Malayalam Cinema Eyes Strong September Quarter as Rom-Com Smashes Records
Exhibitors in Kerala are optimistic about the September quarter after Bethlehem Kudumba Unit crossed 300 crore worldwide and two new releases opened well.
The Malayalam film industry is heading towards the end of the September quarter on an upbeat note, with a romantic comedy setting a new box-office benchmark and two fresh releases drawing steady audiences.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, directed by A. D. Girish and starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, has crossed 300 crore in worldwide collections as of Sunday, September 13, 2026, according to estimates by the Film Exhibitors' United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK).
The film, released on August 21, 2026, has recorded a Kerala gross of about 150 crore, alongside an overseas turnover of around 120 crore and roughly 30 crore from the rest of India. FEUOK executive committee member Suresh Shenoy said the movie has surpassed the record held by director Dominic Arun's Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, which had collected over 300 crore worldwide. He attributed the film's sustained performance to a strong stream of repeat viewers.
Exhibitors also pointed to the encouraging response to Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar and Aasha, both released on September 11, which, together with the extended run of Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, have steadied the market after the much-anticipated I'm Game, featuring Dulquer Salmaan, fell short of expectations.
Kerala Film Exhibitors' Association president P. V. Basheer Ahamed noted that footfalls for both new releases rose after their opening day. He said the films were drawing positive responses on the strength of their content, adding that an engaging script continues to bring audiences into cinemas.
Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar, directed by Shahad, features Parvathy Thiruvothu, Vijayaraghavan, Mathew Thomas, Unnimaya Prasad and Sidharth Bharathan in lead roles. Aasha, directed by Safar Sanal, stars Urvashi, Joju George and Aishwarya Lekshmi.