From Sandesham to Udayananu Tharam, 12 must-watch films of Sreenivasan
Updated On: 21 December, 2025 02:28 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar
Sreenivasan’s films remain timeless because they blend humour with hard truths, portraying ordinary people with extraordinary honesty. His work continues to resonate across generations for its fearless critique of politics, masculinity, materialism, and middle-class hypocrisy
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Sreenivasan’s films remain timeless because they blend humour with hard truths, portraying ordinary people with extraordinary honesty. His work continues to resonate across generations for its fearless critique of politics, masculinity, materialism, and middle-class hypocrisy
.jpg "<p><strong>Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986)</strong></p>
<p>A political satire exposing opportunism and ideological hypocrisy through the lens of local politics.<br />Where to watch: YouTube</p>")
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Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986)
A political satire exposing opportunism and ideological hypocrisy through the lens of local politics.
Where to watch: YouTube
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Nadodikkattu (1987)
The first film in the iconic Dasan–Vijayan trilogy, chronicling the misadventures of two unemployed youth chasing dreams abroad.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, YouTube
.jpeg "<p><strong>Sandesham (1991)</strong></p>
<p>A biting political satire about two brothers consumed by rival party ideologies, tearing their middle-class family apart.<br />Where to watch: Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video (rent)</p>")
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Sandesham (1991)
A biting political satire about two brothers consumed by rival party ideologies, tearing their middle-class family apart.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
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.jpg "<p><strong>Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998)</strong></p>
<p>A sensitive portrayal of marital breakdown, focusing on a man who struggles with emotional maturity and responsibility.<br />Where to watch: Sun NXT, YouTube</p>")
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Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998)
A sensitive portrayal of marital breakdown, focusing on a man who struggles with emotional maturity and responsibility.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, YouTube
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Arabikkatha (2007)
A political drama-comedy about a rigid communist whose beliefs are challenged during his time in Dubai.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video
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Akkare Ninnoru Maran (1985)
A satirical take on Gulf migration, where a man pretends to be rich abroad while reality tells a different story.
Where to watch: YouTube
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Udayananu Tharam (2005)
A sharp, self-reflexive satire on the Malayalam film industry, ambition, and creative compromise.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video
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.jpg "<p><strong>Varavelpu (1989)</strong></p>
<p>A powerful satire on bureaucracy and corruption, following a Gulf returnee’s failed attempts to start a business back home.</p>
<p>Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Sun NXT</p>")
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Varavelpu (1989)
A powerful satire on bureaucracy and corruption, following a Gulf returnee’s failed attempts to start a business back home.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Sun NXT
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Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989)
A darkly comic exploration of male insecurity, following a newly married man whose jealousy spirals into obsession.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube (official uploads)
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Midhunam (1993)
A family drama centred on financial pressures, responsibility, and the quiet sacrifices of married life.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, YouTube
.png "<p><strong>Akkare Akkare Akkare (1990)</strong></p>
<p>A cult comedy where three unlikely detectives travel to the US to investigate a murder, leading to hilarious chaos.<br />Where to watch: Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video</p>")
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Akkare Akkare Akkare (1990)
A cult comedy where three unlikely detectives travel to the US to investigate a murder, leading to hilarious chaos.
Where to watch: Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video
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Photo of Day
Bliss by the beach
A photographer holds up the lights during a photo session by the Madh Island seashore. PIC/NIMESH DAVE
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