Patriot, Athiradi, Khalifa and more; Big-ticket Malayalam films to look forward to in 2026

This year, a number of eagerly awaited multi-starrers in Malayalam will be released on the big screen. Given the cast details, the majority of them were revealed last year, increasing viewers' expectations to see them on the big screen. These are the Malayalam films to look out for in 2026.

Malayalam films to look forward to in 2026

Patriot

Cast - Mammootty, Mohanlal, Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil

According to reports, Patriot will release in theatres on April 9 or 15, coinciding with Vishu 2026. This eagerly awaited socio-political action thriller is directed by Mahesh Narayanan. Fans and movie buffs have high expectations for Patriot because the Malayalam superstars haven't worked together in a long time.

Drishyam 3

Cast - Mohanlal, Meena and Esther Anil

In Drishyam 3, Mohanlal makes a comeback as Georgekutty, a guy who will stop at nothing to keep his family safe. Jeethu Joseph, the director of the film stated in a recent interview with a media outlet that viewers should only expect to learn what has happened to George Kutty's family after four years—neither more nor less. 

Khalifa

Cast - Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal and Indrans

This action thriller is based on gold smuggling networks in Kerala, Nepal, the Middle East, and London, as the teaser makes clear. Under the supervision of Vysakh, production of this much anticipated film is presently in progress. In this movie, Mohanlal will make a brief appearance.

Athiradi

Cast - Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Riya Shibu and Darshana Rajendran

Basil's appearance in this full-fledged entertainer is depicted in the recently released poster and teaser. Tovino and Vineeth play key parts, and the actor and director appear in a brand-new avatar as a youngster running with a bag against a colourful backdrop. Paulson Skaria and Arun Anirudhan wrote the screenplay for Athiradi.

I'm Game

Cast - Dulquer Salmaan, Kathir, Antony Varghese Pepe and Mysskin

Dulquer's character is shown in the first look poster for this thriller sitting on a sofa, looking stylish, and holding a handgun. There are other gun-wielding opponents behind him. His followers and online users already shared their excitement over this movie, directed by Nahas Hidayath.

Tiki Taka

Cast - Asif Ali, Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Wamiqa Gabbi and Sanjana

The latest poster of this big budget film shows the actor facing away from the camera with a tattoo of angel wings and blood-stained fake claws that resemble the Marvel character, Wolverine's. Sources claim that it is a dystopian game-based drama. Reports that Prithviraj will make a brief appearance in this movie have increased excitement for it.

Aadu 3

Cast - Jayasurya, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Saiju Kurup and Sunny Wayne

In May 2025, the third instalment of Aadu began production. With rumours of time travel and zombies circulating, fans have been anxiously awaiting an update on Aadu 3. Meanwhile, Saiju Kurup recently shared that the third part will make people laugh a lot compared to the first two parts of this slapstick comedy franchise.

Malayalam 2026 Films FAQs

Q. Which Mahesh Narayanan film has Mohanlal and Mammootty?

A. Mahesh Narayanan's upcoming film Patriot stars Mammootty along with Mohanlal. It will release in theatres in April 2026.

Q. Who are the actors in Athiradi Malayalam movie?

A. Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Vineeth Sreenivasan are the lead actors in the Malayalam movie Athiradi. Darshana Rajendran and Zarin Shihab have also joined the cast, along with Riya Shibu.

Q. When will Khalifa release?

A. Khalifa will release in theatres during Onam 2026, though the makers have not given an exact date.