5 must-watch romantic comedies of Malayalam star Nivin Pauly

New Delhi: Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly has a way of making romance feel fresh and heartwarming at the same time. Whether he’s playing a hopeless romantic, a quirky underdog or a lovestruck youngster, the 40-year-old star brings an effortless charm that makes his characters unforgettable.

Nivin Pauly’s romantic comedies have a magic that goes beyond just romance – they make you smile, cry and feel all the warm fuzzies. Whether it’s the the nostalgic romance in Premam or the innocent love in Thattathin Marayathu his Malayalam filmography has something for everyone.

Nivin Pauly movies

If you’re looking for feel-good romantic films with a dash of humour, here are five Nivin Pauly rom-coms you shouldn’t miss. Scroll down to read about them!

1. Thattathin Marayathu (2012)

Before Thattathin Marayathu, Nivin was just another promising actor in Mollywood. After this film? He became the poster boy of romance. Directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, the movie tells the classic tale of a Hindu boy, Vinod, falling for a Muslim girl, Aisha (played by Isha Talwar).

What makes this film stand out is its dreamy cinematography, soul-stirring music and dialogues that became instant hits among Malayali youngsters. Who could forget Vinod’s iconic line: “Nee puchi alle, alle?” (Translation: Aren’t you cute?). This one’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance with a generous sprinkle of humour.

https://www

2. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014)

Romantic comedies usually follow a boy-chases-girl formula. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana flips the script and gives us a girl-chases-boy story instead. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the film is narrated from the perspective of Pooja (Nazriya Nazim), a free-spirited and tomboyish girl who falls head over heels for Giri (Nivin Pauly), a quiet and mature farmer.

Nivin plays the perfect crush-worthy character with his rugged charm and subtle expressions. The film’s humour, nostalgia and Nazriya-Nivin’s sparkling chemistry make it one of the most loved rom-coms in Malayalam cinema.

https://www

3. Premam (2015)

If there’s one film that changed Nivin’s career forever, it’s Premam. Directed by Alphonse Puthren, this coming-of-age rom-com follows George (Nivin Pauly) through three phases of love—from high school infatuation to college romance to adult heartbreak.

Every element of Premam – from its stylish cinematography to its unforgettable characters (Shoutout to Sai Pallavi’s ‘Malar miss’) – became a cultural phenomenon. Nivin’s effortless transition from a carefree teenager to a brooding adult struck a chord with audiences. Even after years, Premam remains one of the most rewatchable films in Mollywood.

https://www

4. Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela (2017)

Unlike his other rom-coms, Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela isn’t just about romance – it’s also a heartfelt family drama. Directed by Althaf Salim, the film follows Kurien (Nivin Pauly), a carefree young man who returns home and unexpectedly finds himself dealing with his mother’s cancer diagnosis. Amidst the emotional chaos, he also stumbles into a sweet, awkward romance with Rachel (Aishwarya Lekshmi).

The film balances humour and emotions beautifully. Nivin’s comic timing is on point, and the way he portrays a son who matures through life’s hardships is commendable. Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela is perfect if you want a rom-com with a touch of realism.

https://www

5. Hey Jude (2018)

Stepping away from his usual romantic hero persona, Nivin took on a unique role in Hey Jude, directed by Shyamaprasad. The film follows Jude, a socially awkward math genius, who finds an unexpected connection with Crystal (Trisha Krishnan) in Goa.

What makes Hey Jude special is its sensitive portrayal of neurodivergence in a rom-com setting. Nivin’s restrained performance and Trisha’s vibrant energy complement each other beautifully. If you’re in the mood for an offbeat love story with depth, this one’s a great pick.

https://www

So, if you’re in need of a feel-good rom-com binge, you know where to start. Which Nivin Pauly rom-com are you planning to watch first?