Positive response to Onam releases revives hopes for Malayalam film industry
With filmmaker A.D. Girish’s Nivin Pauly-starrer Bethlehem Kudumba Unit turning a blockbuster, exhibitors say the impressive collections for the rom-com are expected to help them sail through this quarter of fiscal on a positive note
The Malayalam film industry in Keralam is seeing a positive response following the release of films during the Onam festival window. Despite a mixed box-office performance, filmmaker A.D. Girish's Nivin Pauly-starrer Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has emerged as a blockbuster, turning heads at the box-office. Exhibitors report that the rom-com's impressive collections are expected to help them sail through the current quarter of the fiscal with optimism.
A total of approximately ₹100 crore was at stake during this festival, with Bethlehem Kudumba Unit grossing over ₹200 crore worldwide and Keralam over ₹100 crore within 10 days of its release. Vysakh's Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, has also performed well, earning over ₹40 crore worldwide since its release on August 20, 2026.
Suresh Shenoy, member of the executive committee of FEUOK, notes that Bethlehem Kudumba Unit continues to perform impressively even after the reopening of educational institutions. The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce estimates a positive overall audience response to both festival releases. Anil Thomas, president of the apex body of the Malayalam film industry, expresses that the boost is much-needed as the first half of 2026 had seen fluctuating fortunes.
The industry stakeholders unanimously agree that good content and storytelling are essential to bring moviegoers into the cinemas, as multi-crore budgets and lead stars alone may not be enough.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
