2025: A stellar year for Mollywood – New faces, unforgettable debuts

As 2025 draws to a close, Mollywood has plenty to celebrate, with Akhil Sathyan’s 'Sarvam Maya' topping the list as the perfect cinematic gem to close the year on a high. While the industry saw some financial ups and downs, it's undeniable that the year delivered a wealth of innovative storytelling, stunning performances, and game-changing debuts that will define Malayalam cinema for years to come.

Bold Beginnings

Prakash Varma - The villain you’ll love to hate
Villains have always held a special place in Mollywood, from the chilling Keerikadan Jose to Paul Palockaran. But 2025 introduced a fresh antagonist who quickly became a standout – Prakash Varma, an ad director who made a smashing debut as the villain in 'Thudarum.' His tough look, baritone voice, and icy demeanor made him the perfect foil to Mohanlal's Shanmugham, delivering one of the most compelling performances of the year.

Raniya Raanaa - A star in the making
Classical dancer Raniya Raanaa turned heads with her debut opposite Dileep in 'Prince and Family.' Playing a social media influencer living an exaggerated, flashy lifestyle, Raniyaa stole the show with her energetic performance. Her character, brought to life through Vincy Aloshyious's dubbed voice, became an instant favorite.

Meenakshi Jayan - A standout talent
From Ernakulam to the big screen, Meenakshi Jayan's dedication to her craft paid off in her debut role as Victoria in 'Victoria.' The actress spent weeks learning the Angamaly dialect, delivering a performance so authentic that she won the Golden Goblet Award for Best Actress at the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival, and even found herself in the race for Best Actress at the Kerala State Film Awards.

Sushmita Bhatt - A debut to remember
Known for her roles in Telugu and Kannada films, Sushmita Bhatt made an impressive Mollywood debut with Mammootty's 'Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse.' Though the film did not perform well at the box office, her performance as a dancer searching for her missing brother was widely praised, establishing her as one to watch in future projects.

Revathy Sharma - A performance to cherish
In 'Thalavara,' Revathy Sharma delivered a heartfelt performance that flew under the radar. Playing the love interest to Arjun Ashokan's character, she brought warmth and depth to the film's emotional core, making it one of the most underrated gems of 2025.

Behind the scenes- Writers and directors who made magic

Sivaranjini - A new voice in direction
Young director Sivaranjini made waves with 'Victoria,' a film that beautifully captured the nuances of women's struggles and the power of sisterhood. Filmed mostly in a beauty parlour, Sivaranjini's long shots and rich visuals offered a poetic portrayal of life, while the movie went on to win the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the Kolkata International Film Festival.

Santhy Balachandran - A writer who shaped Mollywood’s biggest hit
Actor-turned-screenwriter Santhy Balachandran became a key figure in Mollywood this year. Her work on Dominic Arun's 'Lokah' helped craft the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. The film's unique vampire storyline, based on Kerala folklore, was a standout, and Santhy's fresh ideas, including the introduction of a dramaturgist as a film character, set her apart.

Jothish Shankar - A director to watch
After proving his mettle as an art director in films like 'Kumbalangi Nights' and 'Malayankunju,' Jothish Shankar made his directorial debut with 'Ponman.' Featuring standout performances from Basil Joseph, Lijomol, and Sajin Gopu, the film was an adaptation of G R Indugopan’s novel Naalanju Cheruppakkar, and showcased Jothish’s ability to create a world both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.