PremiumKannur Squad on OTT: 5 must-watch thrillers of Mammootty
Kannur Squad is Mammootty’s first Rs 100 crore film. It will be available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar soon
Last Updated: 08.41 PM, Nov 08, 2023
Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who is basking in the success of his latest outing, Kannur Squad, is gearing up for its OTT release. The movie is the directorial debut of leading cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj. Besides Mammootty, the film also stars Rony David Raj, Shabareesh Varma, Azees Nedumangad, Vijayaraghavan and Kishore.
The film received critical acclaim for the performances, direction, screenwriting, cinematography and musical score. It successfully entered the Rs 100 crore club. After a successful theatrical run, the film will stream soon on Disney+ Hotstar.
Before Kannur Squad releases on OTT, here are 5 crime-suspense thrillers from Mammootty's filmography to binge watch:
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009)
Streaming on: Sun NXT
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha is a Malayalam suspense thriller directed by Ranjith and produced by AVA Productions. Mammootty showcases his versatility by portraying three distinct roles (Haridas, Ahmed Haji and Khalid Ahmed), and the movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Mythili, Shwetha Menon, Sreenivasan, and Gowri Munjal. The film weaves a complex narrative of mystery and suspense, with Mammootty's exceptional performance earning him the Kerala State Award for his ability to bring complexity and authenticity to his characters, enhancing the storytelling.
Munnariyippu (2014)
Streaming on: Sun NXT
One of the career best films in Mammootty’s filmography, Munnariyippu is a psychological experimental thriller film directed by Venu and produced by Ranjith, with screenplay by Unni R. The movie revolves around Anjali Arakkal, a junior journalist, who is writing the autobiography of convict C.K. Raghavan, played by Mammootty. Raghavan claims he is innocent of the crimes he is imprisoned for. The film was inspired from the themes of nihilism, and Mammootty’s performance in the film is regarded as one of the best performances in Indian cinema. The film features Mammootty and Aparna Gopinath in lead roles, with a supporting cast including Nedumudi Venu, Joy Mathew, Prathap Pothan, and others. Prithviraj Sukumaran makes a cameo appearance.
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu (1990)
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu features Mammootty as a police officer in this movie directed by Joshiy and produced by Balakrishnan Nair. The film also stars Suresh Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, Sumalatha, and Lakshmi. Mammootty delivers an exceptional performance as SP Haridas Damodaran IPS, a dedicated investigator tasked with solving a series of interconnected murders. His powerful and nuanced portrayal of the character adds depth to the film, making it to Mammootty’s lengthy list of thriller films.
The Truth (1998)
Streaming on: Youtube
Mammootty's crime investigation film The Truth is directed by Shaji Kailas and produced by Asharaf, featuring a talented cast, including Thilakan, Vani Viswanath, Murali, Janardhanan, and Divya Unni. The movie is celebrated for its gripping narrative and powerful performances, especially by Mammootty, making it a must-see for fans of the suspense genre. Mammootty plays Bharat, an IPS officer leading an investigation into the assassination of a chief minister. With the support of IPS Meena Nambiar (Vani Vishwanath), he delves deep into the complex layers of the case. Mammootty's intense and determined portrayal anchors the suspenseful plot as he relentlessly pursues the truth. As the story unfolds, his pursuit leads to the revelation of a shocking secret and the uncovering of the mastermind behind the crime, adding to the suspense of the narrative.
CBI Series (1988, 1989, 2004, 2005, 2022)
(CBI 1: Oru CBI Diary Kurippu) Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
(CBI 2: Jagratha) Streaming on on Eros Now and AppleTV+
(CBI 3: Sethurama Iyer)- Streaming on Youtube
(CBI 4: Nerariyan CBI) Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
(CBI 5: The Brain) Streaming on Netflix
Mammootty's thriller list cannot be complete without the iconic ‘CBI series’. The series consists of five crime investigative movies directed by K. Madhu. The ensemble cast features actors like Jagathy Sreekumar and Mukesh, delivering a suspenseful and compelling cinematic experience. Throughout the series, Mammootty masterfully plays Sethurama Iyer, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer known for his intellect-driven approach to solving cases. His portrayal of Iyer emphasises brain power over physical force, a unique and pivotal aspect of the character that contributes to the series' legacy.
The CBI series stands out as one of Mammootty's best murder mystery collections, blending suspense and intrigue, making it a must-see for genre enthusiasts. Mammootty's exceptional acting in these films leaves an indelible mark, breathing life into the character of Sethurama Iyer and adding to the series' enduring popularity.