Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is highest-grossing Malayalam film now, overtakes Lokah
Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju-starrer Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has scripted box-office history. The Girish AD-directed romantic comedy has overtaken Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, earning a reported Rs 304.9 crore worldwide in just 24 days.
The film achieved the feat on Sunday, September 13, marking another major milestone in an extraordinary theatrical run. With its worldwide gross now ahead of Lokah's reported lifetime collection of Rs 302 crore, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has taken the top spot in the Malayalam box-office rankings.
The achievement also marks a significant comeback for Nivin Pauly, who leads the film alongside Mamitha Baiju. Directed by Girish AD, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has sustained its momentum well into its fourth week, with audiences continuing to turn up despite the arrival of newer releases.Nivin Pauly film overtakes Lokah
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and directed by Dominic Arun, has established itself as Malayalam cinema's highest-grossing film after an exceptional run in 2025. Its reported worldwide collection stood at around Rs 302 crore (as per trade website, Sacnilk), making its reign relatively short-lived as Bethlehem Kudumba Unit raced past the mark in its 24th day.
The record is particularly striking given the pace at which Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has reached the milestone. The film crossed the Rs 300-crore mark worldwide within 24 days, underlining the strength of its theatrical run.
The film's success has also added another remarkable chapter to the recent growth of Malayalam cinema at the box office. In the past few years, the industry has repeatedly pushed its own benchmarks, with films such as Manjummel Boys, 2018, L2: Empuraan and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra setting new standards for Malayalam releases. A remarkable run for Bethlehem Kudumba Unit
The Girish AD directorial has been one of the major theatrical success stories of 2026, with its performance extending well beyond Kerala. The film's strong reception among audiences helped it maintain momentum through multiple weeks, eventually putting it in contention for the all-time Malayalam box-office record.
The milestone also comes amid a strong phase for Nivin Pauly. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has been widely described as a major comeback for the actor, with the film's success restoring him to the centre of the Malayalam industry's box-office conversation. His performance alongside Mamitha Baiju was one of the film's key attractions.
The film is produced by Bhavana Studios, with Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran backing the project. It also features Sangeeth Prathap, Shyam Mohan, Vinay Forrt, Suresh Krishna, Bindu Panicker and Srinda.- EndsPublished By: K JananiPublished On: Sep 14, 2026 16:14 ISTALSO READ | Bethlehem Kudumba Unit review: Nivin, Mamitha power this warm hug of a film
