From 1001 Nunakal to 12th Man: Must-watch Malayalam chamber drama films

Chamber dramas offer a different cinematic experience because such films rely on a limited number of characters and engaging dialogues

Posters of Lukka Chuppi and 12th Man

Chamber dramas are films that adopt storytelling in a confined space with limited characters over a short period of time. These films rely heavily on the characters and dialogue in a stressed premise, which evokes conflict.

Chamber films are often based on plays or produced on modest or microbudgets. While this seems like a restriction, it can be a boon to this category of films as they offer an innovative and fresh experience to the viewers.

Here's a look at some Malayalam films that are chamber dramas:

Attention Please: Netflix

Attention Please is a social thriller set in a house where five cinema-loving bachelors reside. One of the bachelors, an aspiring scriptwriter, narrates some of his stories to his friends. The conversation takes a wild turn as they discuss topics such as casteism and politics.

The movie has a realistic setting, and the social commentary is rarely preachy.

Attention Please, helmed by Jithin Issac Thomas, stars Vishnu Govindhan in the lead role. This film features his career-best performance.

Also Read: Attention Please movie review: A terrific Vishnu Govind anchors Jithin Issac Thomas’ arresting tale

1001 Nunakal: SonyLIV

Directed by Thamar KV, 1001 Nunakal is a realistic drama that takes place in an apartment where six couples are celebrating a wedding anniversary. When they play a game of truth or dare, the lies that they have told their partners begin to be revealed.

Even though the plot and setting of the movie resemble those of movies like 12th Man and Perfect Strangers, 1001 Nunakal delves into themes of marriage and friendship rather than progressing like a movie full of twists and surprises.

The film doesn't say what is right and what is wrong, but focuses on character study.

Also Read: 1001 Nunakal review: An intriguing drama that serves as a microcosm of modern Malayali marriages

Lukka Chuppi: Sun NXT

Lukka Chuppi is a family drama about a group of college friends who reunite after 14 years. The film explores their nostalgic conversations and diverse characters with realistic dialogue and humorous moments.

The actors, including Jayasurya, Joju George, Remya Nambeesan, and Murali Gopy, delivered powerful performances.

Helmed by Bash Mohammed, Lukka Chuppi doesn't have any commercial elements or artificial scenes to add a cinematic flavour. The film progresses through the characters and their conversations without any melodrama.

12th Man: Disney+ Hotstar

12th Man is a murder mystery. It is about what happens when one person from a group of friends who are celebrating a bachelor party at a resort dies. The investigation is led by a guest at the resort who is also a police officer.

Mohanlal plays a clever police officer who also struggles with alcoholism in the film. 12th Man turns into a murder mystery following a game of truth or dare played by friends during the celebration of the bachelor party.

The film draws inspiration from the Italian film Perfect Strangers and Agatha Christie's crime novels.

Also Read: 12th Man movie review: Smart writing makes Mohanlal’s stretched, convoluted whodunit an entertaining fare

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