Jun 17, 2026 3:00pm IST
Onam Box-Office Battle: Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Nivin Pauly Set for Three-Way Clash
As always, this year’s Onam, in August, will see frenetic activity at theaters in Kerala as box-office competition hots up with three major films releasing on and around the festival. Traditionally, this lucrative season’s major attractions used to be the release of films starring veterans Mammootty and Mohanlal, but now the cinematic landscape has changed over the years, with a new generation of actors emerging as the industry’s leading stars.
This Onam season, three major Malayalam films are gearing up for release — Dulquer Salmaan’s “I’m Game,” Prithviraj Sukumaran’s “Khalifa,” and Nivin Pauly’s “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.” The films belong to different genres and carry strong pre-release buzz. A notable highlight is that Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj, and Nivin Pauly are all arriving at the box office simultaneously, a rare occurrence in recent years.
Khalifa
“Khalifa” marks Prithviraj Sukumaran’s next major Malayalam release amid his commitments in Telugu cinema and other Malayalam projects. Directed by Vysakh, the action thriller revolves around a notorious gold-smuggling kingpin who inherits a multi-million-dollar criminal empire built over generations. The story follows the vast network of the syndicate, stretching from the Middle East to India. Prithviraj plays Ameer, a key figure in the gold-smuggling mafia. The makers have also announced that Mohanlal will appear in a pivotal cameo role.
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Vysakh has expressed his excitement about reuniting with Prithviraj after a 15-year gap. The director’s debut film, “Pokkiriraja,” featured both Mammootty and Prithviraj in prominent roles. The film is written by Jinu Abraham, with cinematography by Jomon T. John and music composed by Jakes Bejoy. Action sequences have been choreographed by Yannick Ben. The film is scheduled for release on August 20.
“Khalifa” is particularly important for Prithviraj, as the big-budget venture comes after the underwhelming box-office performance of his much-anticipated film “Vilayath Buddha.”
I’m Game
“I’m Game” marks Dulquer Salmaan’s return to Malayalam cinema after a gap of two years. His previous Malayalam outing, “King of Kotha,” was released amid significant hype but failed to meet expectations at the box office. The film is directed by Nahas Hidhayath, who made a successful directorial debut with “RDX,” which was released alongside “King of Kotha.”
“I’m Game” follows the story of a fearless gambler who trusts luck more than life itself. His world is turned upside down when he becomes entangled in a series of bizarre and unexpected events. What follows is a thrilling journey packed with action, entertainment, surprises and adventure.
Dulquer will be seen in a stylish mass avatar in the film. The actor has described “I’m Game” as the most stylish film of his career so far. In contrast, he was recently seen in comparatively restrained and vintage-inspired looks in films such as “Lucky Baskhar” and “Kaanta.”
Director Nahas Hidhayath has described the project as a mystery-action-fantasy that blends multiple genres rather than adhering to a single narrative style. “Audiences are now embracing experimental films like Rorschach in theaters, and that gives us confidence,” the director said. Produced by Wayfarer Films, owned by Dulquer Salmaan, the film features cinematography by Jimshi Khalid, action choreography by the acclaimed duo Anbariv, and music by Jakes Bejoy. The film is scheduled for release on August 20.
‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’
Expectations are equally high for “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit,” starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. The film is directed by Girish AD, who returns after delivering the blockbuster romantic comedy “Premalu.” The film is expected to be a romantic comedy, a genre that has become Girish AD’s forte. The fresh pairing of Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju is one of the film’s biggest attractions.
The story follows Ashley, played by Mamitha Baiju, whose return home from abroad takes an emotional turn when a wedding in the neighborhood rekindles memories of her first love. “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit” is positioned as a heartwarming tale of first love, second chances and relationships worth waiting for. At an event in Kochi, Mamitha Baiju said she was thrilled to be part of the project, describing it as a fun entertainer that carries all the signature elements associated with a Girish AD film. The film is produced by Bhavana Studios, headed by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran — the same banner that backed “Premalu.”
Nivin Pauly will be hoping for a strong comeback with the film. While his Christmas 2025 release, “Sarvam Maya,” emerged as a blockbuster, his subsequent releases, “Baby Girl” and “Prathichya,” failed to make an impact at the box office.
Huge Expectations
Trade experts believe all three films have the potential to perform strongly during the festive season. “All three films carry huge expectations because they feature major stars. ‘Khalifa’ and ‘I’m Game’ are action entertainers, and the direct competition will largely be between these two films,” says Suresh Shenoy, managing partner of Shenoys Cinemas, Kochi. “At the same time, ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ is directed by Girish AD, who has consistently delivered successful films. Family audiences are likely to gravitate toward this movie,” he adds.
Anoop Naroor, a Kerala-based exhibitor, states he has particularly high expectations for “I’m Game” because of its unique theme. He also believes “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit” has strong potential to emerge as a favorite among family audiences and perform well in theaters. With three star-led films targeting different audience segments, the upcoming Onam season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting box-office battles Malayalam cinema has witnessed in recent years.
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