March is set to see the release of some notable Malayalam films in theatres, including the much-anticipated Mammooty-starrer Bheeshma Parvam.
The Kerala government recently relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions, permitting cinema halls to operate at a 100% seating capacity. The announcement brings relief for film exhibitors in the state, where theatres had been functioning at only 50% occupancy since October 2021. During this period, big films like Kurup, Marakkar, Ajagajantharam, and Hridayam were released to half-full cinema halls.
Now, after four months, theatres have the chance to run Bheeshma Parvam to full houses.
On that note, here is a list of Malayalam films that will be hitting the theatres this month.
Bheeshma Parvam – March 3
Directed and produced by Amal Neerad, the film is written by Neerad in association with Devadath Shaji and PT Ravi Shankar. Aside from Mammootty, Bheeshma Parvam features an ensemble cast that includes Nadiya Moidu, Soubin Shahir, Dileesh Pothan, Srindaa, Lena and Sreenath Bhasi, among several others.
Ahead of its release, Mammootty clarified at a press meet that he does not play a gangster or a mafia king in the film; his character is the patriarch of a family. The actor also noted that there are elements of the Mahabharata in the film and that his character Michael will be different from Bilal in Big B, also directed by Neerad. Bheeshma Parvam marks the reunion of the director-actor duo after 14 years.
Naradan – March 3
This political thriller stars Tovino Thomas and is directed by Aashiq Abu. Naradan is jointly produced by Santhosh Kuruvila, Rima Kallingal, and Aashiq Abu. Tovino plays the role of a news anchor named Chandraprakash in the film, which also features actors Anna Ben, Indrans, Renji Panicker, and Sharaf U Dheen, among several others.
In a recent interaction with Onmanorama, Tovino said that the film is set against the backdrop of broadcast journalism and reflects what people expect to see with regard to the field. He also noted that the characters are fictional and the film aims to show the media in a new light.
Pada – March 10
Pada, starring Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Dileesh Pothan and Vinayakan, is a neo-noir Malayalam film with thriller elements. Directed by Kamal KM, the film is set against the backdrop of the Adivasi Land Act.
Produced by Mukesh R Mehta, AV Anoop and CV Sarathi under the E4 Entertainment and AVA Production banner, the film has a stellar cast, which also includes Prakash Raj, Unnimaya Prasad, Indrans and Salim Kumar, among several others. In an earlier conversation with Silverscreen India, the director said Pada is a period film set in 1996 and based on real events. “It is the story of the resistance to the Adivasi Land Act,” he added.
Night Drive – March 11
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Led by actors Anna Ben, Roshan Mathew and Indrajith Sukumaran, Night Drive is directed by Vysakh and produced by Priya Venu and Neeta Pinto under the Aan Mega Media banner.
In an earlier conversation with Silverscreen India, the film’s scenarist Abhilash Pillai mentioned that it is a road movie with elements of thriller, romance, suspense and revenge genres. “Night Drive’s story happens over one night – between 6 pm one day and 6 am the next day. It is a fast-paced film that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Anna plays a journalist, Roshan, a taxi driver, and Indrajith, a police officer,” he added.