Chatha Pacha, Valathu Vashathe Kallan & more; Malayalam theatrical releases in January 2026
Given their cast and storyline, Chatha Pacha and Valathu Vashathe Kallan can be considered the most anticipated of January. These are the films that will hit the big screen this month.
Last Updated: 05.38 PM, Jan 04, 2026
In the first month of 2026, there aren't many Malayalam theatrical releases. However, given their cast and storyline, two of them—Chatha Pacha and Valathu Vashathe Kallan—can be considered the most anticipated of January. These are the films that will hit the big screen this month.
Malayalam theatrical releases in January 2026
Pennu Case
Release date - January 16
The main characters and storyline of the comedy drama, which revolves around Nikhila Vimal, a young woman who tricks men into marriage, are introduced in the trailer. Speaking to a group of men who had been duped by a young woman acting as their prospective wife and had come to the police station to try to work out their differences. Ramesh Pisharody, Aju Varghese, and Hakkim Shajahan play important parts in the Pennu Case.
Chatha Pacha
Release date - January 22
This sports action-comedy takes place in Fort Kochi, where a motley crew of recently released convicts start a wrestling club that causes rivalries and draws attention from the authorities. As fights intensify both inside and outside the ring, survival, friendship, and reconciliation are more important than popularity. Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Arjun Ashokan have important parts in this movie.
Magic Mushrooms
Release date - January 23
Vishnu Unnikrishnan plays the lead role in Nadirshah's another directorial, which is touted to be a comedy drama. In Kanjikkuzhi village, unusual mushrooms cause strange happenings. When a group of ffriends look into their origins, they find a network of scientific puzzles and myths.
Valathu Vashathe Kallan
Release date - January 30
An intriguing thriller is hinted at in the most recent poster, which has Biju Menon and Joju George seated face to face in a dimly lit room. The director of Valathu Vashathe Kallan, Jeethu Joseph, is known for producing top-notch thrillers in Malayalam. Lena, Irshad Ali, Manoj K U, Niranjana Anoop, Leona Lishoy, K R Gokul, and Shyamaprasad are also appearing in supporting parts in the film.
Malayalam January 2026 Films FAQs
Q. When will Pennu Case release?
A. Pennu Case is expected to release in theatres on January 16.
Q. What is the next movie of Jeethu Joseph?
A. The next movie of Jeethu Joseph is Valathu Vashathe Kallan. The director is also working on Drishyam 3 with Mohanlal.
Q. Is Chatha Pacha based on a true story?
A. The makers are yet to reveal the entire plot of the Chatha Pacha. It's. however, based on a group of misfits, who inspired by WWE, decides to start a wrestling club in Fort Kochi.
Q. How is the director of Chatha Pacha related to Mohanlal?
A. Adhvaith Nayar is Mohanlal's nephew. He had also assisted in Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal's 12th Man, which is streaming on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.