Malayalam Zee5 is set to premiere Aadu 3 on May 1, marking the grand return of one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved cult franchises. Written and directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the film is the third instalment in the Aadu series and the first part of a two‑film epic that pushes the franchise into unexpected, ambitious terrain.

Aadu 3 locks OTT release

Produced jointly by Friday Film House (Vijay Babu) and Kavya Film Company (Venu Kunnappilly), Aadu 3 reunites the iconic ensemble led by Jayasurya as Shaji Pappan, alongside Saiju Kurup, Vinayakan, Renji Panicker, Vijay Babu, Sunny Wayne, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Bhagath Manuel, Indrans, Bijukuttan, Sudhi Koppa, and Harikrishnan, all reprising their much‑loved roles. The new chapter also introduces Alleya Bourne and Krishna Jeev, expanding the canvas of the Aadu universe.
While the earlier Aadu films gained cult status for their anarchic humour and sharply etched characters, Aadu 3 marks a decisive shift in scale. Set across multiple timelines, the story unfolds simultaneously in a dystopian future, colonial‑era Kerala, and the present day.