Why Mollywood is betting big on major Onam releases this year
The Malayalam film industry is anticipating a major financial boost during the Onam festival season, with three high-budget films set for release. Producers and exhibitors are hopeful that these star-studded projects will revitalize box-office performance after a slow first half of 2026.
Why it matters
The festival season is a critical revenue window for regional cinema, significantly impacting the financial health of the Kerala film industry.
The Malayalam film industry in Kerala is banking on a bumper Onam season, with around ₹150 crore at stake as theatres expect a spike in footfalls.
The audience response to the releases lined up for the festival, including Nahas Hidhayath’s I’m Game , A.D. Gireesh’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit , and Vysakh’s Khalifa , will be a test of strength for actors Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, and Prithviraj Sukumaran who had a mixed run at the box-office in recent times.
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