– Dulquer Salmaan returns to Malayalam cinema after a three-year hiatus with this action thriller, directed by Nahas Hidayath ( RDX ). Scheduled for a grand Onam release on August 20, 2026 , the film features Dulquer in what he calls his "most stylish role yet". Shot across over 100 locations, it has an ensemble cast including Antony Varghese, Mysskin, and Kayadu Lohar.
: Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, known for his work on films like "Angamaly Diaries" and "Eecha", "The Great Escape" is an action-packed thriller about a group of friends who embark on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn. Starring Fahadh Faasil and Roshan Mathew, the film promises to be a wild ride.
: Asha Sarath, known for her work on films like "Ennu Ninte Moideen" and "Vazha", is set to star in "Love in the Time of Corona", a romantic comedy directed by debutant director, Jibu Jacob. The film explores the challenges of love and relationships in the age of social distancing.
Malayalam filmmakers are also venturing into uncharted territory with unique genres:
Official trailers for most of these will begin dropping by December 2025. Malayalam cinema in 2026 isn't just coming; it's conquering. upcoming malayalam movies in 2026
Following the colossal success of Ram Part 1 (released late 2025), the conclusion is slated for a summer 2026 release. Unlike the slow-burn investigation of the first part, sources indicate that Ram Part 2 will be a high-octane action thriller. Mohanlal’s character, an ex-RAW agent with a mysterious past, goes rogue on an international scale. With filming schedules set in Georgia and Serbia, this is expected to be one of the most expensive , with a budget exceeding ₹120 crores.
Malayalam cinema is rapidly expanding its budget and technological capabilities, moving directly into high-concept fantasy. 3. Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer (Expected: Late 2026) Rojin Thomas Cast: Jayasurya, Anushka Shetty, Prabhu Deva, Vineeth Genre: Period Fantasy Thriller / Horror
The Malayalam film industry (Mollywood) is set for an extraordinary year in , building on its reputation for groundbreaking storytelling, cinematic realism, and massive box-office triumphs. The upcoming lineup features highly anticipated sequels, grand period fantasies, and star-studded collaborations that are generating immense excitement on tracking platforms like the IMDb Upcoming Malayalam Page .
: Malayalam cinema's iconic actor, Mammootty, is reportedly working on a new project, tentatively titled "The King of Kodagu." The film, directed by renowned director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, is expected to hit theaters in 2026. Although details are scarce, sources close to the project indicate that it will be a drama, exploring themes of power, politics, and family dynamics. – Dulquer Salmaan returns to Malayalam cinema after
: This highly anticipated spy thriller marks the historic reunion of megastars and Mohanlal after over a decade. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan , the film features a massive ensemble cast including Fahadh Faasil , Kunchacko Boban , Nayanthara , and Revathi . It is tentatively scheduled for release around Vishu 2026 (April) . Drishyam 3
Going head-to-head with I'm Game on the exact same weekend is Khalifa , a massive ensemble project helmed by hitmaker Vysakh. The film plunges deep into the lucrative and perilous world of gold smuggling operations. It charts a relentless multi-generational tale of heritage, geopolitical influence, and absolute revenge, uniting three generations of Mollywood A-listers. Groundbreaking Fantasy & Sci-Fi Epics
The festive season of Onam (August 2026) is set to be a battleground for two of the biggest action entertainers of the year. The first is directed by Vysakh and headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran. This high-octane gangster-action drama, based on gold smuggling networks, is planned as a two-part film, with Mohanlal playing the grandfather of Prithviraj's character and making a cameo appearance. The film features music by Jakes Bejoy and cinematography by Jomon T. John, and is scheduled to hit theatres on August 20, 2026 .
Several popular Malayalam actors and directors are set to return with new projects in 2026. Here are a few notable ones: : Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, known for
It blends high-stakes action with situational humor, marking a significant commercial success for Mammootty in early 2026. Aadu 3 (2026)
Mollywood continues to champion visual experimentation, leaning into heavy VFX, historical folklore, and intense character studies.
The year is dominated by massive star power and directors who have mastered the art of building cinematic universes.