Top Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix

Malayalam cinema has gained a lot of attention for its storytelling and gripping investigations. I think Malayalam filmmakers do a job with complex characters and well crafted crime narratives.

From police procedurals and forensic investigations, to mysteries and true-crime-inspired stories Malayalam filmmakers have explored the crime genre with great depth. Netflix currently features a range of Malayalam crime and thriller titles including Anweshippin Kandethum, CBI 5: The Brain, Forensic, Iratta, Kurup, Nayattu and others.

If you enjoy stories filled with mystery, investigation, suspense, police cases, unexpected twists and crime-based narratives this list is worth exploring.

Why Watch These Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies?

• Follow detectives and police officers as they uncover clues and investigate complicated cases. 
• Featuring acclaimed Malayalam actors in intense and character-driven roles. 
• Many of these films keep the central mystery unfolding until the final stages. 
• Several movies focus on realistic police procedures, investigations, and social circumstances. 
• Some films go beyond the crime itself to explore human behaviour, motives, and emotional consequences. 
• The list includes police procedurals, forensic investigations, psychological crime dramas, true-crime-inspired stories, and investigative thrillers. 
• Several of these titles are currently listed by Netflix under Malayalam, crime, or thriller categories, although catalogue availability can change by location and time. 

In this article, we look at the Best 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix, talking about their plot, actors, how the investigation is done, how much fun they are to watch, great acting moments, and how they are seen by people.

If you like stories about police work or you just want a Malayalam movie that’s full of suspense, these Best 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix have lots of different crime stories and ways of solving them. Keep reading to find out about the Best 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix that can bring mystery and excitement to your list of movies to watch.

Top Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix

1. Anweshippin Kandethum

Overview

Anweshippin Kandethum is a 2024 Malayalam police procedural crime drama starring Tovino Thomas. The story follows police officer Anand Narayanan as he investigates difficult cases after facing professional setbacks. The film focuses on investigation, evidence gathering, police teamwork, and the challenges involved in solving complicated cases. Its restrained approach makes it different from conventional action-oriented police movies.

Cast & Characters

• Tovino Thomas – Anand Narayanan 
• Siddique – SP CK Rajagopal 
• Vineeth Thattil David – Constable Chandrasenan 
• Rahul Rajagopal – Constable Kabeer Hassan 
• Indrans – DySP Krishnanunni 
• Azees Nedumangad – CI Simon Idikkula 

Tone & Entertainment Style

This is not a comedy film. Its entertainment comes from realistic police investigation, suspense, procedural details, teamwork, and the gradual discovery of clues.

Best Investigative Moments

• The detailed investigation of the missing-person and murder cases. 
• The teamwork between police officers while following different leads. 
• The gradual connection of seemingly unrelated pieces of evidence. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 145 minutes 

Release Year

2024-The film originally premiered theatrically in February 2024.

Where to Watch

Netflix — available on Netflix, subject to regional catalogue availability.

What Makes It Stand Out

• The investigation is presented in a grounded manner. 
• Tovino Thomas is supported by an effective supporting cast. 
• The restrained direction maintains an authentic investigative mood. 

Awards & Recognition

The film received positive critical and audience response, particularly for its performances, investigative storytelling, direction, and technical aspects.

2. Kuttavum Shikshayum

Overview

Kuttavum Shikshayum is a 2022 Malayalam crime drama directed by Rajeev Ravi. Inspired by a real jewellery theft investigation, the movie follows a police team as they travel across locations to identify and apprehend the suspects. Instead of presenting police officers as larger-than-life heroes, the film focuses on patience, teamwork, evidence, and investigative procedure.

Cast & Characters

• Asif Ali – Sajan Philip 
• Sunny Wayne – Rajesh Mathew 
• Alencier Ley Lopez – SI Basheer 
• Sharafudheen – Abin Raj 
• Senthil Krishna – Rajeevan 
• Sibi Thomas – Aravindan 

Tone & Entertainment Style

The movie contains very little conventional comedy. Its entertainment comes from realistic police interactions, situational moments, character dynamics, and the challenges faced during the investigation.

Best Investigative Moments

• The initial investigation into the jewellery theft. 
• The police team’s pursuit of the suspects across different locations. 
• The officers’ persistence despite limited information and difficult circumstances. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 137 minutes 

Release Year

2022 is the release year.

Where to Watch

Netflix — available on Netflix, subject to regional catalogue availability.

What Makes It Stand Out

• The story draws from an actual jewellery theft investigation. 
• The police characters are portrayed without excessive dramatization. 
• Rajeev Ravi uses an observational and grounded filmmaking style. 

Awards & Recognition

The movie received critical attention for its realistic treatment of police investigation, performances, and Rajeev Ravi’s direction.

3. Nayattu

Overview

Nayattu is a 2021 Malayalam crime thriller directed by Martin Prakkat. The film follows three police officers who become caught in a dangerous situation during an election period. As they attempt to escape the consequences of the incident, the story develops into a tense examination of policing, political pressure, institutional systems, and survival.

Cast & Characters

• Kunchacko Boban – Praveen 
• Joju George – Maniyan 
• Nimisha Sajayan – Sunitha 
• Jaffer Idukki – Chief Minister 
• Yama Gilgamesh – Anuradha 
• Anil Nedumangad – DySP Crime Branch 

Tone & Entertainment Style

Nayattu is a dark social crime thriller, rather than a comedy. The film creates tension through the difficult circumstances faced by the three central characters and the increasing pressure surrounding the investigation.

Best Investigative & Suspense Moments

• The incident that changes the lives of the three police officers. 
• Their attempts to avoid arrest while authorities search for them. 
• The growing tension as political and institutional pressures influence the investigation. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 124 minutes 

Release Year

2021 -The film was originally released on 8 April 2021.

Where to Watch

Netflix — available on Netflix, subject to regional catalogue availability.

What Makes It Stand Out

• The central cast creates strong emotional tension. 
• The story explores institutional and political pressures surrounding policing. 
• The stakes continue to rise as the characters attempt to protect themselves. 

Awards & Recognition

Nayattu received significant recognition. Shahi Kabir won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay (Original). Joju George also received recognition for his supporting performance, including a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam.

4. Forensic

Overview

Forensic is a 2020 Malayalam crime mystery thriller centred on forensic investigation. Tovino Thomas plays Samuel John Kattookkaran, a medico-legal expert who assists the police in investigating a series of murders involving young girls. The movie combines forensic science, police investigation, evidence analysis, and a serial-killer mystery.

Cast & Characters

• Tovino Thomas – Samuel John Kattookkaran 
• Mamta Mohandas – ACP Rithika Xavier 
• Saiju Kurup – Xavier John Kattookkaran 
• Reba Monica John – Shikha Damodar 
• Renji Panicker – Abdul Wahab 
• Giju John – Dr. Alphonse Kurian 

Tone & Entertainment Style

Forensic is a dark and suspenseful investigative thriller. Comedy is not a major part of the movie. The entertainment comes from forensic clues, evidence analysis, the serial-killer mystery, and the race to identify the culprit.

Best Investigative Moments

• Samuel’s examination of forensic evidence and clues. 
• The investigation into the murders of young girls. 
• The gradual revelation of information about the serial killer. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 134 minutes 

Release Year

2020-The film was theatrically released on 28 February 2020.

Where to Watch

Netflix — available on Netflix, subject to regional catalogue availability.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Forensic investigation: Scientific evidence plays an important role in solving the case. 
• Tovino Thomas: His performance provides the central focus of the investigation. 
• Serial-killer mystery: The story maintains suspense around the identity and motives of the killer. 

Awards & Recognition

Forensic received award-season recognition, including SIIMA 2021 nominations for Tovino Thomas for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Mamta Mohandas for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

5. Iratta

Overview

Iratta is a 2023 Malayalam crime thriller featuring Joju George in a challenging dual role. The story begins when a police officer is found dead, leading another officer to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The investigation gradually reveals a complicated relationship between the deceased officer and his estranged twin, along with secrets from their past.

Cast & Characters

• Joju George – Vinod / Pramod 
• Anjali – Malini 
• Srindaa – Deputy Superintendent of Police 
• Srikant Murali – SP 
• Manoj K.U. – Police officer 
• Sabumon Abdusamad – Supporting role 

Tone & Entertainment Style

Iratta is a dark psychological crime drama rather than a comedy. Its entertainment comes from the mystery, emotional tension, character study, and gradual revelation of the truth.

Best Investigative Moments

• The discovery of the police officer’s death. 
• The investigation into the complicated relationship between the twins. 
• The gradual uncovering of their troubled past and its connection to the case. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 112 minutes 

Release Year

2023 is the release year.

Where to Watch

Netflix — available on Netflix, subject to regional catalogue availability.

What Makes It Stand Out

• He portrays two contrasting characters. 
• The crime investigation is closely connected to family history and personal experiences. 
• The movie gradually transforms a police investigation into a deeper character mystery. 

Awards & Recognition

Iratta received several award nominations and wins. Joju George won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Critics (Malayalam) and the SIIMA Award for Best Actor – Critics (Malayalam). Director Rohit M.G. Krishnan also received recognition for his directorial debut.

6. CBI 5: The Brain

Overview

CBI 5: The Brain is a 2022 Malayalam mystery thriller and the fifth film in the popular CBI series featuring Mammootty as the iconic investigator Sethurama Iyer. The story begins with a mysterious death that develops into a complicated case requiring the CBI team to uncover hidden connections and motives. The movie combines traditional detective work, interrogation, clues, and forensic investigation. 

Cast & Characters

• Mammootty – Sethurama Iyer 
• Jagathy Sreekumar – Vikram 
• Mukesh – Chacko, CBI DySP 
• Anoop Menon – IGP K.C. Unnithan 
• Renji Panicker – Balagopal, CBI DySP 
• Saikumar – DySP Sathyadas 
• Soubin Shahir – Paul Meyjo 
• Asha Sharath – Adv. Prathibha Sathyadas 

Tone & Entertainment Style

This is a serious investigative mystery thriller with occasional light moments arising from the interactions between the CBI officers. Its primary appeal is detective work, logical deductions, interrogation, and mystery.

Best Investigative Moments

• Sethurama Iyer and his team examining the mysterious death. 
• The CBI team’s methodical questioning and investigation. 
• The gradual discovery of connections between different clues and suspects. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 164 minutes 

Release Year

2022-The film was released theatrically on 1 May 2022. 

Where to Watch

Netflix — Netflix’s Malayalam catalogue currently lists CBI 5: The Brain among its Malayalam crime/thriller titles. Availability can vary by region and account. 

What Makes It Stand Out

• Mammootty returns as the much-loved Sethurama Iyer. 
• The film relies on clues, questioning, deduction, and teamwork. 
• It is the fifth instalment of the CBI film series. 

Awards & Recognition

The film received a Bollywood Life South Movies Award Nomination for Best Actor for Mammootty. 

7. Officer on Duty

Overview

Officer on Duty is a 2025 Malayalam crime action thriller starring Kunchacko Boban. The story follows a demoted police officer whose investigation into a counterfeit jewellery case leads him towards a much larger criminal network. What begins as a relatively routine investigation gradually develops into a dangerous confrontation with organised crime. 

Cast & Characters

• Kunchacko Boban – R. Harishankar 
• Priyamani – Geetha Hari 
• Jagadish – Chandrababu 
• Vishak Nair – key supporting role 
• Vaisakh Shankar – DySP Shahul Hameed 
• Ramzan Muhammed – supporting role 

Tone & Entertainment Style

The film is a gritty crime action thriller. There are some character-driven and situational moments, but the central focus remains on police investigation, criminal networks, action, and suspense.

Best Investigative Moments

• The investigation into the counterfeit jewellery operation. 
• The discovery that the apparently simple case is connected to a larger criminal network. 
• Harishankar’s pursuit of the people behind the crime despite personal danger. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 137 minutes 

Release Year

2025 is the release year.

Where to Watch

Netflix — Netflix currently lists Officer on Duty as a Malayalam crime and thriller movie. 

What Makes It Stand Out

• Kunchacko Boban plays a more intense and unconventional police character. 
• A small case gradually opens into a larger criminal operation. 
• The investigative story is combined with crime-action sequences. 

Awards & Recognition

The film received positive audience and critical attention for its performances, story, music, and direction. IMDb currently lists three award nominations for the film. 

8. Kurup

Overview

Kurup is a 2021 Malayalam crime thriller based on the real-life story of fugitive Sukumara Kurup. Dulquer Salmaan plays the title character, whose ambitious plans eventually lead him into a serious criminal conspiracy. The film moves between different periods of his life and combines crime, deception, investigation, and the long-running effort to track him down. 

Cast & Characters

• Dulquer Salmaan – Sukumara Kurup 
• Indrajith Sukumaran – DySP Krishnadas 
• Sobhita Dhulipala – Sharada 
• Shine Tom Chacko – Pilla 
• Sunny Wayne – Peter 
• Tovino Thomas – Charlie 
• Bharath – Daniel 
• Vijayaraghavan – K. P. Krishnadas 

Tone & Entertainment Style

Kurup is a stylish period crime thriller combining crime drama, suspense, deception, and elements of a real-life manhunt. The film occasionally uses lighter character moments, but its primary tone is serious and dramatic.

Best Investigative Moments

• The investigation surrounding the suspicious death and identity fraud. 
• The police effort to trace Kurup and understand his elaborate scheme. 
• The film’s reconstruction of the events surrounding the disappearance and escape. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 155 minutes 

Release Year

2021 is the release year.

Where to Watch

Netflix — Netflix lists Kurup as a Malayalam crime drama based on real events. 

What Makes It Stand Out

• The story is based on the notorious Sukumara Kurup case. 
• His performance presents several facets of the central character. 
• The production recreates different decades and locations associated with the story. 

Awards & Recognition

Kurup received multiple award nominations and recognitions. IMDb currently lists 2 wins and 6 nominations for the film. 

9. Night Drive

Overview

Night Drive is a 2022 Malayalam crime thriller directed by Vysakh. The story follows a young couple whose seemingly ordinary night drive takes an unexpected turn after an accident. A police officer investigating the incident becomes caught between the couple and powerful people who have their own interests in the case. 

Cast & Characters

• Anna Ben – Riya Roy 
• Roshan Mathew – Georgy 
• Indrajith Sukumaran – CI Benny Moopen 
• Siddique – Rajan Kurup 
• Kalabhavan Shajohn – Chacko 
• Renji Panicker – Roy Mathew 
• Muthumani – Commissioner of Police 

Tone & Entertainment Style

Night Drive is a suspenseful crime thriller with elements of police investigation, emotional drama, and situational tension. The film builds suspense from an ordinary night that gradually becomes increasingly dangerous.

Best Investigative Moments

• The unexpected accident that sets the story in motion. 
• The police investigation into what actually happened that night. 
• The discovery of the connections between the couple, the police investigation, and political influence. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 118 minutes 

Release Year

2022-The film was released on 11 March 2022. 

Where to Watch

Netflix — Netflix lists Night Drive as a Malayalam crime and thriller movie. 

What Makes It Stand Out

• A routine night drive develops into a complicated crime situation. 
• Anna Ben, Roshan Mathew, and Indrajith Sukumaran drive the story. 
• The investigation gradually reveals the complexity behind the incident. 

Awards & Recognition

The film received attention as a Malayalam crime thriller for its performances and suspense-driven storyline. Major award recognition is relatively limited compared with some other films on this list.

10. Pulimada

Overview

Pulimada is a 2023 Malayalam psychological crime thriller directed by A. K. Sajan and starring Joju George and Aishwarya Rajesh. The story centres on police officer Vincent Kariya, whose wedding-day plans are disrupted by a series of unexpected events. A stranded woman, an isolated setting, and the presence of a dangerous tiger create an increasingly tense and unpredictable situation. 

Cast & Characters

• Joju George – CPO Vincent Kariya 
• Aishwarya Rajesh – key central character 
• Chemban Vinod Jose – supporting role 
• Jaffer Idukki – Appachan 
• Johny Antony – Kuttappaappi 
• Lijomol Jose – supporting role 
• Jeo Baby – Agustine 

Tone & Entertainment Style

Pulimada is a psychological crime thriller with elements of suspense and dark drama. Rather than relying on conventional police investigation, the movie creates tension through human behaviour, isolation, secrets, and an increasingly threatening environment.

Best Suspenseful Moments

• Vincent’s wedding-day circumstances taking an unexpected turn. 
• The arrival of a stranded tourist and the tension surrounding her situation. 
• The combination of the isolated setting, police character, and tiger threat. 

Format & Runtime

• Format: Feature film 
• Seasons: Not applicable 
• Episodes: Not applicable 
• Runtime: Approximately 110 minutes 

Release Year

2023 is the release year.

Where to Watch

Netflix — Netflix lists Pulimada as a Malayalam crime/drama/thriller title. 

What Makes It Stand Out

• His portrayal of Vincent forms the emotional centre of the story. 
• The film explores how people behave under extreme circumstances. 
• The isolated environment contributes significantly to the suspense. 

Awards & Recognition

The film received attention for its performances, particularly Joju George’s central role, as well as its atmospheric direction, cinematography, and psychological approach to crime storytelling.

Comparison table of all 10 Actress:

Here is a concise comparison table covering all movies:

Conclusion:

Malayalam cinema has always been strong when it comes to crime and investigation stories. These films bring together storytelling, powerful performances, suspense and compelling mysteries. The list of the Top 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix** in this post shows different sides of crime. Some focus on police work others on details while a few dive into psychological puzzles or true-crime events.

Key Takeaways

• The “Top 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix” cover a range of crime genres. You’ll find police procedurals, forensic investigations, psychological crime dramas and mystery thrillers.
• The strength of these movies lies in the actors. Strong performances and developed characters make the films engaging even beyond the central crime.
• The “Top 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies on Netflix” prove that Malayalam filmmakers know how to build suspense. They use storytelling and unexpected plot twists to keep viewers hooked.
• Many of the films give a look at police work. You see the process of evidence collection the pressure of solving cases and the challenges law-enforcement officers face.
• The deeper themes in these movies go beyond the crime itself. Psychological depth and social issues add layers to the stories making them thought-provoking.
• No matter what kind of crime story you like—detective tales, police thrillers, forensic cases or dark mysteries—the Top 10 Malayalam Crime and Investigation Movies, on Netflix offer something for everyone.

These films show why Malayalam crime cinema is so popular. It’s the mix of storytelling, suspenseful investigations, realistic characters and unforgettable performances that keeps audiences coming back.

Have you watched any of these movies? If yes, which one stands out for you? Which Malayalam crime or investigation movie should be added to this list? If you think something is missing, please leave a comment. Share your favorite picks with us!

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