Ranjith

Ranjith, a name that pops up a lot if you’re into Malayalam cinema, has this knack for picking stories that really hit home. You look at something like Pranchiyettan and the Saint (2010), and it’s not just a comedy—there’s this sharp, satirical bite about society’s obsession with status and validation. The main guy, Pranchiyettan, basically spends his life chasing respect in a town that keeps looking down at him, no matter what he does. It’s hilarious, but also kinda sad, because you see how desperate he is to belong. Mammootty totally crushes it in the lead role, by the way. Then there’s Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009). This one’s a whole other vibe—darker, grittier, like a whodunit but way more layered. Ranjith digs into a decades-old murder in a village, peeling back secrets and exposing how power and corruption quietly rot away at small communities. Honestly, the way he builds suspense? Goosebumps. And Indian Rupee (2011), man, that one’s such a real take on ambition and money. The film dives into the life of a small-time real estate guy who’s always scheming for a quick buck. But instead of glamorizing it, Ranjith just lays bare all the hustle and heartbreak, making you root for the guy while also judging him a little. You can tell Ranjith’s not afraid to get his hands dirty with complex characters and real-world messiness. His movies stick with you, for sure—they’re clever, raw, and always packed with emotion.