The Malayalam film industry continues to deliver surprises, and Prakambanam stands out as one of the biggest success stories of 2026 so far. This horror-comedy, starring Ganapathi in the lead, started with modest expectations but quickly turned into a word-of-mouth phenomenon.
After a strong theatrical run that proved small-budget films can still pack a punch, the movie is now set to arrive on streaming platforms — giving fans who missed it in cinemas a chance to experience the “spiritual” chaos from home.
Platform and Timeline
Multiple reliable reports, including from OTT Play, The Times of India, and Economic Times, confirm that ZEE5 has bagged the streaming rights for Prakambanam. The platform is yet to drop an official premiere date, but industry buzz points strongly to an early March 2026 arrival — likely the first week. This fits the usual window for successful regional films, which typically land on OTT 4-6 weeks after theaters to ride the ongoing hype.
Theatrical release happened on January 30, 2026, giving it roughly a month-plus run in cinemas. Fans can expect the movie to stream exclusively on ZEE5 in Malayalam, with subtitles available for non-Malayalam speakers. Keep checking ZEE5’s app or social channels for the exact drop — announcements tend to come closer to the date.
Plot Breakdown: When a Ritual Goes Hilariously Wrong
At its heart, Prakambanam is a fun take on friendship, hostel rivalries, and unintended supernatural trouble. The story centers on three college buddies in a Kochi men’s hostel: Sidhu (Ganapathi), Punyalan (Sagar Surya), and Shankaran (Al Ameen). Their everyday banter and pranks take a wild turn during a family salvation ritual for Punyalan’s grandmother. In a classic comedy-of-errors moment, Punyalan ends up inhaling her ashes — cue “possession” and total mayhem in the hostel.
What follows is pure group-panic comedy, with light horror touches that serve the laughs rather than genuine scares. Veteran Mallika Sukumaran brings gravitas, while supporting actors like Azeez Nedumangad, P P Kunjikrishnan, and Sheetal Joseph add solid depth. Directed by Vijesh Panathur, the film draws clear parallels to earlier Malayalam successes like Romancham and Adi Kapyare Kootamani — all masters of blending scares with situational humor.
Box Office Story: From Modest Start to Major Profit
Made on a budget of around ₹4 crore, Prakambanam has crossed ₹21 crore worldwide (India net ~₹14 crore, gross ~₹16.5 crore+), with overseas adding another ₹4.75 crore. It earned super-hit status and became the most profitable Malayalam film of 2026 so far, boasting over 250% ROI. A key highlight was a massive 61.9% jump on Day 23, showing how audience love kept pulling people back to theaters long after release.
This kind of sustained run is rare and usually spells strong OTT viewership — especially for a film that clicked with youth and families alike.
Why This One Stands Out
Prakambanam doesn’t chase cheap thrills. It uses horror as a setup for hilarious chaos, rooted in real college-life vibes that many can relate to. The ensemble cast delivers natural chemistry, the humor lands clean, and the pacing keeps things engaging without dragging. For anyone who enjoys light-hearted Malayalam entertainers with a twist, this is must-watch material once it hits the stream.
