In today’s fast-paced cinematic world, the Malayalam Film Industry has always stood tall with its unique storytelling, realistic performances, and artistic direction.
When it comes to cinematic brilliance over the decades, here are some of the top Malayalam directors of all time who have redefined Indian cinema with their skillful, provoking narratives and with creative versions.
In this article of the National Film Awards, we present the famous Malayalam film directors featuring legends that have shaped the film industry and inspired generations.
List of Top 10 Malayalam Film Directors
Here is the list of the Top 10 Malayalam Film Directors name list whose works continue to leave a lasting impression on the audience across the globe.
- 1. Padmarajan
- 2. Bharathan
- 3. K.G. George
- 4. Fazil
- 5. Sibi Malayil
- 6. A.K. Lohithadas
- 7. Blessy
- 8. Adoor Gopalakrishnan
- 9. Hariharan
- 10. K. S. Sethumadhavan
1. Padmarajan
Padmarajan Padmanabhan Pillai is better known as P. Padmarajan was an indian filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and director who mostly worked in Malayalam cinema. Also, he is the founder of the new school of filmmaking in Malayalam cinema along with Bharathan and K.G. George.
He is mostly recognized for his detailed screenwriting and expressive directing style, and has made some of the landmark motion pictures in Mollywood.
He has won several accolades to his name, including Kerala Sahithaya Academy Award in 1972, two National Film Awards for Best Picture, and six Kerala State Film Awards.
Top 5 Padmarajan Movies
- Thoovanathumbikal
- Moonnam Pakkam
- Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal
- Kariyila Kattu Pole
- Arappatta Kettiya Graamathil
2. Bharathan
Bharathan Parameshwara Menon Palissery is also known as Bharathan, is an indian filmmaker, artist, and art director. He is also considered the founder of a new school of filmmaking in Malayalam cinema along with K.G. George & Padmarajan in the 1980s.
Some of the most popular and talented directors have come from the school since the 1990s, including Sibi Malayil, Kamal, Lohithadas, and Jayaraj.
Bharathan won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, Thevar Magan. He won the Best Director Award at the Filmfare Awards in 1979, 1980, and 1984, along with several Kerala State Film Awards his name.
Top 5 Films of Bharathan
- Thevar Magan
- Kathodu Kathoram
- Amaram
- Vaishali
- Thazhvaram
3. K.G. George
Kulakkattil Geevarghese George (K.G. George) is an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry. He is also the renowned founder of the New School of Filmmaking in Malayalam cinema with P. Padmarajan & Bharathan.
George was awarded the highest honor J.C. Daniel Awards, by the Government of Kerala for his exceptional contribution to Malayalam cinema. He is also the recipient of 9 Kerala State Film Award for his various films.
In his debut film, George won the National Film Awards for Best Feature Film in Malayalam. A most notable thing about him is that he is the founder & chairman of the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) and Kerala State Film Development Corporation.
Top 5 Films of K.G. George
- Ulkkadal
- Mela
- Yavanika
- Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback
- Adaminte Vaariyellu
4. Fazil
Abdul Hameed Muhammed Fazil is an indian film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor who works in Malayalam cinema. He made his directorial debut with Manjil Virinja Pookkal in 1980, and also directed movies in the Telugu and Tamil languages.
He won the National Film Awards for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Fazil won the Best Director Award at the 13th Kerala State Film Awards for his film Mamattukkuttiyammakku in 1984.
Top 5 Movies of Fazil
- Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku
- Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu
- Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal
- Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal
- Ente Sooryaputhrikku
5. Sibi Malayil
One of the senior and popular directors in Malayalam cinema, Sibi Malayil, has worked in over 40 films. He won three National Film Awards, two Filmfare South Awards, and six Kerala State Film Awards in his directing career to date.
Sibi Malayil is the president of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and chairman of the film institute named NEO Film School in Kochi.
Top 5 Popular Movies of Sibi Malayil
- Kireedam
- Thaniyavartanam
- Bharatham
- Dhasharatham
- Sadayam
6. A.K. Lohithadas
A.K. Lohithadas was an Indian screenwriter, playwright, filmmaker, and producer who worked in the Malayalam Film industry. Lohithadas won a National Film Award, six Kerala State Film Awards, and fourteen Kerala Film Critics Awards for Best Script in his directing career of over two decades.
Lohithadas began his film career as a screenwriter with Thaniyavarthanam and he wrote screenplays for 35 films in his directing career. He died on 28 June 2009 due to a heart attack.
Top 5 Best Movies of A.K. Lohithadas
- Thaniyavarthanam (1987)
- Kireedam (1989)
- Dasharatham (1989)
- His Highness Abdullah (1990)
- Bharatham (1991)
7. Blessy
Blessy is an Indian film director and screenwriter who was formerly known as Blessy Ipe Thomas, who works in Malayalam films. He is the recipient of one National Film Award, three Filmfare Awards South, and nine Kerala State Film Awards in his career.
He also received the Guinness World Record for the largest documentary in the world with a runtime of 48 hours and 10 minutes. His current release film is named The GOAT Life (Aadujeevitham).
5 Best Movies of Blessy
- The GOAT Life
- Kaazhcha
- Kalimannu
- Pranayam
- Bhramaram
8. Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Adoor Gopalakrishnan is an Indian director, scriptwriter, and producer who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema. GopalaKrishnan is regarded as one of the most popular and renowned filmmakers in India.
He pioneered a new wave in Malayalam cinema with the release of his first feature film, Swayamvaram, in 1970. In his directing career spanning over five decades, he has made only 12 feature films to date. He is one of the most recognized Indian film directors in the world, along with Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.
Most of his films premiered at the Venice, Cannes, and Toronto International Film Festivals. In the year 2004, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by the Government of India for his valuable contributions to indian cinema.
Gopalakrishnan has won 16 National Film Awards, 17 Kerala State Film Awards, next to Ray and Sen. He also received State Honours Padma Shri in 1984 and Padma Vibhushan in 2006.
Top 5 Movies of Adoor Gopalakrishnan
- Kathapurushan
- Kodiyettam
- Mukhamukham
- Elippathyam
- Swayamvaram
9. Hariharan
Hariharan was a veteran Indian film director who had directed over 50 Malayalam films. His films showcase the cultural and relational aspects of Kerala society. He was awarded the J.C. Daniel Award by the Kerala Government as the highest honour for his contributions to Malayalam cinema.
The creator filmmaker Hariharan has won three National Film Awards, six Kerala State Film Awards, and four Filmfare South Awards.
Top 5 Movies of Hariharan
- Sharapancharam
- Panchagni
- Idavazhiyile Poocha Mindappoocha
- Amrutham Gamaya
- Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
10. K. S. Sethumadhavan
Kurukkalpadam Subrahmanyam Sethumadhavan was a film director and screenwriter who predominantly worked in Malayalam cinema. He also directed films in other languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
He has directed over 60 films in his directing career. Sethumadhavan has won several accolades to his name, including ten National Film Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards, and four Filmfare South Awards.
Top 5 movies of K.S. Sethumadhavan
- Ariyatha Veethikal (1984)
- Aarorumariyathe (1984)
- Avidathepole Ivideyum (1985)
- Sunil Vayassu 20 (1986)
- Venal Kinavukal (1991)
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