PremiumPuzhu to Kannur Squad: Mammootty’s best post-pandemic films streaming on OTT
Kannur Squad star Mammootty has managed to score more hits at the box office since the pandemic than his counterparts
Mammootty’s best post-pandemic films streaming on OTT
Last Updated: 11.12 AM, Nov 14, 2023
After the Covid-19 pandemic, Malayalam superstar Mammootty has delivered some outstanding performances across genres - ranging from Bheeshma Parvam and The Priest to Kannur Squad. The actor has consistently presented some of the finest films to the audience since 2021, unlike his counterparts in the industry. His recent blockbuster, Kannur Squad, is soon ending its successful theatrical run and gearing up for its digital premiere on Disney+ Hotstar from November 17.
As we gear up for the release of Kannur Squad on OTT, let’s also look at his best films post-pandemic and where to stream them.
1. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Streaming on: Netflix
First on the list is Lijo Jose Pellissery’s critically acclaimed 2023 Malayalam-Tamil drama film Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, starring Mammootty. Vizhippadhu Polum Pirappu (which roughly translates to: ‘death is like sleep and birth is awakening from it’) is the line that explains the crux of the film. The movie revolves around James, a self-centered man, who is returning home with his family and friends after a Velankanni pilgrimage. When the others were taking a nap, James demands the driver to stop the bus near a village. He then gets down there, but never returns from the village. At this point, the narrative follows a non-linear format.
One of the most beautiful aspects about this drama is the contrast between James and Sundaram, played by Mammootty. Lijo’s decision to leave the mystery around James open to audience’s perception is one of the best parts of the film. Mammootty’s dialogue delivery in this film and his portrayal of the idea of transmigration with such heavy emotions makes it a definite must-watch.
2. Kannur Squad
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar (from November 17)
The recent addition to the superstar’s filmography is an investigative crime thriller directed by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Roby Varghese Raj. The film revolves around ASI George Martin and his team, known as the Kannur Squad, who head out to search for a missing man in Kannur-Virajpet forest area. This movie could easily be labelled as the finest film of the year, thanks to its impressive narration and outstanding performances delivered by the cast. The storytelling is exceptional and compelling, effectively keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. Kannur Squad is the kind of movie that can leave you clueless if you don’t pay attention to every scene. From Mammootty to Azees Nedumangad, the performances in the film are close to perfection, making its place as another standout Mammootty film at the forefront of the list.
3. Bheeshma Parvam
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
This Amal Neerad action thriller stands out as one the best action thriller films Mammootty’s film career. Bheeshma Parvam is a critical success, which is lauded for outstanding performances, especially that of Mammootty, Soubin Shahir and Shine Tom Chacko. The film follows the story of the Anjootti family, where Michael Anjootti, a former gangster-turned-marine exporter endures a series of unfortunate events forcing him to revisit his past.
Mammootty’s character is a mix of Marlon Brando's role in The Godfather and Al Pacino's in the sequel. The film has managed to impress with its crime boss narrative and strong female characters. Director Amal delivers surprises with excellent action sequences, cinematography and a compelling score by Sushin Shyam. The cast, which also includes Farhaan Faasil and Sreenath Bhasi, excels. Amal’s directorial prowess positions Bheeshma Parvam third-fan favourite on the list.
4. Puzhu
Streaming on: SonyLIV
This slow burn yet suspenseful film has noir shades to offer to the audience. Helmed by Ratheena, Puzhu revolves around Kuttan (Mammootty), an IPS officer and a widower, who stays with his son Kichu, who feels stifled by his father’s overprotective and authoritarian nature. Kuttan, who believes someone is out to kill him, is suspicious of everyone and his paranoia is accentuated when his younger sister Bharati (Parvathy), with whom he shares a problematic relationship, rents an apartment in the complex. Mammooty’s nuanced performance as a man obsessed with his caste and status in the film is greatly admirable. The film mainly outlines gender, caste and parental issues in society and makes it another must-watch from his filmography.
5. Rorschach
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
This psychological thriller, starring Mammootty, Bindu Panicker and Jagadeesh, is helmed by Nissam Basheer. Rorschach revolves around Mammootty’s character Luke, who arrives at a village and goes to the police station, complaining that his wife is missing. Luke’s purpose of being there and how a family in the village is connected to his past, form the plot of the film. The film was praised for its making and writing, especially Mammootty’s character, Midhun Mukundan’s background score, its suspense and the megastar’s performance. The film also received praise for its powerful and well-written female characters, especially of Bindu Panicker.
6. One
Streaming on: Netflix
Though weighed down by a predictable plot, Mammootty plays a too-good-to-be-true chief minister of Kerala in One, whose righteous ideologies are sorely tested after some damning allegations are levelled against him due to a social media post. Interestingly, it is for the first time Mommootty plays a CM of Kerala, although he has essayed a CM role in Telugu film Yatra. The supporting cast including Murali Gopi and Joju Grorge’s performance are highly commendable. Despite the film’s story being quite disappointing, Mammootty’s performance makes the film a time-pass watch.
7. The Priest
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Helmed by debutant Jofin T Chacko, this horror flick falls short of its potential to bring something groundbreaking, despite Mammooty’s compelling portrayal of a priest-turned-investigator. The story revolves around Father Carmen (Mammootty), who joins hands with the police to investigate a series of mysterious suicides. As they close the investigation, they stumble upon another crime with disturbing facts and it has serious consequences. The Priest relies on Mammootty and Baby Monica’s exceptional performances, with a predictable plot that lacks surprises, aside from a small twist in the climax. While the sound design, background music and camera work contribute to a chilling atmosphere in theatres, unfortunately, Manju Warrier is under-utilised in this decent thriller.
8. CBI 5: The Brain
Streaming on: Netflix
The fifth part from Mammootty’s iconic CBI series released 17 years after its fourth sequel which came out in 2005. This K Madhu helmed crime investigative film at times becomes tedious, establishing numerous unnecessary connections without offering genuine closure. The movie again revolves around its usual plotline, where helpless police officers seek help from a team of CBI officers who investigate a series of murders taking place in the city. The first half of CBI 5: The Brain is uninspiring, and the second half is disappointing. The background music lacks consistency, while performance wise Mammootty, Anoop Menon and Sai Kumar deliver commendable performances. The inclusion of Jagathy Sreekumar is a highlight. Despite a promising story, weak screenplay, and script, it is a decent attempt to pay tribute to the iconic Sethurama Iyer and team of CBI series.
9. Christopher
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Mammootty’s action thriller film Christopher, which released earlier this year, is directed by B Unnikrishnan. The plot revolves around Christopher Antony, an IPS officer, who carries out justice when the system fails to. Later, when he kills a group of criminals, ACP Sulekha sets off to stop him. Although only Mammootty’s performance was decent, the film’s story lacked soul.
Christopher is worth watching once, thanks to its strong technical aspects. However, the script poses a significant challenge, with the first half being reasonably good but the second half falling short, featuring numerous repeated scenes from various films. Despite this, the cast delivers commendable performances.