Girish AD's romantic entertainer becomes the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever, surpassing Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit (2026) has officially overtaken Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film in history. The romcom, directed by Girish AD and featuring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles, completed its theatrical run before making its OTT debut on JioHotstar on October 2, 2026.
The film’s success comes at a pivotal moment for Malayalam cinema. Just days after its streaming launch, the first Hindi remake of Girish AD’s earlier hit Premalu — titled Prem Keetanu, opened in theatres, drawing inevitable comparisons between the two films. Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, Prem Keetanu stars Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Syed, Aparshakti Khurana, Nikhil Vijay, and Rakesh Bedi.
Rediff’s Sreeju Sudhakaran ranked Girish AD’s filmography, placing Bethlehem Kudumba Unit at the top despite lingering critiques. While the director is praised for his mastery of light-hearted romance and relatable teen dynamics, some critics note that the film’s central love story falters in the second half. The pairing of Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, though electric, doesn’t always convince audiences why the couple should be together.
Earlier works like Thanneer Mathan Dinangal and I Am Kathalan are seen as strong but underappreciated. Thanneer Mathan Dinangal remains a benchmark for authentic teenage storytelling, while I Am Kathalan, a darker revenge thriller, was overshadowed by Premalu’s massive success despite better reception on OTT.
Even Premalu, often hailed as a cult classic, isn’t without flaws. Critics point to narrative shortcuts. Such as Sachin magically securing funds for UK studies, and an ending that leans on emotional manipulation rather than resolution.
Still, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit marks a high-water mark for Girish AD’s signature style. It’s not just a repeat of past hits. It’s a refined version of his formula, with sharper pacing and more confident direction. The film’s exploration of age-gap dynamics in romance is handled with care, largely through the female protagonist’s perspective.
With its streaming release now underway, the film’s legacy is being debated across platforms. Fans are calling it a modern classic. Others argue it’s overrated. But one thing’s certain: Girish AD has cemented his place as a leading voice in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
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