The second weekend of January 2026 has brought a massive wave of excitement to the Kerala box office. While the much-anticipated release of Thalapathy Vijay’s Jananayakan faced a sudden postponement due to certification delays, several other big-budget and content-driven films have stepped in to fill the void. From the high-voltage action of Sivakarthikeyan to the experimental horror-comedy of Rebel Star Prabhas, movie lovers in Kerala have plenty of reasons to head to the theaters.
In this post, we take a deep dive into the four major releases hitting the screens this week: Pennu Case, Velleppam, Parasakthi, and The Raja Saab.
Pennu Case (Malayalam)
Directed by debutant Febin Sidharth, Pennu Case is a quirky comedy-drama that has gained significant attention due to its unique premise and Nikhila Vimal’s lead performance. Originally slated for a mid-January release, the makers cleverly moved the date forward to January 10 to capitalize on the open slot in theaters.
The Plot & Expectations: The story revolves around a marriage function that descends into total chaos when a series of shocking secrets about a “con woman” begin to surface. Nikhila Vimal plays the central character—a woman who has allegedly tricked multiple men into marriage without remorse. The film explores the investigation led by a perplexed police officer (played by Hakkim Shahjahan) who has to deal with a line-up of “grooms” all making similar complaints.
Audience Buzz: Audience expectations are high for this film, especially following the paid premieres on January 9th. Early reviews suggest that while the narrative is grounded and simple, the climax twist is the real showstopper. Fans of Nikhila Vimal are praising her for choosing a bold, non-traditional role. With supporting acts from Aju Varghese and Ramesh Pisharody, this film is expected to be a solid family entertainer for the weekend.
Velleppam (Malayalam)
Another local favorite this week is Velleppam, a romantic comedy with a touch of fantasy. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the famous “Velleppangadi” in Thrissur, the film brings a local flavor that Malayali audiences always cherish.
The Plot & Expectations: The movie follows Sara, a young woman selling Velleppam, and her brother Josemon. The story takes a turn when Josemon falls for Kaleena (Noorin Shereef). The film is directed by Praveen Raj Pookkadan and is being marketed as a “feel-good” entertainer.
Audience Buzz: The biggest talking point for Velleppam is the comeback of actress Roma Asrani. After a long hiatus, her return to the big screen has created a sense of nostalgia among fans. Additionally, the presence of Shine Tom Chacko and the youthful chemistry between Akshay Radhakrishnan and Noorin Shereef have made this a preferred choice for college students and younger viewers. The melodic soundtrack, featuring a track by Vineeth Sreenivasan, has already become a hit on social media.
Parasakthi (Tamil)
Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film, Parasakthi, is perhaps the most discussed Tamil release of the season. Directed by the acclaimed Sudha Kongara, this is not your typical “mass” entertainer; it is a serious socio-political period drama.
The Plot & Expectations: Set in the 1960s, Parasakthi chronicles the historical resistance to Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu. Sivakarthikeyan plays a revolutionary leader, a role that demanded significant physical and emotional transformation. The film features a stellar cast including Sreeleela, Atharvaa, and Rana Daggubati.
Audience Buzz: Despite facing plagiarism allegations and legal hurdles in the Madras High Court just days before release, the film has finally reached the screens. The audience is eager to see Sivakarthikeyan in a gritty, realistic avatar. The hype is massive because Sudha Kongara (of Soorarai Pottru fame) is known for her powerful storytelling. In Kerala, where Tamil cinema has a huge following, Parasakthi is expected to witness packed houses, especially for its emotional depth and historical relevance.
The Raja Saab (Telugu – Dubbed)
Finally, we have the “Pan-Indian” sensation, The Raja Saab, starring Rebel Star Prabhas. After a string of intense action movies like Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD, Prabhas is experimenting with the horror-comedy genre.
The Plot & Expectations: Directed by Maruthi, the film is a colorful, high-VFX fantasy that takes place in an ancestral mansion. Prabhas plays a stylish character who must deal with both ghosts and greedy relatives. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt in a pivotal role, adding to the “mass” appeal.
Audience Buzz: The expectation for The Raja Saab is a mix of curiosity and excitement. Fans are thrilled to see the “Vintage Prabhas” who is charming, funny, and romantic. While critics have given the film mixed reviews regarding its comedic timing, the box office numbers tell a different story. In Kerala, the Malayalam dubbed version is seeing a good turnout from family audiences who enjoy horror-comedies. It is a visual spectacle designed for the big screen.
Conclusion
In short, the Kerala box office is packed with variety this weekend, offering something for every type of cinema lover. Whether you are looking for a clever Malayalam thriller (Pennu Case), a charming Thrissur-based rom-com (Velleppam), a powerful and thought-provoking political drama (Parasakthi), or a grand, high-budget horror-comedy (The Raja Saab), Kerala theaters have it all covered this week. Each of these films brings a unique flavor to the screen, promising a great cinematic experience. Make sure to book your tickets early to avoid the inevitable weekend rush at the theaters!
