Some of the notable Malayalam films released in 2021 include:

The year featured a mix of big-budget spectacles and intimate, realistic dramas. Operation Java

2021 saw a surge in Malayalam films exploring complex social issues, such as patriarchy, casteism, and environmental degradation. The rise of streaming platforms also led to an increase in online content creation, with many Malayalam creators producing engaging videos on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

: This Balu Varghese and Lukman-starrer was a sleeper hit. A brilliant procedural drama that follows two unemployed graduates who turn to cyber cell investigation. The film’s episodic structure and commentary on India's deeply flawed caste-and-cream system in education was razor-sharp, making for an incredibly engaging watch.

With movie theatres operating under strict capacity limits or remaining shut for most of the year, direct-to-OTT releases became the lifeblood of Malayalam cinema.

: While technically a Tamil independent song by Dhee and Arivu, produced by Santhosh Narayanan, this video crossed geographical borders and became a massive viral sensation across Kerala, inspiring countless dance covers and reels by Malayalam creators.