and will stream on SonyLIV in early January 2026.
5. Thudarum (IMDb Rating – 7.5)
Directed by Tharun Murthy, Thudarum is an action thriller featuring Mohanlal, Shobhana, Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, Farhaan Fazil, Thomas Mathew, Amrita Varshini, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Irshad Ali.
The story follows Mohanlal’s character, Shanmugham (Benz), a former stuntman now living peacefully as a taxi driver in Ranni. His life unravels when corrupt police seize his beloved Ambassador car due to fabricated charges, forcing him to fight for justice and family honor. Thudarum is available in Hindi on JioHotstar.
These five Malayalam thrillers of 2025 prove that OTT platforms are the best place to experience high-stakes suspense, gripping narratives, and unforgettable characters—all available in Hindi for a pan-India audience.
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