Malayalam legend Jagathy Sreekumar is back in action after accident and is serving smashing swagger

Dubai: Step aside, amateurs — the OG of Malayalam cinema is back, and he’s not here for small talk. Jagathy Sreekumar, the man who made generations laugh, is now leading a full-blown rebellion against zombies in the sci-fi entertainer Vala.

And he’s doing it with wit, wisdom, and wicked style in a wheel chair. Did we tell you, he is wearing sunglasses?

The teaser, which dropped on May 7, isn’t just a trailer — it’s a celebration of comebacks. And of Jagathy owning the screen like he never left.

A comeback that deserves its own applause track

Let’s rewind. In 2012, Jagathy was in a horrific car accident that almost ended his career — and his life. The industry held its breath as he spent years in recovery, far from the camera that once adored him.

But legends don’t fade quietly. He made quiet appearances here and there — a commercial, a cameo — but Vala? This is his true resurrection. Full-length role. Full screen presence. Full Jagathy energy.

Directed by Arun Chandu (Gaganachari, Sayanna Varthakal), Vala throws us into a dystopian world crawling with the undead. Enter Professor Ambili, aka Uncle Lunar — played by Jagathy like only he can. Brilliant. Bonkers. And fabulous while doing it.

The teaser even gives us the line: “Welcome back, sir!” And honestly? That’s the vibe.

Fans couldn’t keep calm. “Mark my words, this movie is gonna take Indian cinema to another level,” one wrote. Another gushed, “The aura he has. What a legend he is.” It’s giving goosebumps. It’s giving icon energy.

Joining Jagathy’s undead-fighting crew are Basil Joseph, Aju Varghese, Gokul Suresh, and Madhav Suresh — a ragtag team that looks equal parts dangerous and hilarious. Anarkali Marikar plays his estranged daughter Tara, adding a tender thread to the madness.

We’ve also got Vineeth Sreenivasan and K.B. Ganesh Kumar cracking jokes, and a cat named Thankachan voiced by veteran Janardanan. Because why not?

Rumor has it Vala is linked to the Gaganachari universe, which means Malayalam cinema might just have its own multiverse. We are so here for it.

The film is set for a 2026 theatrical release, and if the teaser is anything to go by, it’s going to be one wild, stylised, genre-hopping ride.

He’s survived, healed, and returned with a vengeance — and he’s doing it in moon boots. Jagathy Sreekumar isn’t just acting again. He’s commanding. He’s exuding style. He’s reminding us who he is.

And honestly? Malayalam cinema just got a whole lot cooler.