Most Awaited Malayalam Movies Of 2026

Drishyam 3 marks the return of director Jeethu Joseph, with Mohanlal once again reprising his iconic role as Georgekutty. Familiar faces Meena, Siddique, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil return to continue the family’s story, alongside Murali Gopy and K. B. Ganesh Kumar, who reprise their roles as police officers from Drishyam 2. With the original team back together, the film promises a deeper mystery and heightened emotional and psychological stakes that have defined the franchise.

This upcoming pan-Indian film stars Antony Varghese in the lead role and is directed by debutant Paul George. Marketed as a high-octane action thriller, the movie marks the second production venture of Shareef Muhammed’s banner Cubes Entertainments. Rajisha Vijayan plays the female lead, while the ensemble cast includes rapper Baby Jean, Kabir Singh Duhan, Sunil, Raj Tirandas, Shibin S Raghav, and singer-turned-actor Hanan Shaah. On the technical front, the film features cinematography by Renadive, editing by Shameer Muhammed, and music composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath.

Director Nissam Basheer has announced his next project, I, Nobody, with Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. Written by Sameer Abdu, the film is jointly produced by Prithviraj Productions and E4 Entertainments. Parvathy Thiruvothu plays the female lead. The technical team includes Dinesh Purushothaman as director of photography, Harshavardhan Rameshwar as music director, and Ramees M.B. as editor.

I’m Game is an upcoming action-packed film starring Dulquer Salmaan, marking his return to Malayalam cinema after King of Kotha (2023). Directed by Nahas Hidhayath and produced by Wayfarer Films, the movie also features Antony Varghese Pepe, Mysskin, Dushara Vijayan, and Kayadu Lohar. The screenplay is by Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu, and Ismail Aboobacker, with Jimshi Khalid as cinematographer, Chaman Chakko as editor, and Jakes Bejoy composing the music.

Pallichattambi is an upcoming Malayalam period drama directed by Dijo Jose Antony, featuring Tovino Thomas and Kayadu Lohar in the lead roles. Set against a historical backdrop, the film promises to combine gripping storytelling with rich visual appeal. The production began in June this year, with a talented technical team shaping its cinematic experience: Jakes Bejoy provides the music, Tijo Tomy handles cinematography, Sreejith Sarang takes care of editing, and Dileep Nath is responsible for art direction. With a blend of strong performances and meticulous technical work, Pallichattambi is poised to be a visually immersive period drama.

Patriot is one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of 2026, bringing together the Big Ms of Indian cinema—Mohanlal and Mammootty under the direction of Mahesh Narayanan. The star-studded cast also includes Nayanthara, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, and Revathi in pivotal roles. Produced by Anto Joseph Productions, the film is set for a multi-language release in Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil. While an official release date is yet to be announced, reports suggest Patriot is likely to hit theatres on Vishu 2026.

Following the success of Pokkiri Raja, Prithviraj Sukumaran reunites with director Vysakh for their upcoming film Khalifa. Touted to be a revenge thriller, the film is scripted by Jinu Abraham, who earlier wrote Adam Joan and Kaduva, both starring Prithviraj in the lead. The technical crew includes Jakes Bejoy as music director, Jomon T. John as director of photography, and Chaman Chakko as editor.

Directed by Rojin Thomas, Kathanar is an ambitious fantasy thriller revolving around the legendary priest Kadamattathu Kathanar, known for his mystical powers. The film is written by debutant R. Ramanand and features Jayasurya in the titular role, Anushka Shetty making her Malayalam debut as Nila, and Prabhu Deva returning to Malayalam cinema after 13 years. Produced by Sree Gokulam Movies, it is one of the most expensive Malayalam films ever made and is designed as a pan-India venture. Neil D Cunha handles cinematography, Jungjin Park choreographs the action, and Rahul Subrahmanian Unni composes the music.

The release of Asif Ali’s action spectacle Tiki Taka, directed by Rohith VS, has been pushed to 2026, after initially being announced for December 2025. The film also features Naslen, Wamiqa Gabbi, Lukman Avaran, and Sanchana Natarajan in key roles. Produced by T-Series Films, Panorama Studios, Vellmade Productions, and Adventure Company, the project has cinematography by Sony Seban, editing by Chaman Chakko, and music composed by Ravi Basrur.