Explore Malayalam movies releasing this May 2026, including theatrical and OTT releases.
The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have started impacting Malayalam cinema’s release plans. Big-ticket films like Drishyam 3 and Patriot are now expected to be postponed, making the May 2026 release calendar unusually crowded.
May is shaping up to be one of the busiest months for Mollywood in recent times. A mix of big-budget entertainers and promising films from new-age filmmakers are gearing up for release. Titles like Mollywood Times, Athirady, and Kattalan are all expected to hit theatres, creating intense competition for screens across Kerala.
With multiple releases planned around the same window, theatre availability could become a major challenge. If all these films release together, it’s unlikely that each one will get enough screens or showtimes to perform well at the box office.
At the same time, postponing releases isn’t an easy decision. June marks the beginning of the monsoon season in Kerala, along with school reopenings — a period that traditionally sees a dip in theatre footfall. Delaying beyond May could significantly impact box office collections, making it a risky move for producers.
As of now, only Drishyam 3 and Patriot have confirmed release dates. The rest of the films are expected to finalize their schedules based on the evolving situation, and last-minute changes are highly likely.
Below is the list of the most anticipated Malayalam movies expected to release in theatres in May 2026.
| Movie | Date | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/05/2026 | Theatre | TBA | |
| 14/05/2026 | Theatre | TBA | |
| 14/05/2026 | Theatre | TBA | |
| 14/05/2026 | Theatre | TBA | |
| 21/05/2026 | Theatre | TBA | |
| 27/05/2026 | Theatre | TBA |