Priyadarshan Movies List: A Journey Through Comedy, Drama & Blockbusters

Whenever you hear the word Priyadarshan, you automatically think of films that crack you up so hard it hurts your belly or just drivel that gives you goosebumps. 

He’s one of those unique directors who can switch between comedies, thrillers, and emotional dramas without losing his touch of magic.

That’s why all of us continue to look for the best Priyadarshan movies list;  to experience half a century of classics, both Malayalam and Hindi, and look at how he evolved to be one of India’s favorite directors.

Think about it. From Chithram in Malayalam to Hera Pheri in Hindi, his films have created unforgettable moments. His comedy timing is unmatched, his drama feels real, and his thrillers have layers. 

But before going to the list, I have written a short introduction of him. So, you must read the complete article to know everything about him. 

Who is Priyadarshan?

So, if anyone is unknown about Priyadarshan.

He is India’s greatest success director, with more than 90 Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil films to his credit. He started his career in Malayalam movies in the 1980s as a partner of Mohanlal for a string of golden comedies and dramas. 

Then, he dominated Bollywood with blockbuster comedies such as Hera Pheri, Hungama, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

What sets him apart?

I think that he understands how to blend true human feelings with comedy. His comedies do not feel imposed upon; his dramas are serious and heavy. 

And above all, he provided us with movies that families still gather to watch decades later.

What Makes Priyadarshan Special?

Well, in my thoughts, he has some special qualities that makes priyadarshan very special as a director. Those are 

• His films, such as Kilukkam, Hungama, and Hera Pheri, revolutionized Indian comedy.
• From wisecracking laughter to serious dramas such as Kala Pani, he does it all.
• His associations with Mohanlal in Malayalam and Akshay Kumar in Hindi became cult films.
• He would remake his Malayalam blockbusters in Hindi, and they would still click like magic.

Top Priyadarshan Movies List Fans Still Discuss

Here’s a personally curated list of some of his all-time greatest films, the ones that made him a name and have fans in awe to this day.

1. Chithram (1988, Malayalam)

• Cast: Mohanlal, Ranjini
• Overview: A comedy-drama about a man who impersonates someone’s husband for money but falls in love.

Why it stood out: It’s still among the longest-running movies in Malayalam history. A blockbuster that proved Priyadarshan’s ideal balance of humor and heart.

2. Kilukkam (1991, Malayalam)

• Cast: Mohanlal, Revathi, Jagathy Sreekumar
• Overview: A tourist guide’s life is turned upside down when a quirky girl enters his life.

Why it stood out: A superhit that trended travel-based comedy in Malayalam. Revathi and Mohanlal’s on-screen chemistry made it unforgettable.

3. Thenmavin Kombath (1994, Malayalam)

• Cast: Mohanlal, Shobana
• Synopsis: A visually attractive romantic drama based on Kerala’s rural background.

Why it was different:Won the National Award for Best Popular Film. Cinematography, music, and the love story made it an evergreen hit.

4. Kala Pani (1996, Malayalam)

• Cast: Mohanlal, Tabu, Prabhu
• Synopsis: A historical film on India’s fight for independence and the atrocities of Cellular Jail in Andaman.

Why it stood out: Critically acclaimed, with National Awards for special effects and art direction. One of Priyadarshan’s strongest serious films.

5. Hera Pheri (2000, Hindi)

• Cast: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal
• Overview: Three broke guys get into a kidnapping call, creating ridiculous mayhem.

Why it stood out: A cult comedy that reset Bollywood humor. Paresh Rawal’s “Babu Bhaiya” became iconic. A blockbuster that provided Priyadarshan with his Hindi breakthrough.

6. Hungama (2003, Hindi)

• Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Aftab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal
• Overview: A comedy of errors in mistaken identities, love-struck youths, and a cranky landlord.

Why it stood out:A sleeper hit that proved Priyadarshan could do it again in Hindi comedies.

7. Garam Masala (2005, Hindi)

• Cast: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Paresh Rawal
• Overview: Two photographers attempt to have several girlfriends simultaneously.

Why it excelled: Akshay and John’s comic timing was a riot. The movie was a blockbuster and continues to be one of the funniest Priyadarshan comedies.

8. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007, Hindi)

• Cast: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja
• Overview: A horror-comedy with a haunted palace and a possessed woman.

Why it excelled: Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Manjulika became a legend. The combination of horror and comedy worked wonders at the box office.

9. Oppam (2016, Malayalam)

• Cast: Mohanlal, Vimala Raman
• Synopsis: A blind man is the principal witness to a murder and has to outwit the murderer.

Why it was notable:A suspense thriller that attested to Priyadarshan having his magic touch in Malayalam cinema once again. A box office blockbuster.

10. Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021, Malayalam)

• Cast: Mohanlal, Suniel Shetty, Arjun Sarja
• Overview: Epic period war movie based on Kunjali Marakkar IV, a Kerala naval chieftain.

Why it stood out: India’s costliest Malayalam film, National Award for Best Feature Film. A source of pride for Priyadarshan’s career.

Here is the complete Priyadarshan movies list 

To wrap up

And that’s it; the entire Priyadarshan movies list. From family-friendly gems such as Poochakkoru Mookkuthi to epic dramas like Marakkar and Bollywood laugh riots such as Hera Pheri, his career is a treasure chest of cinema.

Now, with him inching towards his 100th film (rumored to be with Mohanlal once again), fans know they are witnessing the closing chapter of a legendary filmmaker’s tale.