With 2020 having stopped the release of multiple star studded films, thanks to the (ongoing) coronavirus pandemic, Mollywood producers and production houses are finally releasing these features in theaters this year, in 2021. Besides the much anticipated premieres of the 2020 films, there are still various films that were slated for release in 2021 that has been awaited by the public as well, for some time now. So here is a look at 20 must watch-star studded films that are slated for both theatrical and OTT release in 2021:
Drishyam 2
This surprise sequel is being made for Amazon Prime Video, with the entire original cast from the 2013 prequel feature set to return. Director Jeethu Joseph will return to the sequel as well and it will be interesting to see if the skeletons in the proverbial closet stays hidden. No release date has been set for the film as of now.
Nizhal
This much anticipated Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara starrer is expected to release this year. The feature film is said to be a supernatural thriller, with both Kunchacko and Nayanthara expected to portray two very prominent characters. The director Appu N Bhattathiri is hoping to release the movie in theaters.
Kurup
This 2020-expected-to-be-released-film will feature Dulquer Salman in the titular role of the infamous Sukumara Kurup. The director duo Srinath Rajendran and Vini Vishwa Lal and producer/ star Dulquer are waiting for favorable conditions to release the film in theaters.
Bilal
This Mammootty starrer is the sequel to 2007 hit Mollywood flick Big B. News regarding this film hasn’t been announced yet. Dulquer Salman and Fahadh Faasil are expected to make an appearance in this movie.
Kumari
This Nirmal Sahadev directed horror thriller will have Aishwarya Lekshmi portraying the film lead. Details on the film are expected to be released soon, along with whether the feature film will be an OTT or a theatrical release.
The Great Indian Kitchen
Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj Venjaramoodu who play a couple in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, returns to portray another married couple in this upcoming Joe Baby written and directed contemporary film. The film is expected to give us an inside look into the role of most women in an Indian household.
Kuttavum Shikshayum
This Asif Ali starrer will be based on a real life robbery that took place in a jewelery shop in Kasargode, Kerala. The filming of the movie is over, with post production ongoing and release date pending.
Kuruthi
This Roshan Mathew, Prithviraj starrer recently completed filming this month. Set to be a psychological thriller, this Prithviraj Productions produced feature will have Manu Warrier making his Mollywood directorial debut.
Joji
This latest venture by Fahadh Faasil is said to be inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The actor will teaming up with his Maheshinte Prathikaaram director, Dileesh Pothan for this upcoming contemporary flick.
Aadujeevitham
This Prithviraj starrer will be directed by Blessy. The actor lost a lot of weight to portray an Indian immigrant worker in Saudi Arabia who has to survive in the desert. A R Rahman returns to composing music in Mollywood after 25 years, for this film which is based off a true story.
Kunjeldho
Asif Ali stars in this feel-good film with television personality RJ Mathukutty making his directorial debut. The campus-based feature film is expected to be released soon as it has already finished production and even got a “U” certification for the censor boards back in 2020.
Churuli
This indie flick is set to be a science fiction horror film which is directed and co-produced by Lijo Jose Pellissery. Featuring multiple talented actors, the film follows two men who enter a forest to find out its mysteries.
Ram
This upcoming action thriller features megastar Mohanlal as the primary protagonist. This Jeethu Joseph directed flick has been shot in multiple locations – in at least five countries.
Malik
Take Off and C U Soon duo Mahesh Narayanan and Fahadh Faasil return to work on this period drama. The film will be inspired by real life events which involved injustices against a minority community.
The Priest
This film marks the first time collaboration between actors Mammootty and Manju Warrier. The film is expected to drop in theaters later this year.
Cold Case
As the name suggests, this film will be an investigative film. The film will have Prithviraj as the primary protagonist with Aditi Balan set to play the female lead alongside him.
One
This Mammootty feature will have him portraying the Chief Minister of Kerala. The film boasts an all-star cast and has been anticipated by Malayalam movie fans for almost a year now.
Thuramukham
This much awaited Nivin Pauly period drama which is set in the backdrop of the “Chappa system”. This Rajeev Ravi directed film is expected to drop in theaters by the end of this year.
Minnal Murali
This Malayalam superhero flick is set to star Tovino Thomas as the titular character. Set in a village, Tovino’s character is expected to be as fast as lightning (“Minnal” means Lightning in Malayalam).
Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham
This Priyadarshan co-written and directed film will feature Mohanlal as Kunjali Marakkar IV – a 16th century naval admiral of the Samoothiri. The film will follow his exploits as he takes on the Portuguese invaders in this based-on-real-events historical war epic.
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