The Onam Festival Revives Malayalam Cinema Amid Box-Office Success The annual Onam festival in Kerala has reignited optimism within the Malayalam film industry, despite a mixed performance at the box office. The festival, which typically marks a key revenue period for local cinema, saw a notable surge in audience turnout, with two major releases—Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and Khalifa—competing for attention. Filmmaker A.D. Girish’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, starring actor Nivin Pauly, emerged as a standout hit, generating substantial revenue and helping exhibitors navigate the fiscal quarter with confidence. Meanwhile, Vysakh’s Khalifa, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, also contributed to the industry’s recovery, though its earnings were overshadowed by the success of its counterpart. Industry insiders reported that the combined gross collections from both films reached approximately ₹100 crore, a figure that had been a critical target for exhibitors. Suresh Shenoy, a member of the Film Exhibitors’ United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), highlighted that Bethlehem Kudumba Unit had surpassed ₹200 crore in global collections by September 1, 2026, with a Keralam gross of over ₹100 crore within 10 days of its release. Khalifa, which premiered on August 20, 2026, had earned more than ₹40 crore worldwide. Shenoy noted that the film’s performance remained strong even after the reopening of schools and colleges post-festival, indicating sustained audience interest. P.V. Basheer Ahamed, president of the Kerala Film Exhibitors’ Association, attributed Khalifa’s lower earnings to the initial enthusiasm for Bethlehem Kudumba Unit. He emphasized that the repeat audience for the latter was a clear indicator of its popularity, underscoring the festival’s role in boosting the industry’s overall earnings.#khalifa #malayalam_cinema #bethlehem_kudumba_unit #onam_festival #feuok
Prithviraj Sukumaran Reflects on Collaborations with Mohanlal and Mammootty, Hints at Khalifa 2's Legacy Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran recently opened up about his long-standing professional and personal relationships with veteran stars Mohanlal and Mammootty, describing them as mentors and family figures. During an interview on Jio Hotstar’s special talk show Khalifayude Onavirunnu, hosted by Chef Pillai, Sukumaran emphasized the unique bond he shares with both actors, highlighting their roles in shaping his career and the cultural significance of their collaborations. Sukumaran, who starred alongside Mohanlal in the 2025 action film Khalifa, recounted how their partnership extended beyond the screen. He noted that Mohanlal, whom he refers to as an "elder brother," and Mammootty, whom he calls a "father figure," have been part of his life since childhood. "Mohanlal is the actor I’ve spent the most time with in the industry," Sukumaran said, adding that their connection began through his parents, who were close to both actors. He also mentioned spending time with Mammootty’s family, including actor Dulquer Salmaan and his daughter Surumi, which deepened their personal ties. The actor described Mohanlal’s character, Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, as a central figure in Khalifa and its upcoming sequel, Khalifa 2: The Legacy. While Mohanlal’s cameo in the first film was brief, his role as the grandfather of Sukumaran’s character, Aamir Ali, became a focal point of the story. Sukumaran praised Mohanlal’s performance, calling it a reflection of their real-life chemistry. "Bro Daddy is the film that best captures the real-life bond between Mohanlal and me," he remarked. The sequel, Khalifa 2, is set to expand on Ahmed Ali’s legacy, with Mohanlal playing the protagonist.#khalifa #prithviraj_sukumaran #mohanlal #mammootty #khalifa_2
