Multiverse Manmadhan to Kanthanar: Malayalam Cinema's Bold Leap into Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Malayalam cinema, long celebrated for its rich storytelling, realism, and experimental narratives, is now making a daring shift toward sci-fi and fantasy. The industry, which has traditionally excelled in drama, thrillers, and social narratives, is gearing up to explore uncharted territories with an impressive lineup of high-concept films. From zombies and superheroes to multiverse adventures and fantasy thrillers, Mollywood is proving that it’s ready to embrace global storytelling trends while adding its unique touch.

The Malayalam film industry faced a staggering loss of ₹650-700 crore in 2024, with only 26 out of 204 films (including five re-releases) achieving commercial success, according to the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA). While fresh narratives and experimental genres signal a bold shift in cinematic storytelling, this transition comes at a time of financial instability. As filmmakers move towards new genres and unconventional storytelling, there is growing concern about whether these experiments will attract wider audiences or further alienate traditional viewers, potentially deepening the industry’s crisis.

A New Era of Zombie Thrillers

For the first time in Malayalam cinema, the undead will take center stage with multiple zombie-themed movies. Vara and Jambi are two upcoming films that promise to introduce the zombie genre in an exciting and authentic way. While the industry has experimented with horror before, full-fledged zombie films have been rare. These movies are expected to combine action, suspense, and horror elements with strong narratives, marking a significant genre shift.

                          Poster of Jambi movie 

                 Courtesy: Weekend Blockbusters

                        Poster of Vala Movie 

              Courtesy: Letters Entertainment 

Adding to the lineup is Manjeswaram Mafia, which is being marketed as Malayalam cinema’s first-ever zombie movie. The film is expected to blend elements of crime, action, and horror, setting a new precedent for Mollywood's genre diversity. With audiences becoming more open to experimental cinema, these films could pave the way for more ambitious horror-thrillers in the industry.

                Poster of Majeswaram Mafia

             Courtesy: India Cinema Company

Fantasy Takes Flight with Lovely

One of the most unique projects in the pipeline is Lovely, a 3D fantasy film that revolves around a housefly as its central character. This imaginative concept hints at a visually spectacular experience, potentially drawing comparisons to S.S. Rajamouli’s Eega (2012), which also featured a housefly in a leading role. However, Lovely aims to bring a fresh narrative with cutting-edge 3D effects, making it a promising addition to Mollywood’s expanding fantasy genre.

               Lovely Movie First look poster

                Courtesy: Mathew Thomas 

Mollywood Enters the Multiverse with Multiverse Manmadhan

Superhero films have been a dominant force in global cinema, and Mollywood is now set to enter the multiversal storytelling realm with Multiverse Manmadhan. While the Malayalam film industry has produced superhero films before (Minnal Murali being a notable example), this project takes it a step further by incorporating the concept of parallel universes. If executed well, Multiverse Manmadhan could set a new benchmark for superhero films in Indian cinema and compete with the ever-growing multiverse narratives seen in Hollywood.

Multiverse Manmadhan Announcement poster 

                       Courtesy: Nivin Pauly 

A Return to Myth and Mystery with Kanthanar

Fantasy thrillers have always had a special place in Indian storytelling, and Kanthanar is expected to blend mythology, folklore, and mystery to create an immersive cinematic experience. With a growing demand for films that incorporate local myths and supernatural elements, this project is likely to attract a wide audience. If done right, it could follow in the footsteps of successful fantasy-thrillers like Tumbbad (2018) while maintaining a distinctly Malayalam identity.

         Screengrabs from Kanthanar glimpse

           Courtesy: Sree Gokulam Movies

A Genre Revolution for Malayalam Cinema

Malayalam cinema has long been known for its grounded storytelling and realistic narratives. However, with the success of experimental films like Minnal Murali (2021), which received nationwide acclaim, the industry has gained confidence to explore new genres. These upcoming films indicate a bold departure from the usual narrative style, signaling that Mollywood is ready to compete with larger industries in the sci-fi and fantasy space.

       Screengrabs from Minnal Murali Trailer

                    Courtesy: Netflix India 

Moreover, the advancement of VFX technology in Indian cinema has made it possible for filmmakers to dream bigger. The success of pan-Indian films like RRR, Kantara, and Brahmāstra has shown that Indian audiences are more open to larger-than-life storytelling. Mollywood, known for its strong content and innovative storytelling, is now stepping up to the challenge, ensuring that high-concept films are not just visually stunning but also narratively compelling.

                       RRR Interval Scene 

                          Courtesy: IMDb

            Bramhastra Climax fight scene 

              Courtesy: Dharma Production

Climax!

With Vara, Jambi, Lovely, Multiverse Manmadhan, Kanthanar, and Manjeswaram Mafia leading the way, Malayalam cinema is on the verge of a genre revolution. This shift not only expands the scope of storytelling but also attracts new audiences who are eager to see Malayalam cinema evolve.

As these films hit the big screen, they will not only test the industry's ability to handle grand visual spectacles but also set the stage for future sci-fi and fantasy projects. If successful, this could mark the beginning of a new era where Mollywood becomes a major player in genre cinema, blending global storytelling trends with its unique storytelling depth. One thing is certain, exciting times lie ahead for Malayalam cinema, and audiences are in for a thrilling ride!

By Swayanjeet Das