From Prithviraj, Mohanlal and Neil Nitin Mukesh joining forces in a crime thriller, Ravi Teja as a conflicted, but devoted father in a family drama, the sixth installment of a major-hit horror series and Jason Statham as a man on the run in yet another action thriller, this week’s releases bring many familiar faces back to the screen, spanning a diverse range of genres and stories.
Malayalam
Khalifa stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal and Neil Nitin Mukesh in lead roles. It follows a gold smuggling kingpin who inherits a sprawling multi-million dollar criminal empire from a long line of gangsters. The film traces his high-stakes operation as it unfolds across the Middle East and India.
Directed by Vysakh, Khalifa will release in theaters on August 20.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is a romantic comedy that follows Ashley's homecoming from abroad. Her return takes an emotional turn when a wedding next door stirs up memories of her first love.
This nostalgic romantic-comedy about first love, second chances and the kind of romance worth the wait is directed by Girish A.D. and stars Nivin Pauly, Mamitha Baiju, Vinay Forrt and Srinda in lead roles. The film will release in theaters on August 21.
Telugu
Directed by Shiva Nirvana, Ravi Teja leads this family drama centered on faith, love and culture. The film marks Nirvana’s first collaboration with Teja and stars Priya Bhavani Shankar as his wife, Kaveri, and Baby Nakshathra as their daughter.
Irumudi sees Teja play the role of a devoted father who is determined to protect his daughter against all odds, and makes a commitment to leave his drinking habits behind. Through this, the film evolves into a much bigger spiritual journey about inner transformation and family.
The film is set to release in theaters on August 21.
Tamil
Directed by Elan, who also makes his acting debut in the film, this comedy-drama stars Saanvee Meghana as the female lead, Pavi.
The film revolves around Pavi, a new bride, who refuses to leave her family home after marriage, leading to her husband, played by Elan, moving into her house instead. Premiering on Netflix on August 21, the film follows his attempts to navigate and adjust to his wife's family, with the comedy arising from the reversal of a convention where typically the bride relocates to the groom's home.
English
Starring Jason Statham, Annabelle Wallis and Ramon Tikaram in pivotal roles, the action thriller follows Cole Reed (Statham) who is wrongly accused of killing his billionaire industrialist boss who dies in front of him. On the run to avenge his boss’ death, when Reed boards a cargo ship on a one-man battle, he also discovers an international conspiracy in the works.
The film is directed by Jean-François Richet and is set to release in theaters on August 21.
The sixth installment of the Insidious franchise, Insidious: Out of the Further, is set to hit the screens on August 21, this time introducing a new protagonist who faces mysterious apparitions that go far beyond the conventional haunting phenomenon.
Directed by Jacob Chase, the film stars Sam Spurell, Lin Shaye and Maisie Richardson-sellers in lead roles.