Malayalam OTT, theatre releases to watch this weekend: Thudarum, Extra Decent to L2 Empuraan

It’s a packed week in theatres as well as OTT, as far as Malayalam cinema fans as concerned. With two of Mohanlal’s much-anticipated films – L2 Empuraan and Thudarum – available to watch, albiet in different platforms, along with a couple of criticially acclaimed movies including Anjali Menon’s short film Backstage starring Padmapriya and Rima Kallingal, there’s something for everyone.

If you are already caught up with last week’s Malayalam OTT releases including Antony Varghese’s Daveed and Dileesh Pothan’s Am Ah, then here’s the list of all the releases on OTT as well as theatres to watch this weekend:

Malayalam OTT, theatre releases this week (April 20-27)

L2 Empuraan

Release platform: JioHotstar

Release date: April 24

Cast: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s second instalment in the Lucifer franchise has already gone on to become the highest grossing Malayalam film ever. Empuraan, which is set five years after the events of Lucifer, follows the changes of Kerala’s political landscape while also parallely telling the story of Khureshi Ab’raam and the powerful force he is. The movie is available to stream in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Thudarum

Release platform: Theatres

Release date: April 25

Cast: Mohanlal, Shobana, Farhaan Faasil

Director Tharun Moorthy, who had previously helmed Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, teams up with Mohanlal and Shobana for an intense family drama revolving an ambassador car and its cab driver, essayed by the superstar. After his car, which he values as much as his family, is taken away from him, he decides to get it back.

Backstage

Release platform: Waves OTT

Release date: April 20

Cast: Rima Kallingal, Padmapriya

Years after parting way to pursue their careers in cinema and dance, Kanya and Gauri reunite at the green room of their alma mater. The short film, helmed by Anjali Menon after Wonder Women, explores the themes of moving on, letting go of grudges, returing to one’s roots and most importantly, rekindling friendships. The featurette is part of the Yuva Sapno Ka Safar anthology.

Watch other Malayalam anthologies like Manorathangal and Freedom Fight on OTTplay Premium

Padakkuthira

Release platform: Theatres

Release date: April 25

Cast: Aju Varghese, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Sija Rose

Helmed by Dr Salon Symon, the comedy family drama revolves around a tabloid journalist, whose made-up story soon finds parallels to a real-life case. The impact this has on the lives of others and how he sorts it out, form the plot of the movie.

ED Extra Decent

Release platform: Saina Play, Manorama Max, Prime Video

Release date: April 26

Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Shyam Mohan and Grace Antony

Binu, a middle-aged man who still lives with his parents much to their chagrin, undergoes a 180 degree change in attitude after realising that his folks had lied to him about the most important event in their lives. How his newfound attitude prompts them to push their near and dear ones, and also harbouring ill-will to their son, finally reaches a point where there might be no coming back, forms the plot of this dark comedy.

Fan of dark comedies? Stream Basil Joseph's Pravinkoodu Shappu and Nunakkuzhi right now on OTTplay Premium