Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, is set to make its digital premiere on JioHotstar on October 2, 2026. The romantic comedy-drama, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, will be available for streaming in five languages—Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Directed by Girish A.D., the film has already cemented its place in history as a landmark achievement in Malayalam cinema, and its OTT release offers audiences who missed it in theatres a chance to experience the phenomenon from home.
The film’s commercial performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Made on a budget of ₹25 crore, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit grossed a staggering ₹329.57 crore worldwide, with ₹191.32 crore collected in India and ₹138.25 crore in international markets. It surpassed Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, a milestone that underscores its universal appeal and the loyalty of its audience. The film’s success is a testament to the power of heartfelt storytelling and the enduring star power of Nivin Pauly.
Critically, the film has been widely praised as a “happy pill” and a comforting, nostalgic watch. Reviewers have highlighted its avoidance of predatory tropes typically associated with age-gap love stories, instead focusing on organic situational humor and relatable neighbourhood dynamics. It boasts an impressive 8.3/10 on IMDb and holds high scores across aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes. Critics from major publications like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Times of India commended director Girish A.D. for his witty writing and the film’s warm, feel-good tone.
The performances have been a major highlight of the film. Nivin Pauly’s portrayal of Justin, a mature and charm-filled local caterer, has been hailed as a massive career comeback, bringing him back to his quintessential comfort zone. Mamitha Baiju delivered a strong, steady performance as Ashley, bringing genuine depth and maturity to a character navigating a complex relationship and strict family structures. The ensemble cast, including Sangeeth Prathap and Bindu Panicker, added to the film’s charm with their organic banter and easy chemistry. With its OTT release on JioHotstar, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is poised to reach an even wider audience and continue its reign as one of the most beloved Malayalam films of the year.
