Compared to last few years Malayalam film industry had a better time in 2009 with more than 15 films making producers happy. Zonkerala at the request of its regular readers made a list of 2009 films on the basis of news value. From the 69 releases last year, here are the movers and shakers.

The star of 2009 - Pazhassi Raja

This work of art is incomparable with other movies. Malayalam film history won't be complete without referring the film Pazhassi Raja, whose major set back is the lack of cinematic punch.

A film made for commercial success and has achieved the goal - 2 Harihar Nagar

Producing this film was less of a gamble as the flick has guaranteed audience waiting for release, in the expectation of its prequel. With no superstars this is the biggest box office hit of 2009. Where In Harihar Nagar was a legendary work this film was a very average movie.

The most ordinary and average film made into big hit - Bhagyadevatha

If directors haven't tried something different the film will flop, but not in the case with Sathyan Anthikkadu. If ever he changes his pattern, the film fails.

Most enjoyable experimental film - Paleri Manikyam

Renjith is a director who has multi faceted talent. He came to industry by writing comedy films like Ponnaram Thottathe Rajavu and is famous as the script writer for Devasuram and many films in the range of Narasimham, his biggest hit. He also wrote entertaining films like Summer in Bethlehem. He directed the super hit Ravanaprabhu, not to forget Nandanam. In 2009 Renjith has become a mentor for many young and experienced filmmakers with his Kerala cafe. His standard as a director has increased with Mammooty film Palerimanikyam.

Film which hasn't come up to expectation - Bhramaram

Blessy who made mark with his debut film Kazhcha is more or less still standing there. With out Mohanlal Bramaram would have gone below average. The climax twist is what we all have witnessed in super hit Achuvinte Amma.

Most experimental film in 10 years - Kerala cafe

Kerala cafe was a parallel Twenty 20 with out Mohanlal. Anwar Rasheed proved that if he made serious films, many of so called serious filmmakers won't have job.

Above average film with below average performance - Loudspeaker

Good film, no result Kanakanmani

A slick film Passenger

A big balloon - Neelathamara

Neelathamara had excellent cinematography and good direction. Made headlines in the name of M.T's script. Neelathamara proved good only for actors who debuted in it.

Masala Entertainer of the year - Puthiya Mukham

It's rare an action movie make a giant hit in Kerala. Film made success at box office due to fight choreography and good story telling, not to forget Prithviraj.

Ivide Swargamanu

Some director's best film will be their debut. Ivide Swargamanu's first half was like a documentary based on reality and second half is filmy with less reality. Resemblances in character and story development can be compared with Udayananu Thaaram. Good effort.

From the technicians who believe they have success formula - Chattambinadu

Viewers felt repetition

A surprise hit - Ivar Vivahitarayal

This is First solo hit for Jayasurya. Suraj's comedy worked well.

Talked about film - Ritu

Comedy that made viewers furious - Love in Singapore

Biggest Flop - Angel John

If the expectation was less and the timing better, this film may have worked. Angel John made the blunder of releasing it as a Mohanlal film.

Worst twists and surprises in a film: Sagar Alias Jacky

For SAJ everything was good except the basement. The building collapsed as soon as viewers entered theatre.

Old formula worked again: Makate Achan

All glitz no content :Robin Hood

Film wastage - Moz and Cat, Bhagavan

A cut paste success - Gulumal

Mammootty's other releases were Pattanathil Bootham and Daddy cool.

Mohanlal's other releases were Red Chillies and Unnaipol Oruvan.

Some years ago Blessy, Shafi and Roshan Andrews were seen as tomorrow's expectations. But these directors are going through the beaten path.

Thanseer M A