Two Movies Malayalis Are Eagerly Waiting For This Onam
Onam is almost here, and for Malayalam cinema, that means the theatres are getting ready for a festive crowd.
This year, two very different films are carrying much of the anticipation.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa: The Intro arrives on August 20, followed by Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit on August 21.
Both films have been generating curiosity through their trailers, songs and star casts, but they are offering audiences two completely different cinematic experiences.
Khalifa is promising action, scale and a darker world, while Bethlehem Kudumba Unit appears to be heading towards romance, comedy and family entertainment.
And that contrast could make this year’s Onam season particularly interesting.
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Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V. Abraham, Khalifa: The Intro has been designed as a large-scale action thriller.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Mambaraykkal Aamir Ali, with Neil Nitin Mukesh, Malvika Sharma, Shammi Thilakan and Indrans among the principal cast. Mohanlal is also set to make a cameo appearance.
The film is particularly intriguing because it is planned as the first part of a duology.
So, unlike a conventional standalone action film, Khalifa is expected to establish a larger world and characters that could continue into its second chapter.
The production itself has been mounted on an ambitious scale. The film was shot across several locations in India and abroad, including Kerala, Goa, Nepal, London, Dubai, Riyadh, Qatar and Istanbul.
The trailer, released on August 16, gives a glimpse into Aamir Ali’s world, filled with crime, violence, confrontations and revenge.
Prithviraj appears to be carrying a character built for the mass audience, while Neil Nitin Mukesh adds another layer of intrigue to the conflict.
And, naturally, Mohanlal’s presence has become one of the biggest talking points.
Even though his role is a cameo, the possibility of seeing Mohanlal and Prithviraj together has added another level of excitement to the film.
Another major attraction is the music.
Jakes Bejoy has composed the soundtrack and background score for Khalifa, and the album has already begun creating its own buzz.
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The soundtrack includes songs such as “Asalayavale”, “Mathara”, “Bhranthayal”, “Kissayariyathe”, “Salamathali” and “The Bloodline”.
For a film that appears to rely heavily on atmosphere and action, the music could play a crucial role in determining how the theatrical experience lands.
The combination of Vysakh’s action filmmaking, Prithviraj’s screen presence and Jakes Bejoy’s music makes Khalifa one of the most closely watched Malayalam releases of the season.
But the biggest question remains: will the film have enough substance beneath all that scale?
That is something audiences will discover on August 20.
Arriving just a day later is a film that could not be more different in tone.
Girish A.D.’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles and comes from Bhavana Studios, with Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran backing the project.
The film is a romantic comedy and marks another interesting chapter in Girish A.D.’s career following the success of Premalu.
The filmmaker has built a reputation for finding humour and emotion in ordinary characters and relationships. With Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, he appears to be returning to that space while bringing Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju together.
Nivin plays Justin, while Mamitha plays Ashley. The cast also includes Sangeeth Prathap, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Roshan Shanavas, Meenakshi Raveendran, Vinay Forrt, Bindu Panicker and Srinda.
The film’s first song, “Maanthrikam”, composed by Vishnu Vijay, gave audiences an early taste of its romantic and feel-good mood.
The trailer has further increased curiosity, particularly around the relationship between the lead characters and the quirky world surrounding them.
Unlike Khalifa, this is not a film selling action spectacle or larger-than-life violence.
Its biggest selling point is its characters.
And that could make Bethlehem Kudumba Unit an ideal Onam film for audiences looking for something lighter.
There was initially another major name expected to join the Onam competition — Dulquer Salmaan’s I’m Game.
The film was planned as an Onam release, but the makers have now postponed it to September.
That means Dulquer will not be part of the immediate Onam box-office battle, leaving Khalifa and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit as two of the major Malayalam releases audiences will be watching this festive season.
The postponement may also work in favour of I’m Game. Instead of entering a crowded Onam weekend, the film will get a separate release window and can build its theatrical run without competing directly with Prithviraj and Nivin.
