Aadu 3: Starring actor Jayasurya in the role of Shaji Pappan, the Malayalam film will release on March 19, 2026, along with the Hindi thriller Dhurandhar 2 starring Ranveer Singh.

Aadu 3, the first of the much-anticipated Malayalam films of 2026, is set for its March 19 release. Starring actor Jayasurya, the film has received its censor certificate, which also reveals its plot and runtime. The film is helmed by Midhun Manuel Thomas and backed by actor-filmmaker Vijay Babu.
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Aadu 3 has received a clean U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), meaning it is suitable for viewing by all age groups. The censor certificate, which online trackers revealed on social media, also reveals the runtime of the Jayasurya-starrer to be 167.3 minutes. At 2 hours, 47 minutes and 30 seconds, the upcoming film is the longest from the Aadu franchise. The first film was around 2 hours only, while the second installment came up to 2 hours and 32 minutes. The third installment is Aadu 3 Part 1, with the makers saying that Part 2 will be made if the viewers give them the greenlight.
Also read: Aadu 3: Jayasurya's comedy film confirms original release date amid Middle East conflicts
Aadu 3 part 1, the third installment in the popular comedy franchise unravels in two timelines. Shaji Pappan and his gang of nitwit buddies are once again at the centre of the narrative and will appear in both the timelines but in different avatars. According to the Aadu 3 censor certificate shared online by trackers, the plot synopsis reads, “As hidden secrets surface and powerful enemies rise in both eras, the gang faces high-stakes challenges that test their courage and loyalty.”
Jayasurya returns as Shaji Pappan, while Vinayakan will be back as Dude in the present timeline. Saiju Kurup, Sunny Wayne, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Vijay Babu, Bhagath Manuel, and Harikrishnan form the rest of the cast.
The first installment Aadu was released in 2015 but was a flop at the box office. But the film later found love on digital platforms and the second installment was made in 2017.
On the other hand, the first single from Aadu 3 will be released on March 14.
Also read: Prakambanam out on OTT: Where to watch hit Malayalam horror comedy led by a young cast right now
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