Malayalam movies that flopped in theatres but later won hearts

This Diwali, let’s look back at a few Malayalam movies that didn’t quite light up the box office but found their spark later on miniscreen. From misunderstood gems to full-blown cult classics, these films prove that sometimes, a movie’s real fireworks begin after the theatre lights go out.

‘Aadu’ (2015)
Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, ‘Aadu’ starred Jayasurya as Shaji Pappan, along with Sunny Wayne, Saiju Kurup, and Vinayakan in pivotal roles. The film revolves around Shaji Pappan’s team winning a tug-of-war contest and receiving a cash prize, a trophy, and a female goat.

Things take a hilarious turn when the team decides to butcher the goat. Initially, ‘Aadu’ failed to impress audiences at the box office. However, after its DVD release, the film became immensely popular, especially among younger viewers, thanks to its quirky humour and memorable characters. The success of the first film eventually paved the way for a blockbuster sequel, ‘Aadu 2’, with the third instalment, ‘Aadu 3’, currently in production.

‘Guppy’ (2016)
Directed by Johnpaul George, ‘Guppy’ starred Chethan Jayalal as Michael, a young boy who dreams of buying a wheelchair for his ailing mother. The story intensifies when Michael clashes with Thejus, played by Tovino Thomas, an engineer. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film did not perform well at the box office.

Its DVD release, however, introduced it to a wider audience, earning a cult following for its heartfelt narrative and compelling performances. The lead actor and director later expressed regret over its limited theatrical reach, suggesting that an OTT release could have expanded its audience.

‘Big B’ (2007)
A stylish action thriller directed by Amal Neerad, ‘Big B’ featured Mammootty in the lead alongside an ensemble cast including Manoj K Jayan, Bala, and Nafisa Ali. The film tells the story of four adopted children seeking justice for the murder of their adoptive mother, Mary, uncovering larger conspiracies in the process.

Released ahead of its time and facing stiff competition, ‘Big B’ initially flopped at the box office. Over the years, however, it has gained a dedicated fan base, becoming a cult classic. Rumours of a sequel have been circulating, though Amal Neerad has not yet made any official announcements.

‘Vandanam’ (1989)
Directed by Priyadarshan, ‘Vandanam’ starred Mohanlal as Unnikrishnan, a police officer, with Girija Shettar in the female lead. The film follows two police officers who attempt to track Professor Kurian Fernandez, anticipating his visit to his daughter in Bangalore, with one of them falling in love with her.

Upon its theatrical release, the film performed poorly. Yet, over time, ‘Vandanam’ has been appreciated for its perfect blend of comedy and drama, eventually earning cult status among Malayalam movie fans.

‘Double Barrel’ (2015)
Helmed by acclaimed director Lijo Jose Pellissery, ‘Double Barrel’ featured Prithviraj Sukumaran and Indrajith Sukumaran as Pancho and Vinci, two men trying to raise money for a deal involving precious stones, only to get caught in a large-scale gang war. Despite its initial failure at the box office, the film has found a niche audience over the years.

Lijo Jose Pellissery has expressed fondness for the project, highlighting its unconventional and quirky style that sets it apart from traditional narratives. Fans have praised its eccentric humour and playful tone, cementing its status as a cult favourite.