Record-Setting Malayalam Blockbuster Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Begins Streaming on JioHotstar

The Malayalam romantic comedy Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju and directed by Girish A.D., will begin streaming exclusively on JioHotstar on October 2, 2026, in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. Released in theaters on August 21, the film has reportedly grossed more than ₹300 crore worldwide, surpassing Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film. Its box-office success has made it a major career milestone for Pauly and extended the film’s reach ahead of its streaming debut.
The film reportedly earned ₹162 crore net in India and ₹327 crore worldwide; it was still playing in theaters when its streaming date was announced.
Its estimated production budget was ₹25–35 crore, and Kerala contributed about ₹152 crore of the worldwide total; the film became the first to earn more than ₹150 crore from Kerala alone.
The film reached ₹300 crore worldwide in 24 days and crossed ₹100 crore in Kerala in 14 days, becoming the fourth film to enter Kerala’s ₹100-crore club.
The story follows Ashley, whose family moves to Angamaly after financial difficulties, and Justin, a bachelor who runs a catering business; their shared interest in music helps bring them together, while age differences and family expectations complicate the relationship.
The film’s screenplay was co-written by Girish A.D. and Kiran Josey. Its technical team includes cinematographer Ajmal Sabu, editor Akash Joseph Varghese and composer Vishnu Vijay; Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran produced it under Bhavana Studios.
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