‘Hridayapoorvam’, ‘Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira’ and ‘Lokah’: All about the Onam box office race

This Onam, three films are set to clash at the Malayalam box office. Hridayapoorvam (August 28), Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira (August 29)and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (August 28)will hit the screens, creating the perfect festive atmosphere for film buffs.

Incidentally, the box office race is set to be a battle of three generations. Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira has Fahadh Faasil — the current superstar of Malayalam cinema — in the lead. Fahadh is paired with new-gen actor Kalyani Priyadarshan, who will also feature alongside her contemporary Naslen in Lokah. The third movie in the ring is Hridayapoorvam, bringing back the celebrated combination of veteran director Sathyan Anthikad and legendary actor Mohanlal.

Onam releases also provide the perfect variety. Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira is set to offer a Korean rom-com flavour. The movie marks the return of actor Althaf Salim as a director. He had made the delightful dark comedy Njandukalude Naatil Oridavela (2017). His sophomore movie’s trailer hints at a balance of deadpan and slapstick humour.

Lokah is Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero movie. The film’s success could spur an exciting franchise. Social media is abuzz is with reports of Duqluer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas playing cameos in the movie. The gripping trailer has set the tone for the movie, with Kalyani appearing stylish, pulling of challenging action sequences. Jakes Bejoy’s music is another standout factor from the trailer, promising a rousing background score.

Hridayapoorvam, also starring Sangeeth Prathap and Malavika Mohanan,appears to be a feel-good drama. The film’s teaser and trailer reveal the trademark signature of filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad. The movie is likely to delve into relationships and the aspect of finding one-self in a slice-of-life manner. Morever, after two high-intensity roles (Empuraan and Thudarum), Mohanlal is back playing a fun and lovable character, laced with quirky humour.

ALSO READ: ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’: Fahadh Faasil-Kalyani Priyadarshan film gets a new release date

Malayalam cinema has always witnessed box office clashes during the festive season. Earlier this year, Alappuzha Gymkhana, Bazooka and Maranamass released during the Vishu week. Naslen’s underdog boxing drama, directed by Thallumaala fame Khalid Rahman, emerged the box office winner, pipping Mammootty’s action thriller and Basil Joseph’s quirky comedy Maranamass. It remains to be seen which out of the three highly-anticipated movies will win the race this Onam.