Malayalam Onam Releases 2026: Prithviraj's Khalifa, Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game & Nivin Pauly's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Set for Festival Clash

The Onam 2026 festive season is set to bring an exciting lineup of Malayalam films to theatres, with some of Mollywood's biggest stars gearing up for a high-profile box office clash. Leading the festival releases are Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game, Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa, and Nivin Pauly's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, each offering a unique cinematic experience across different genres. From action-packed thrillers and gangster dramas to heartwarming family entertainers, this year's Onam slate promises something for every movie lover. With popular directors, star-studded casts, and high production values, these films are among the most anticipated Malayalam releases of 2026 and are expected to draw huge crowds to theatres during the festive holiday season.

Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game is an upcoming Malayalam gangster action thriller directed by Nahas Hidhayath and produced under the Wayfarer Films banner. The film features Dulquer in the lead role alongside Antony Varghese, Kayadu Lohar, Mysskin, Vinay Forrt, and an ensemble cast. With music by Jakes Bejoy, stylish action, and a large-scale production, the film promises an intense blend of crime, action, and drama. I'm Game is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release on August 20, 2026, coinciding with the Onam festival.

The countdown ends and the real game begins! 💥 'I’m Game' is locked, loaded, and arriving in theaters this August 20 for the ultimate Onam celebration! 🥁🔥 Get ready to witness the magic on the big screen. 🎬✨
​#ImGameMovie #August20 #FestivalEntertainer@NAHASKh1… pic.twitter.com/4JMamcBu9d

— Dulquer Salmaan (@dulQuer) May 20, 2026

Khalifa is a high-budget Malayalam action crime thriller directed by Vysakh and headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film also features Neil Nitin Mukesh, Krithi Shetty, Kayadu Lohar, Sathyaraj, Indrans, Shammi Thilakan, Kajal Aggarwal, with Mohanlal appearing in a pivotal cameo. Written by Jinu V. Abraham and powered by Jakes Bejoy's music, the film is set against the backdrop of an international gold smuggling empire. The much-awaited action entertainer is slated to hit theatres on August 20, 2026, as one of the biggest Onam releases of the year.

This Onam..a legacy will resurrect itself! Mambarakkal Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in Gold!#KHALIFA in theatres worldwide from 20th August 2026!@Mohanlal #Vysakh#JinuVAbhraham @antonypbvr @jakes_bejoy #SurajKumar @NeilNMukesh #ChamanChacko#JomonTJohn @APIfilms… pic.twitter.com/azYpES17X4

— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) May 2, 2026

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is an upcoming Malayalam romantic comedy-drama directed by Girish A. D., starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles. Produced by Bhavana Studios, Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan, and Syam Pushkaran, the film also features Sangeeth Prathap, Shyam Mohan, Vinay Forrt, Bindu Panicker, and Srinda in important roles. Known for his feel-good entertainers, Girish A. D. reunites youthful romance with family emotions in this highly anticipated film. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 21, 2026, adding to the festive excitement of the Onam season.

BKU ഓണത്തിന് ! 🌸

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit in theaters from 21st August 2026@NivinOfficial @_mamithabaiju#NivinPauly #MamithaBaiju #BKU #BethlehemKudumbaUnit #August21 pic.twitter.com/2fnnRKal6o

— Bhavana Studios (@BhavanaStudios) July 18, 2026

1. Which Malayalam movies are releasing during Onam 2026?
The major Malayalam films releasing during the Onam 2026 festival season are I'm Game, Khalifa, and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.

2. When is Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa releasing?
Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 20, 2026.

3. What is the release date of Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game?
I'm Game, starring Dulquer Salmaan, is set to hit theatres on August 20, 2026, coinciding with the Onam festival.

4. When will Bethlehem Kudumba Unit be released in theatres?
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, featuring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 21, 2026.

5. Which genres do the Onam 2026 Malayalam releases belong to?
The Onam 2026 lineup offers a variety of genres, including the gangster action thriller I'm Game, the action crime thriller Khalifa, and the romantic family comedy-drama Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.

6. Why is the Onam 2026 box office clash generating buzz?
The Onam 2026 season has created significant excitement as three of Malayalam cinema's biggest stars, Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Nivin Pauly are releasing their highly anticipated films during the same festive weekend, setting the stage for one of the biggest Mollywood box office clashes of the year.