The spirit of patriotism is often celebrated with great enthusiasm on Republic Day, irrespective of class or community. As we get closer to this year’s celebrations, here are some Malayalam war drama movies that you should watch.
5 Malayalam war drama movies to watch on OTT
1. Kirti Chakra (2006)
- Mould: Mohanlal, Jeeva, Biju Menon, Gopika, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Nawab Shah, Shweta Menon
- Director: Major Ravi
- Style: war action drama
- Runtime: 2 hours 24 minutes
- Where to watch: jiohotstar
Malayalam cinema audience’s favorite Keerthi Chakra stars Mohanlal and Jeeva. Directed by Major Ravi, the film is based on Major Mahadevan, an Indian Army officer who is deployed to lead an elite group of National Security Guards (NSG) against terrorist activities.
The film marks Jeeva’s debut in Malayalam cinema and is based on true events that took place in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009)
- Mould: Mammootty, R. Sarathkumar, Manoj K. Jayan, Suresh Krishna, Suman, Kanika Subramaniam, Padmapriya Janakiraman, Jagathy Sreekumar, Thilakan
- Director: Hariharan
- Style: epic period war drama
- Runtime: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Where to watch: jiohotstar
Another brave story of Kerala’s resistance is depicted in the Mammootty-starrer epic drama Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja. The film focuses on the legendary 18th century king Pazhassi Raja, who led a fierce guerrilla war against the exploitative British East India Company in Wayanad.
The story tells how the king successfully united tribal forces to resist heavy taxation and oppression, despite facing betrayal from his own relatives, in order to protect his people and land.
3. 1921 (1988)
- Mould: Mammootty, Madhu, Suresh Gopi, TG Ravi, Seema, Urvashi, MG Soman, Mukesh, Ratish Rajgopal, Bahadur
- Director: fourth session
- Style: war
- Runtime: 2 hours 46 minutes
- Where to watch: jiohotstar
1921 depicts the Malabar Rebellion of 1921 in Kerala, focusing on the conflict between Mappila Muslims and British authorities. Inspired by agrarian issues and landlord oppression, the film follows Khader and Unni Krishnan as they unite under nationalist leader Variyankunath Kunjahammed Haji to fight colonial rule.
Often underrated by the audience, this film has a strong performance by Mammootty.
4. Padayottam (1982)
- Mould: Prem Nazir, Madhu, Lakshmi, Shankar, Purnima Bhagyaraj, Mammootty, Mohanlal
- Director: jijo punnusay
- Style: epic period war drama
- Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes
- Where to watch: sunnxt
Based on Alexandre Dumas’s 1844 French novel The Count of Monte Cristo, Padayottam is an adaptation that relocates the narrative to a state in northern Kerala.
The story tells of Prince Udayan of Kolathiri, who is betrayed by his cousin Devan and court nobles, framed for treason and left to die.
Years later, frustrated by the betrayal of his own people, Udayana returns as a mysterious figure to take revenge on those plotting against him and reclaim his throne. Notably, the film was the first Indian film shot in 70 mm format.
The film also features Mammootty as an antagonist, while Mohanlal plays his son.
5. Urumi (2011)
- Mould: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Arya, Prabhu Deva, Genelia Deshmukh, Nithya Menen, Vidya Balan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Alex O’Neal, Sasi Kalinga
- Director: Santosh Sivan
- Style: epic historical war drama
- Runtime: 2 hours 29 minutes
- Where to watch: sunnxt
With top-notch visuals, impeccable storytelling and punchy dialogues, Urumi is a must-watch film for fans of historical epics. Set in the 16th century, the film centers on Kerala warrior Chirakkal Kellu Nayanar, who sets out on an epic quest to avenge the death of his family at the hands of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
Aided by his friend Wawali and the warrior princess Ayesha, he faces the difficulties posed by the Portuguese invaders, setting the stage for a story that goes beyond heroism and war.
These films represent some of the many compelling stories in Malayalam cinema that celebrate courage, identity and the spirit of resistance.
Also read: Thalapathy Vijay starrer Jana Nayagan’s OTT deal stuck? Here’s what we know
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