Khalifa, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and more: Your Onam 2026 Malayalam watchlist.
Onam in the UAE comes with all the familiar festive traditions — a lavish sadya, family gatherings, plenty of payasam and, of course, debates over which Malayalam movie to watch. This year, the big screen offers a mix of action, family drama and romance, with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa and Nivin Pauly’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit leading the Onam theatrical line-up. Vismaya Mohanlal’s Thudakkam, which released earlier this month, adds another option for moviegoers.
The celebrations can continue at home, too, with OTT platforms offering plenty of choices for an Onam movie marathon. From the breezy romance of Pyaar Prema Kalyanam to Malayalam favourites such as Premam and Kumbalangi Nights, there is something for every mood. Dulquer Salmaan’s I’m Game is also worth keeping an eye on, with its release now scheduled for September 3.
Here’s your guide to the Malayalam movies worth watching this Onam in the UAE.
1) Khalifa: Prithviraj brings the action
If your idea of an Onam movie includes guns, gold smuggling, revenge and a star-studded cast, Khalifa is the obvious pick for a theatrical outing.
Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V Abraham, Khalifa stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Aamir Ali, a character linked to an international gold-smuggling network. The film moves across Kerala, the Middle East, London and Nepal, and features an ensemble cast that includes Mohanlal, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Tovino Thomas.
The film was confirmed for a worldwide release on August 20, making it one of the major releases of the festive season.
Its opening weekend has also become a key Onam box-office battle, going up against Nivin Pauly’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.
Best for: Action fans and those looking for a big-screen Malayalam spectacle.
Where to watch: In theatres across the UAE now.
2) Bethlehem Kudumba Unit
Looking for guitars, romance and a touch of brooding?
Arriving a day after Khalifa, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit offers a distinctly different Onam movie experience.
Directed by Girish A.D., known for films such as Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Super Sharanya and Premalu, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. The film is produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran under Bhavana Studios.
The story follows a couple with a significant age gap and explores the challenges surrounding their relationship, giving the film a romantic, family-oriented tone that contrasts with the action-driven mood of Khalifa.
The film hit cinemas on August 21 and has quickly emerged as one of the major talking points of this year’s Onam season.
Best for: Families, rom-com fans and viewers looking for a lighter theatrical option after an action-heavy film.
Where to watch: In theatres now.
3) Thudakkam
The debut that sparked a fire
Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, Thudakkam marks the acting debut of Vismaya Mohanlal, daughter of superstar Mohanlal. The film also stars Mohanlal and Ashish Joe Antony.
Rather than arriving during the main Onam weekend, the thriller released in cinemas on August 7. It follows a young woman who is forced to confront danger and fight for survival, delivering an emotionally charged and intense thriller experience.
Best for: Viewers curious about Vismaya Mohanlal’s debut and fans of Malayalam thrillers.
Where to watch: In theatres now.
4) I’m Game
This is the one to keep on your radar if you were expecting Dulquer Salmaan to join this year’s Onam box-office battle.
Directed by RDX filmmaker Nahas Hidhayath, I’m Game was initially scheduled to release on August 20 alongside Khalifa. However, the makers later postponed the film’s release by two weeks.
The film is now scheduled to release on September 3, 2026.
Dulquer Salmaan stars as Dan John, a man deeply involved in gambling who relies on an algorithm rather than luck. The film also features Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir and Kayadu Lohar, and is set to release simultaneously in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada.
While I’m Game was initially expected to be part of this year’s Onam box-office clash, the delay has now made it a post-Onam theatrical release.
Best for: Dulquer Salmaan fans and viewers who enjoy gangster and action thrillers.
Where to watch: In theatres from September 3.
And then there is the OTT Onam
Not everyone wants to queue for theatre seats during the festive rush. For those planning to celebrate Onam at home, streaming platforms offer a mix of recent releases and beloved Malayalam favourites.
Pyaar Prema Kalyanam
If you’re looking for something light and romantic, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam is now streaming on Netflix.
The 2026 romantic comedy stars Elan and Saanve Megghana, with Radikaa Sarathkumar also featuring in the cast. The story follows a newly married couple whose decision to live with the wife’s family leads to a different kind of marital adjustment. Netflix lists the film as available in Malayalam, as well as Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.
It began streaming on August 21, making it a timely addition to the Onam weekend watchlist.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Best for: A light romantic comedy for viewers looking for something easy-going and entertaining.
Kumbalangi Nights: The Malayalam classic worth revisiting
For something more layered, Kumbalangi Nights remains a strong choice for an Onam movie night at home.
Madhu C Narayanan’s 2019 film follows four brothers living together in Kumbalangi, whose strained relationship gradually begins to change as circumstances force them to confront their complicated family dynamics. The film stars Soubin Shahir, Shane Nigam, Sreenath Bhasi, Mathew Thomas and Fahadh Faasil.
The film blends family drama, romance and humour with nuanced characters, without feeling like a conventional family entertainer.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
So, what should you watch this Onam?
If you’re heading to the cinema, the choice is fairly straightforward: Khalifa for action and scale, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit for romance and family entertainment, and Thudakkam if you haven’t yet caught Vismaya Mohanlal’s debut.
If you’re staying home, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam offers a new romantic-comedy option, Premam delivers the nostalgia factor, while Kumbalangi Nights provides a more layered family drama.
And if you’re specifically waiting for Dulquer Salmaan, I’m Game won’t be part of the Onam listings. Its release has been pushed to September 3.
The shift may leave the 2026 Onam theatrical race less crowded than initially expected, but Malayalam cinema fans still have plenty to choose from — whether the ideal festive evening means a cinema ticket, a sofa and a streaming subscription, or, ideally, all three.
