Upcoming Malayalam theatrical releases in 2021: Mohanlal's Aaraattu to Asif Ali's Ellam Sheriyakum

The Kerala government’s announcement to reopen theatres from October 25 came as a huge relief to the film industry and especially to the film exhibitors, who have been grappling with debts since cinema halls were shut earlier this year on account of the rising COVID-19 cases in the State. While the government has allowed theatres to function only at 50% capacity, which again has been met with disappointment by the exhibitor sector, filmmakers have been gearing up to release the long-pending movies.

We list some of the Malayalam movies that have confirmed theatrical releases:

Aaraattu

Mohanlal’s big budget film, directed by B Unnikrishnan, has the superstar playing a real-estate tycoon named Neyyattinkara Gopan, who travels from Thiruvananthapuram to Palakkad to see the new land he has purchased but is soon moved by the plight of the residents in the area, who are ill-treated by the illegal land mafia.

Release date: November (date yet to be confirmed)

Ellam Sheriyakum

The movie revolves around a youngster named Vineeth (Asif Ali) who takes up politics because he is unemployed, and not because he believes in the ideals it represents. However, after meeting Ancy (Rajisha Vijayan), his life turns topsy turvy in this Jibu Jacob directorial. 

Release date: November 16

Ajagajantharam

The story of this Antony Varghese-starrer, which is directed by Tinu Pappachan, spans 24 hours with most of the movie set against the backdrop of a temple festival. The movie also has Chemban Vinod and Arjun Ashokan in pivotal roles. According to reports, the film could be the first Malayalam release after theatres reopen.

Release date: Yet to be announced

Kunjeldho

Asif Ali stars in this coming-of-age tale that is directed by RJ Mathukutty and has Vineeth Sreenivasan as its creative director. The team had earlier even announced a release date of the movie in August if theatres reopened. Asif had earlier told OTTplay that the movie has all elements that people can associate from a Vineeth Sreenivasan film.

Release date: Yet to be announced

Hridayam

The much-anticipated movie, directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, has Pranav Mohanlal, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Darshana Rajendran as part of the cast. The film revolves around Pranav’s character Charu and encompasses his life during his campus days and after marriage.

Release date: Yet to be announced

Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham

Director Priyadarshan’s magnum opus, which has Mohanlal playing Kunjali Marakkar IV, is a period drama set from 1505 to 1601. The film will mostly focus on Kunjali Marakkar IV’s reign in the last 12 years as he and his group of sailors fought against the invading Portuguese troops while dealing with the treacherous Zamorins.

Release date: Yet to be announced

Aanaparambile World Cup

Antony Varghese plays a sevenes player, who mentors a group of young players and leads them to a U-12 tournament in this sports entertainer with elements of fantasy. The movie also has Balu Varghese, Lukman Avaran, TG Ravi, IM Vijayan, Nishanth Sagar, Danish, Archana Vasudev, Amal and Jo Paul Ancheri.

Release date: December (date yet to be confirmed)

Aaha

Indrajith plays two phases of his character’s life in this sports drama revolving around tug-of-war. Inspired by the real-life vadamvali team, Aaha Neeloor, this riveting movie directed by Bibin Paul Samuel also has Ashwin Kkumar, Manoj K Jayan, Amith Chakalakkal and Santhy Balachandran.

Release date: November 26