Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, the second of the Malayalam Onam releases hit theatres on August 21, 2026. The film, directed by Premalu maker Girish AD, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju in the lead, is a romantic comedy that has opened to overwhelmingly positive reviews, both from critics and audiences. Released a day after Prithviraj Sukumaran’s action thriller Khalifa and ahead of Yash’s A-rated gangster drama Toxic, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is expected to be the destination for family audiences this festive season.
Produced by Bhavana Studios, Working Class Hero and Fahadh Faasil and Friends, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has the privilege of satellite and digital streaming deals firmly in place. The film, much like Nivin’s Christmas hit Sarvam Maya, has been picked up by JioHotstar for OTT and by Asianet for the television premiere. If the current trend is anything to go by, the film will likely make its way to JioHotstar after the 4-week mark from its theatrical release.
The film, meanwhile, is Mamitha’s third collaboration with Girish, after Super Sharanya and Premalu and the first for Nivin. The central peg of the plot hinges on the age difference between the lead couple, with Mamitha’s Ashley over a decade younger than Nivin’s Justin. Whether or not this relationship survives the obvious odds along the way is what the film is about.
Featuring music by Vishnu Vijay and cinematography by Ajmal Sabu, both of whom had worked with Girish on Premalu, the film also has several cast members repeated, like Sangeeth Prathap, Shyam Mohan and Shameer Khan. They are joined by the likes of Suresh Krishna, Roshan Shanavas, Srinda, Vinay Forrt, among others.
