From ‘Drishyam 3’ to ‘Kathanar’: Malayalam cinema’s biggest bets for 2026

If 2025 leaned heavily on realism and contained dramas, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of scale, spectacle and franchise-level ambition in Malayalam cinema. From mythological fantasy and long-awaited sequels to star-driven action thrillers, the slate already feels unusually packed. These are the Malayalam films that have quietly but firmly become the most anticipated releases of the year.

Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer
Perhaps the most ambitious Malayalam project in recent years, ‘Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer’ dives into one of Kerala’s most enduring legends. Jayasurya steps into the role of the mythical priest believed to possess supernatural powers, with the film reimagining folklore through a grand fantasy lens. Directed by Rojin Thomas, the film blends period storytelling with heavy visual effects and large-scale world-building. Anushka Shetty makes her Malayalam debut in a key role, adding to the film’s pan-Indian appeal.

Drishyam 3
Few franchises carry the emotional and cultural weight of ‘Drishyam’. With ‘Drishyam 3’, Jeethu Joseph returns to the world of Georgekutty, once again played by Mohanlal, for what is expected to be the final chapter in the saga. While plot details are tightly guarded, the film is expected to explore the long-term consequences of the choices made in the earlier films. Meena, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil reprise their roles, keeping the family at the centre of the narrative. The anticipation is not about shock twists alone this time, but about whether the story can deliver a satisfying emotional closure.

Patriot
A political thriller mounted on an unusually large canvas, ‘Patriot’ brings together some of the biggest names in Malayalam cinema. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film stars Mammootty in the lead, with Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban and Nayanthara playing pivotal roles. Set against a backdrop of power, ideology and covert operations, the film is expected to blend personal drama with geopolitical tension. The sheer scale of the ensemble and the genre make ‘Patriot’ one of the most closely watched projects heading into 2026.

Khalifa
Prithviraj Sukumaran headlines ‘Khalifa’, a gritty action thriller directed by Vysakh. Early indications suggest a character-driven narrative rooted in crime and power struggles, with Prithviraj playing a morally complex figure operating in a dangerous world. Known for mounting slick commercial entertainers, Vysakh’s collaboration with Prithviraj has generated strong buzz, especially among fans expecting stylised action and intense confrontations.

Kattalan
Positioned as a pan-Indian action film, ‘Kattalan’ features Antony Varghese in the lead, continuing his steady rise as a formidable action star. Directed by Paul George, the film promises large-scale stunt sequences and a raw, physical performance from Antony. The supporting cast includes actors from multiple industries, reinforcing its wider release ambitions. With its emphasis on action choreography and scale, ‘Kattalan’ signals Malayalam cinema’s growing comfort with mainstream spectacle.

I’m Game
Marking Dulquer Salmaan’s return to Malayalam cinema, ‘I’m Game’ is directed by Nahas Hidhayath and shaped as a contemporary action thriller. Dulquer shares screen space with Antony Varghese, Mysskin and Dushara Vijayan, suggesting a film driven as much by character dynamics as by action. While details remain under wraps, the title and early buzz point towards a fast-paced narrative built for theatrical impact. Dulquer’s comeback alone has made this one of the most talked-about Malayalam projects lined up for 2026.