Malayalam hit Bethlehem Kudumba Unit makes its OTT debut

Malayalam romantic comedy Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is now streaming on JioHotstar after a successful theatrical run. According to The Economic Times, the film crossed the Rs 300 crore mark at the box office and stands as the highest-grossing Malayalam film to date. The movie was released during the Onam season and reached audiences in multiple languages, including a Hindi version. Despite its digital release, the film continues to run in theatres across Kerala. Directed by Girish AD and written by Girish alongside Kiran Josey, the film stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. The story follows the romance between college student Ashley, played by Baiju, and her thirty-something neighbour Justin, played by Pauly. Ashley's family moved to Angamaly in the Ernakulam district due to economic circumstances. The supporting cast includes Vinay Forrt as uncle Alex, Sangeeth Pratap as Joel, and Roshan Shanavas as Glikson.

Context

Malayalam cinema has developed a strong reputation for slice-of-life hangout films that focus on community settings and detailed everyday characters. The film industry in Kerala has seen growing box office success and wider multi-language reach through OTT platforms in recent years.