After months of hiatus due to the second wave of Covid-19, theatres in Kerala resumed operations on October 25. This came as a big relief for the Malayalam film industry and the exhibitors who were severely affected by the pandemic.
Cinema halls began witnessing the return of the audience in large numbers with the release of Dulquer Salmaan-starrer Kurup. Following that, three more new films – Aaha, Janeman and Ellam Sheriyakum – were released in theatres on November 19.
With the film business on the path to recovery, the makers of several Malayalam films have announced theatrical releases this December.
Silverscreen India has curated a list of Malayalam films that will hit the big screens in the coming month.
Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham – December 2
After much back and forth, Mohanlal’s period drama is all set to release in theatres on Thursday. Earlier, the producer and the film exhibitors’ association had a tiff after the former announced that the film would have a digital premiere. Later, Kerala’s Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan confirmed that the Mohanlal-starrer would first release in theatres.
Written and directed by Priyadarshan, Marakkar narrates the story of Kunjali Marakkar IV, the last of the Malayali naval leaders deployed by the Zamorin of Calicut to fight in the war against the Portuguese in the 16th century. The film also features Arjun Sarja, Keerthy Suresh, Manju Warrier, Pranav Mohanlal, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Siddique, and Ashok Selvan.
Bheemante Vazhi – December 3
This comedy drama directed by Ashraf Hamza stars Kunchacko Boban and Chinnu Chandni in the lead roles. The film is produced under Chembosky Motion Pictures and OPM Cinemas. Chemban Vinod Jose has written the film’s script and has played a supporting role as well. Bheemante Vazhi will release in theatres worldwide on Friday.
Ajagajantharam – December 23
Directed by Tinu Pappachan, Ajagajantharam is all set to release on December 23, in time for the Christmas festivities. It features actors Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, Arjun Ashokan and Sambumon Abdul Samad in the lead roles. Tinu Pappachan has earlier collaborated with Antony in Swathanthriyam Ardharathriyil in 2018.
IMDb’s synopsis of Ajagajantharam reads: “Aranjali is all set to celebrate the annual temple festival. Some unforeseen chain of events involving an elephant, a few young men, a notorious criminal, a drama troop and some trouble-loving villagers brings complete mayhem to the place.”
Kunjeldho – December 24
A campus film, Kunjeldho stars Asif Ali in the lead. Also starring actors Vineeth Sreenivasan, Siddique and Rekha, among several others, it is written and directed by Mathukkutty, who has previously worked as a radio jockey and a TV host. Kunjeldho is produced by Suvin K Varkey and Prasobh Krishna under the Little Big Films banner. The film was initially scheduled to release in theatres on August 27. However, as theatres in Kerala were shut down in April due to the second wave of Covid-19, the film’s release was postponed to December 24.
Meow – December 24
Actors Soubin Shahir and Mamta Mohandas star in this family drama, which is directed by Lal Jose. According to IMDb, Meow revolves around “Dasthakeer and Sulekha, a married couple that moves to Dubai with their three children for a better living.” The film is set for release on the big screen on December 24.
Djibouti – December 31
Djibouti, written and directed by filmmaker SJ Sinu, is a multi-genre film that is family-oriented and also features a love story. Produced by Jobi P Sam, it stars Amith Chakalakkal, Jacob Gregory, Shagun Jaswal, Dileesh Pothan, Rohith Maggu, and Anjali Nair, among others. Besides them, local artists from Djibouti have also acted in the film. Djibouti is scheduled for worldwide release in theatres on December 31.
