Cinema VinesOn the 13th of September, Bhavana Studios announced that the Malayalam film Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, has become the highest‑grossing Malayalam movie ever released in Kerala. The film, which opened on August 21, 2026, during the Onam festival, is now in its 24th day of theatrical run and has surpassed the previous record held by Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros.
Directed by Girish A D, the story follows Ashley, who returns to Kerala after living abroad and rekindles memories tied to Justin, a local caterer with a passion for music. Their age‑gap romance and the reactions of those around them form the core of the narrative, while a broader ensemble of characters linked to the Bethlehem Kudumba Unit adds depth to the communal setting.
The film’s production was overseen by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran, all of whom produced the project under Bhavana Studios. Vishnu Vijay composed the score, Ajmal Sabu handled cinematography, and Akash Joseph Varghese was the editor. The supporting cast includes Sangeeth Prathap, Suresh Krishna, Vinay Forrt, Roshan Shanavas, Shyam Mohan, Srinda, Parvathy Ayyappadas, Meenakshy Raveendran, Sreeranjini, Vineeth Viswam and Bindu Panicker.
According to Bhavana Studios’ social media post, the film has also crossed the ₹300‑crore threshold worldwide, positioning it ahead of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra in the race for the highest‑grossing Malayalam film globally. The record was shared on Sunday evening, marking a significant milestone for the film’s box‑office journey.
While Bethlehem Kudumba Unit continues to screen in theatres, its final earnings will depend on its performance in the remaining weeks of its run, especially as it enters the later stages of its fourth week. The film’s sustained success amid the arrival of new releases during the season underscores its strong audience appeal and commercial momentum.
