The Top five Malayalam films of 2012

There were more releases than in previous years, more hits and a few experiments in Malayalam cinema this year.

New faces emerged, unconventional themes started getting the nod from the viewers, and the superstars were no more required to run a film.

Here is our list of the top five films of the year.

Thattathin Marayathu

Director: Vineeth Sreenivasan

Cast: Nivin Pauly, Isha Talwar

There was nothing great about the story or its cast but director Vineeth Sreenivasan made this musical into a good romantic movie. And that prompted viewers of all ages to fall in love with this beautiful film.

Actor Nivin Pauly, model Isha Talwar, Jomon T John's mesmerising visuals and Shaan Rahman's superb music helped the film become a blockbuster.

Director: Anwar Rasheed

Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Thilakan, Nithya Menen

Director Anwar Rasheed's Ustad Hotel, based on Anjali Menon's script, was about the intimacy between a young lad and his grandfather.

Dulquer Salmaan played a chef, who was educated abroad, and learnt lessons on life from his grandfather (played by Thilakan), who ran a small restaurant famous for its biryani.

Thilakan, one of the finest actors in Malayalam ever, passed away a few months after the film was shot.

Some nicely written dialogues and a fantastic presentation made Ustad Hotel, really special.

Director: Aashiq Abu

Cast: Rima Kallingal, Fahadh Faasil

A 22-year-old nurse from Kottayam who dreams of going abroad, falls into a trap hatched by a wily youngster. Her life changes dramatically after certain unprecedented tragedies.

Though inspired by the Bollywood film Ek Hasina Thi, director Aashiq Abu proved that he is one filmmaker to watch out for with this powerful film, after the fun ride titled Salt N' Pepper.

Director: Srinath Rajendran

Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Sunny Wayne

This dark thriller made by a group of newcomers and narrated in an unconventional way, launched Mammootty's son Dulquer Salmaan.

The story is of a small time gangster whose life takes a different turn when he plays his cards in a smart way but things go horribly wrong for him later on.

A well-written script, good direction and some impressive performances made Second Show succeed in attracting viewers in a big way.

Director: Lal Jose

Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Samvrutha Sunil

Except for the 'in film branding' for a jeweller, Lal Jose' Diamond Necklace went along swiftly.

The movie will find a place for its realistic portrayals, genuine storyline, superb visuals and some really good performances.

Fahadh Faasil came up with another mesmerising performance and the concept of a protagonist was slowly changing for the good.

During the course of the year, the hero was no longer the spotlessly clean, strikingly handsome hunk, but one who could be wrong at times, just like any of us.