Onam 2026 Malayalam Releases: Khalifa, I Am Game, Bathelehem Kudumba Unit Lead Festive Lineup
The Onam 2026 season is starting to take shape with a few Malayalam films already lining up for release. After a slow first quarter and a brilliant summer season at the box office, theatres will be hoping to carry that momentum into the festival period.
This time, the lineup looks quite balanced with a mix of mass, youth-oriented, and family films.
| Movie | Cast | Genre | Release | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa | Prithviraj Sukumaran | Action / Mass | Onam 2026 | Expected |
| I Am Game | Dulquer Salmaan | Sports / Action | Onam 2026 | Confirmed |
| Bathelehem Kudumba Unit | Nivin Pauly | Family Entertainer | Onam 2026 | Expected |
| Thudakkam | Vismaya Mohanlal | Action / Entertainer | Onam 2026 | Expected |
Khalifa
Khalifa is an action-packed entertainer starring Prithviraj, directed by Vyshak and written by Jinu Abraham. The film is expected to bring the festive energy to theatres this Onam and has the potential to click big with the Malayali audience.
Vyshak may be coming off a few underwhelming films, but he’s also the director who kickstarted the ₹100 crore wave in Kerala with the 2016 blockbuster Pulimurugan. That success gave producers the confidence to go bigger and aim higher at the box office.
With Prithviraj leading the charge, Khalifa looks like a full-on adrenaline ride — the kind of film that can light up theatres during the holiday season if it connects.
I Am Game
I Am Game is a sports-based action film that is likely to connect well with younger audiences. The theme itself gives it good potential during the Onam holiday period.
Dulquer Salmaan returns to Mollywood after the setback of King of Kotha, but his box office pull in Kerala is still strong. He continues to be one of the most reliable crowd-pullers after the big Ms, and even his Telugu films have been getting solid openings in Kerala.
With that kind of reach, I Am Game has a strong base going in. If the film clicks, it can go big at the box office. Even with average word of mouth, it has the potential to perform very well during the festive season.
Bathelehem Kudumba Unit
Bathelehem Kudumba Unit marks the return of director Girish A.D, known for Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Super Sharanya, and the 2024 blockbuster Premalu. This time, he teams up with Nivin Pauly in the lead, making it his first film with an established star.
Girish’s films are known for their easy humour and memorable one-liners, and this project looks right in his comfort zone. With the family audience playing a big role during Onam, this film has all the ingredients to click.
If it lands well, this could easily turn into another strong performer for the festive season.
Thudakkam (The Beginning)
Thudakkam could turn out to be the dark horse of the season. The film marks the debut of Vismaya Mohanlal and is directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, coming off the blockbuster success of 2018.
It’s an action-based film, and if executed well, it has the potential to create a strong impact in theatres. There’s also added curiosity around the project as it could open up space for female-led action films in Malayalam cinema.
If Jude gets it right, this one has every chance to surprise during the Onam season.
