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Nivin Pauly’s ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ tops Malayalam box office; overtakes Lokah to claim ₹305 crore
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Nivin Pauly’s ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ tops Malayalam box office; overtakes Lokah to claim ₹305 crore

On its 24th day of theatrical release, the Malayalam romantic comedy Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has reportedly crossed the ₹300‑crore threshold at the worldwide box office, according to film‑industry tracker AB George. The film, which stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, is now estimated to have earned ₹305 crore globally, surpassing the previous record held by Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra which closed at ₹302.65 crore.

AB George shared the figures on X at 11:50 AM on September 13, noting that Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has become the highest‑grossing Malayalam film of all time. The tracker also highlighted that this is only the second Malayalam movie to enter the ₹300‑crore club, with the first being Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. The numbers are based on the tracker’s estimates and have not yet been independently verified.

The film opened in theatres on August 21, 2026, coinciding with the Onam festival season, and is now in its fourth week of release. Directed by Girish A. D. and produced by Bhavana Studios, the project is backed by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran. In addition to Pauly and Baiju, the supporting cast includes Sangeeth Prathap, Suresh Krishna, Vinay Forrt, Roshan Shanavas, Srinda, Parvathy Ayyappadas and several others.

The story follows Ashley, who returns to Kerala after a stint abroad, rekindling a past friendship with Justin, a local caterer who shares her love of music. Their bond evolves into a romantic relationship, complicated by their age difference and the reactions of their families and community. The narrative also expands to explore the personal lives of other members of the Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, giving the film an ensemble feel.

With its record‑breaking earnings, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit joins the ranks of Malayalam cinema’s biggest box‑office successes, setting a new benchmark for future releases in the industry.