Onam 2026: From Khalifa to Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, what to watch in UAE theatres and on OTT

Onam in the UAE comes with all the familiar festive essentials, a lavish sadya, family gatherings, plenty of payasam and, of course, a Malayalam movie debate. This year, the big screen is serving up a mix of action, family drama and romance, with Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa and Nivin Pauly's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit leading the Onam theatrical line-up. Vismaya Mohanlal's Thudakkam, which arrived earlier this month, adds another talking point for moviegoers.

The celebrations don't stop when the theatre lights come on. For those planning an Onam movie marathon from the comfort of home, OTT platforms have plenty to offer, from the breezy romance of Pyaar Prema Kalyanam to much-loved Malayalam favourites such as Premam and Kumbalangi Nights. Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game, meanwhile, is one to keep on the radar, with its release now scheduled for September 3.

Here is your guide to the Malayalam movies worth catching this Onam in the UAE.

If your idea of an Onam movie involves guns, gold smuggling, revenge and a star-heavy cast, Khalifa is the obvious theatrical pick.

Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V Abraham, the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Aamir Ali, a character connected to an international gold-smuggling network. The film spans locations including Kerala, the Middle East, London and Nepal, and also features Mohanlal, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Tovino Thomas.

The film was confirmed for an August 20 worldwide release, making it one of the biggest releases of the festive season.

It has also made its opening weekend a genuine Onam box-office talking point, going head-to-head with Nivin Pauly's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.

Best for: Action fans and anyone looking for a big-screen Malayalam spectacle.

Where to watch: In theatres now.

Guitars and some brooding, anyone?

Arriving a day after Khalifa, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit offers a very different proposition.

Directed by Girish A.D., the filmmaker behind Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Super Sharanya and Premalu, the film stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. It is produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran under Bhavana Studios.

The story centres on a couple with a significant age difference and the complications surrounding their relationship, giving the film a romantic and family-oriented flavour rather than the action-heavy mood of Khalifa.

It opened in cinemas on August 21 and has quickly become one of the major talking points of this year's Onam season.

Best for: Families, rom-com fans and viewers looking for something lighter after an action-heavy theatrical outing.

Where to watch: In theatres now.

The debut that sparked a fire.

Thudakkam, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, marked the acting debut of Vismaya Mohanlal, daughter of superstar Mohanlal. The film also features Mohanlal and Ashish Joe Antony.

Rather than waiting for the actual Onam weekend, the thriller arrived in cinemas on August 7. It follows a young woman forced to confront danger and fight for her survival, with the film positioned as an emotionally charged thriller.

Best for: Viewers curious about Vismaya Mohanlal's debut and fans of Malayalam thrillers.

Where to watch: In theatres now

This is the one to keep in mind if you were expecting Dulquer Salmaan to be part of this year's Onam box-office clash.

I'm Game, directed by RDX filmmaker Nahas Hidhayath, was initially scheduled to release on August 20 alongside Khalifa. But the makers subsequently postponed it by two weeks.

The new release date is September 3, 2026.

Dulquer plays Dan John, a man deeply involved in gambling who believes in an algorithm rather than luck. The film also stars Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir and Kayadu Lohar, and will release simultaneously in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada.

So while I'm Game was one of the films originally expected to define the Onam clash, it is now a post-Onam theatrical release.

Best for: Dulquer fans and viewers who prefer gangster/action thrillers.

Where to watch: Theatres from September 3.

Not everyone wants to fight for theatre seats during the festive rush. For those planning to spend Onam at home, streaming platforms offer a mix of recent releases and Malayalam favourites.

If you're after something breezy and romantic, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam is now streaming on Netflix.

The 2026 romantic comedy stars Elan and Saanve Megghana, with Radikaa Sarathkumar also in the cast. The story follows a newly married couple whose decision to live in the wife's family home creates a very different kind of marital adjustment. Netflix lists the film as available in Malayalam as well as Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.

It began streaming on August 21, making it particularly well-timed for the Onam weekend.

Where to watch: Netflix.

Best for: A light romantic comedy when you don't want anything too intense.

For something more layered, Kumbalangi Nights remains a solid, Onam-at-home choice.

Madhu C Narayanan's 2019 film follows four brothers living together in Kumbalangi whose fractured relationship gradually changes as circumstances force them to confront their family dynamics. The film stars Soubin Shahir, Shane Nigam, Sreenath Bhasi, Mathew Thomas and Fahadh Faasil.

It has family drama, romance, humour and characters without ever feeling like a conventional family entertainer.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

If you're heading to the cinema, the choice is fairly straightforward: Khalifa for action and scale, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit for romance and family entertainment, and Thudakkam if you haven't caught Vismaya Mohanlal's debut yet.

If you're staying home, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam is the new romantic-comedy option, Premam is the nostalgia fix and Kumbalangi Nights is the more substantial family drama.

And if you're specifically waiting for Dulquer Salmaan, don't look for I'm Game in the Onam listings. The game has moved to September 3.

That may leave the 2026 Onam theatrical race less crowded than originally expected, but for Malayalam cinema fans, there is still plenty to choose from — whether your perfect festive evening involves a cinema ticket, a sofa and a streaming subscription, or, ideally, all three.