The last week of August is turning theatres into a battlefield of emotions, laughs, and superheroes. Four films—Hridayapoorvam, Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra, Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, and Param Sundari—are arriving on the big screen, each carrying its own flavour. Let’s break down what’s cooking for cinephiles.
Hridayapoorvam – Mohanlal’s Evergreen Charm Returns
Superstar Mohanlal, the face of Malayalam cinema for decades, is back with Hridayapoorvam, releasing on August 28. Directed by his longtime collaborator Sathyan Anthikad, this family entertainer promises warmth, nostalgia, and drama.
- Malavika Mohanan joins him, bringing freshness to the cast.
- The story is based on an idea by Akhil Sathyan, the mind behind Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum.
With Anthikad steering the ship, expect middle-class family issues wrapped in humour and emotions. This could be Mohanlal’s big “connect with the masses” comeback after a string of experimental films.
Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra – Kerala’s Answer to the Superhero Craze
Releasing on August 28, this one is ambitious. Directed by Dominic Arun, the film kicks off a multi-part superhero saga.
- The cast includes Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Santhy Balachandran, Vijayaraghavan, Nishanth Sagar, and Raghunath Paleri.
- It’s the first chapter of a cinematic universe, something Malayalam cinema hasn’t attempted at this scale.
With Marvel fatigue setting in, can Indian filmmakers redefine superheroes? This movie dares to say “yes.” If it clicks, it could start a new franchise race in Indian cinema.
Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira – Fahadh Faasil in a Quirky Rom-Com
August 29 sees the release of Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, directed by Althaf Salim.
- Fahadh Faasil, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Lal, and Vinay Forrt headline the cast.
- Known for his subtle yet eccentric style, Althaf gives rom-com a twist that promises both fun and depth.
Fahadh is known for picking unusual scripts, and this pairing with Kalyani is already making fans restless. Could this be the “quirky hit” of the season?
Param Sundari – Bollywood’s North-South Love Story
On August 29, Bollywood brings glamour with Param Sundari, directed by Tushar Jalota.
- Starring Sidharth Malhotra as Param (a North Indian charmer) and Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari (a free-spirited Kerala girl).
- A love story with a cross-cultural twist, the film explores traditions, clashes, and romance.
Provocative Thought: Bollywood loves its “North meets South” trope, but audiences are unforgiving now. If the film is all gloss and no depth, it risks being dismissed as yet another cliché.
Final Take – A Cinematic Buffet, But Who Wins?
This week is a clash of genres:
- Family drama (Hridayapoorvam)
- Superhero experiment (Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra)
- Quirky rom-com (Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira)
- Bollywood romance (Param Sundari)
The hottest battle? Param Sundari vs Hridayapoorvam. Mohanlal has a loyal Kerala base, but Bollywood’s star power might be overshadowed in metros.
One thing is clear: audiences are spoiled for choice, and theatres are buzzing again. Whether you want superheroes, romance, or family feels—this week has it all.
By – Nikita