Eid festive releases in UAE: Top six Hollywood, Bollywood, and Malayalam film like L2: Empuraan and Sikandar

If the first chapter of the Malayalam-language blockbuster Lucifer was a lavishly mounted political potboiler designed to showcase Mohanlal’s swagger in all its slow-motion glory, then L2: Empuraan promises to be its bolder, slicker and more globally ambitious sibling.

Directed once again by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, the second instalment in the trilogy gears up to unravel the mystery behind the man called Stephen Nedumpally — aka Lucifer. This time, the stakes are higher, the geography wider, and the villain possibly Hollywood-grade. With international actors like Rick Yune (Die Another Day) and Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones) joining the cast, and rumours swirling about a Yakuza connection, Empuraan seems determined to blend stylised action with a cross-continental conspiracy. Expect high-octane set pieces, philosophical monologues, and Mohanlal folding his mundu with cinematic flourish. While Lucifer was criticised for prioritising fan service over narrative depth, Empuraan appears ready to go deeper into the origin story of its morally ambiguous protagonist, with Prithviraj promising a darker, more complex outing. Whether you loved Lucifer for its theatrical punchlines or tolerated it for its star-heavy spectacle, Empuraan is shaping up to be an unmissable event film — especially for those who worship at the altar of Mohanlal.

If Mohanlal is the man of mystery and megawatt swagger in Malayalam cinema, then Salman Khan is Bollywood’s eternal poster boy for charisma-over-craft. Sikandar, his Eid 2025 offering, is yet another high-octane spectacle that leans heavily on his star power and machismo. Directed by Ghajini’s A.R. Murugadoss, Sikandar is positioned as a romantic action thriller in which Khan plays the titular hero, a larger-than-life figure. Expect stylised action, heavy drama, and — predictably — a much younger love interest. Rashmika Mandanna stars opposite the 58-year-old Salman, and the age gap is, well, unmissable. The supporting cast includes Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, adding further weight to what promises to be an Eid entertainer packed with punchlines, punches, and patriotic fervour. Whether you’re there for Salman’s shirtless slo-mo fights or just to bask in the madness of his mythical hero persona, Sikandar looks like pure masala mayhem — unapologetic, over-the-top, and made for fans who like their heroes invincible and undeterred by age.

If your idea of a good time is love, laughter, and a sprinkle of supernatural drama, put a ring on this breezy Tagalog romantic comedy My Love Will Make You Disappear. Directed by Chad V. Vidanes, this movie will unite the beloved TV pair Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino together for the first time on the big screen —and let’s just say, sparks will fly. Kim plays Sari, a woman who thinks she’s cursed—every guy she falls for mysteriously vanishes. Ghosted? Literally. Enter Jolo (Paulo Avelino), her brooding landlord who's intent on saving his crumbling apartment building. When the two team up to protect their community from being displaced, love starts to bloom—but will her disappearing-boyfriend track record ruin everything? With a premise that’s part rom-com, part magical mystery, and a whole lot of charm, this movie is filled with love, heart-break and just enough emotional chaos to keep you hooked. Plus, Kim Chiu’s infectious energy paired with Paulo’s smoldering intensity? Yes, please. My Love Will Make You Disappear is for anyone who believes in love, even when the universe keeps playing tricks. Curse or not, this one’s got all the right ingredients for a rom-com hit.

If you’re craving a film that blends explosive action with stirring romance, Novocaine is your Eid weekend must-watch. Starring Jack Quaid as a man who literally can’t feel pain, and Amber Midthunder as Sherry, the woman he risks everything to save during a chaotic bank heist—this action-packed rom-com is anything but typical. Set against the backdrop of modern love (yes, the Tinder and Bumble era), Novocaine asks a powerful question: can love still mean grand gestures? “I'd like to think love never goes out of style,” Amber tells us. “The action is entertaining, but the love is what really buys you in.” Midthunder, best known for her fierce role in Prey, ditches the trope of a helpless damsel. “We put a lot into making sure Sherry was not just a damsel in distress,” she says. And it shows—Sherry’s sharp, grounded, and absolutely holds her own. With sizzling chemistry, clever writing, and a surprising amount of emotional depth, Novocaine offers something rare: a fun ride with a lot of heart. As Amber puts it, “This is a movie about someone who can’t feel physical pain… fighting for love—which is the ultimate emotional pain.”

Releasing on March 27, Veera Dheera Sooran is a gritty Tamil thriller headlined by the ever-intense Vikram and the charismatic actor S.J. Suryah. At the heart of the story is Kaali, a seemingly unremarkable provision store owner who is also a doting husband and father. But there’s more to Kaali than meets the eye—his quiet life masks a deep entanglement with a dangerous crime network and a mysterious mission that slowly unravels as the plot thickens. With Vikram portraying a man torn between domestic loyalty and a dark, hidden agenda, the film promises a compelling exploration of dual identities and moral conflict. It's subtitled in Arabic and English. If you’re drawn to stories where ordinary lives conceal extraordinary secrets, this thriller should be on your radar.

Looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure packed with laughs, nostalgia, and a dash of extraterrestrial chaos? This animated feature starring beloved Looney Tunes legends Porky Pig and Daffy Duck is an apt choice.

Voiced by Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, and Peter Macnicol, this English-language film (with Arabic subtitles) brings back the classic duo in an all-new, delightfully absurd escapade.

Set in a bubble gum factory—yes, really—Porky and Daffy stumble upon a bizarre alien mind control conspiracy bubbling beneath the surface. With their signature slapstick energy and constant bickering, the two find themselves in the most unexpected role of their careers: saving the world. But can they stay out of each other's way long enough to do it? This animated romp is perfect for both kids and adults who grew up loving Looney Tunes. Expect fast-paced humor, clever gags, and some surprisingly sharp commentary wrapped in candy-colored chaos.