The Onam 2026 box office clash is just days away! After Dulquer Salmaan’s I’m Game dropped out of the race at the box office, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa and Nivin Pauly’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit remain. While Khalifa will be released in theatres on August 20, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit hits theatres on August 21. While Khalifa will enjoy a solo opening day, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit will have competition from Khalifa.
High Stakes For Prithviraj And Nivin Pauly
Both leading men in Malayalam cinema could do with a big box-office hit. Both actors’ previous two films tanked at the box office. While Nivin faced failure in Baby Girl and Prathichaya, Prithviraj had Vilayath Buddha and I, Nobody. It tanked at the box office. While Prithviraj’s last hit was L2: Empuraan, in which he played the second lead and additionally directed it, nivin’s last hit was Sarvam Maya, released in theaters in December 2025. Now, all eyes are on the Onam releases for both actors to redeem their box office status and avoid a hat-trick of flops.
Can Both Films Succeed?
With I’m Game postponed, Khalifa and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit have more screens to themselves and have higher potential to succeed. Both actors have massive followings, and the two films are in completely different genres. This gives the films more space to co-exist despite the clash. With the trailers for both films receiving positive reactions from audiences, they are likely to have a robust start at the box office.
Khalifa has already started its advance booking throughout the globe. In Kerala, the film surpassed 1 crore in gross on Day 1 in just 8 hours after bookings opened. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is yet to open its advance booking. The film might be a favorite among the family audience for its feel-good romantic genre. The film also stars Mamitha Baiju. This person is at present in great form at the box office following the release of Jana Nayagan and Vishwanath & Sons.
Stay tuned to Koimoi for more box office updates!
