Vela, Bandra to Kudukku 2025: Malayalam theatrical, OTT releases to watch this Diwali 2023 week

Diwali 2023 week will have a lot of reasons for Malayalam audiences to cheer. While Suresh Gopi’s Garudan will be looking to extend its box-office run, challenging it will be Dileep and Tamannaah Bhatia’s entertainer Bandra as well as Shane Nigam’s Vela. The latter was already part of the last festive season’s big winner, RDX: Robert Dony Xavier, and will be hoping that he can create history with his second successive blockbuster this year.

Karthi’s Japan, SJ Suryah’s Jigarthanda XL and Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 will also prove to be tough competition for the Malayalam theatrical releases this week. For audiences, who would rather stay home amid the rainy season, there’s also a few Malayalam movies to stream on OTT.

Here’s the list of all Malayalam movies releasing in theatres and on OTT during the festive week.

Bandra

Cast: Dileep, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sarathkumar

Director: Arun Gopy

Release platform: Theatre

Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia’s debut film has her essaying the character of Tara Janaki. While rumours are rife that the Baahubali star plays a role inspired by Bollywood actress Divya Bharathi, the movie’s director Arun Gopy tells us though Bandra has a connection to the Hindi film industry, it doesn’t deal with the underworld and primarily focuses on the family relationships of its characters. The big-budget film, scripted by Udaykrishna, also has Mamta Mohandas and Dino Morea, and is touted to be an action-entertainer.

Also read: Bandra director Arun Gopy on why he doesn’t doubt himself or the skills of Dileep and Udaykrishna 

Vela

Cast: Shane Nigam, Sunny Wayne and Sidharth Bharathan

Director: Syam Sasi

Release platform: Theatre

Scripted by M Sajas and helmed by debutant Syam, this drama-thriller revolves around a police control room and its three officers. In the past few years, Malayalam cinema has been able to bring out some exceptional police stories including Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kannur Squad, Nayattu and Kuttavum Shikshayum. This is also why Vela, which is produced by the makers of Mammootty’s Puzhu, comes with great expectations. That it also has Shane, who is fresh off the success of RDX in the lead, playing a civil police officer adds to the intrigue.

Also read: Here are 6 police dramas from Mollywood similar to Vela 

Kudukku 2025

Cast: Krishna Sankar, Durga Krishna and Shine Tom Chacko

Director: Bilahari

Release platform: Saina Play

Set in 2025, the futuristic thriller follows the lives of two couples, especially after a technology that allows users to keep track of a person’s whereabouts falls into the wrong hands. The makers explore two plotlines in the movie – one of a college student and a gym trainer, whose relationship is affected after the arrival of an unexpected visitor – and another, following the lives of a young couple. Kudukku 2025 tries to explore the aspect of invasion of privacy.

Also read: Kudukku 2025 on OTT: 5 reasons to watch Krishna Shankar's futuristic thriller 

Valatty: Tale of tails

Cast: Roshan Mathew, Soubin Shahir and Mahima Nambiar

Director: Devan

Release platform: Disney+ Hotstar

Malayalam’s first ever film told from the perspective of animals, is a story of romance, adventure and hope. The movie follows the lives of two dogs – a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel – as they decide to run away from home due to their pet parents’ disapproval of their romance. What awaits them outside is a life filled with danger. As they navigate this new phase, they also meet new friends and share poignant moments with other furry companions as well as humans. The voice cast of the film featuring leading actors make this feel-good film even more memorable.

Also read: Valatty review: Roshan Mathew, Soubin Shahir’s dog tale gets bogged down by a predictable take