6 Malayalam romantic movies that nailed the Love Triangle trope

New Delhi: Ah, the love triangle—a rom-com staple that never gets old! Few things are as entertaining as watching the leads fumble through love, torn between passion and loyalty. Whether it’s the allure of a charming stranger or the tug of an old flame, Malayalam cinema has mastered the art of tangled romances. Some of these stories end with a dramatic sacrifice, while others take a lighthearted route, leaving the audience in splits.

Over the past few years, Mollywood has explored every shade of this classic trope. If you love watching relationships go from awkward to emotional wreckage (with a side of comedy), this list is your perfect binge guide.

Malayalam romantic movies with a love triangle

Here’s a look at six Malayalam rom-coms that gave us iconic love triangles, each packed with drama, heartbreak and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

1. Minnal Murali (2021)

Superheroes and love triangles? Now that’s a combo you don’t see every day! Minnal Murali might be best known for its high-octane action sequences and small-town superhero charm, but at its core, it also weaves in an emotional romantic conflict. Tovino Thomas plays Jaison, an ordinary man who gains superpowers, only to find himself caught between duty and desire.

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2. Oru Adaar Love (2019)

What started as an internet sensation with Priya Prakash Varrier’s viral wink turned into a full-fledged teenage love drama. Oru Adaar Love follows a high school romance tangled in misunderstandings, friendships and heartbreaks. Roshan, Priya and Gadha find themselves in a complicated love equation, with shifting dynamics that keep audiences guessing. The film is packed with youthful energy, cheeky dialogues and a generous spoonful of nostalgia for high-school romances.

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3. Harikrishnans (1998)

This one is an all-time classic! Featuring Mohanlal, Mammootty and Juhi Chawla in leading roles, Harikrishnans gave audiences a love triangle so well-balanced that it even had two different endings! The film follows two lawyer brothers, both of whom fall for Meera, leading to a charmingly messy love story. What made it even more fascinating was the director’s bold move to release two versions of the film—one where Mohanlal gets the girl and another where Mammootty wins her heart. It simply gave fans the ending they rooted for.

4. Lollipop (2008)

Few movies blend romance and humour as seamlessly as Lollipop. This film is all about youthful friendships, unexpected love and, of course, a classic love triangle. Bhavana, Prithviraj and Jayasurya bring a mix of fun and chaos to the story. What makes Lollipop stand out is its lighthearted approach—there’s no brooding melodrama here, just a lively take on modern relationships. The banter and inevitable emotional showdown make it an entertaining watch.

5. Kalyanam (2018)

Weddings, romance and confusion—Kalyanam is a love triangle wrapped in tradition and comedy. Starring Shravan Mukesh and Varsha Bollamma, the film takes us through a groom’s pre-wedding jitters as he grapples with his feelings for another woman. It’s the kind of movie where things get hilariously complicated before they (hopefully) straighten out.

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6. Sufiyum Sujatayum (2020)

This one takes a more poetic and melancholic approach to the love triangle trope. Sufiyum Sujatayum tells the story of a mute girl, Sujata (Aditi Rao Hydari), caught between two vastly different men—her past love, a Sufi dancer and her husband, who wants to give her a new life. Unlike the lighthearted rom-coms on this list, this film leans into the tragic side of love triangles, exploring themes of longing, separation and destiny.

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So, which of these love triangles had you rooting for a happily-ever-after? Or better yet—who was robbed of their chance at love? Let the debate begin!