Aadu 3 is the third instalment in the popular Malayalam Aadu film franchise, bringing back the unforgettable characters and comic energy that made the earlier films favourites among audiences. Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the movie features Jayasurya in the lead role as Pannimattathil Shaji Pappan, along with several familiar actors from the previous instalments.
Unlike the earlier films, Aadu 3 takes the franchise into a bigger fantasy world, mixing comedy, action, adventure and historical elements. The story brings an unusual twist to the lives of Shaji Pappan and his gang, with characters appearing in a different historical setting.
The film was released in theatres on 19 March 2026. Its ensemble cast includes Vinayakan, Saiju Kurup, Sunny Wayne, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Vijay Babu, Indrans, Bhagath Manuel, Harikrishnan and many other actors. This article covers the available cast list, character names, film details, crew members, story, release information and box-office performance.
Cast of Aadu 3 – Actors and Character Names
The cast of Aadu 3 combines returning performers with additional actors who help expand the franchise’s fictional universe. Jayasurya once again plays the central character, Shaji Pappan, while Vinayakan returns as Dude and Saiju Kurup reprises his role as Arakkal Abu.
The supporting cast also includes several familiar faces whose characters have been part of the franchise’s humour and memorable situations. The film introduces a fantasy-oriented setting, giving some of the established characters different identities in its historical storyline.
| Actor Name | Character Name |
|---|---|
| Jayasurya | Pannimattathil Shaji Pappan |
| Vinayakan | Dude |
| Saiju Kurup | Arakkal Abu |
| Dharmajan Bolgatty | Captain Sachin Cleetus |
| Sunny Wayne | Saathan Xavier |
| Vijay Babu | Sarbath Shameer |
| Indrans | P. P. Sasi |
| Bhagath Manuel | Krishnan Mandaram |
| Harikrishnan | Lolan |
| Bijukuttan | Battery Simon |
| Renji Panicker | Pannimattathil Thomas Pappan |
| Sudhi Koppa | Kanjavu Soman |
| Aju Varghese | Driver Ponnappan |
| Srinda | Mary |
| Alleya Bourne | Kate Lara / Cassandra |
| Unni Rajan P. Dev | Bastin Pathrose |
| Nelson | Dragon Paily |
| Vineeth Mohan | Kuttan Moonga |
| Noby Marcose | Constable Ayyappankutty |
| Chemban Vinod Jose | Supporting role |
| Baiju | Panchayath President Uthup Theckeparambil |
| Pradeep Kottayam | Supporting role |
| Fukru | Supporting role |
| Nazreen Nazar | Stella |
| Govind Krishna | Vikraman Gurukkal |
| Midhun Manuel Thomas | Cameo appearance |
| Vedhika | Special dance appearance |
Aadu 3 Movie Overview
Aadu 3 is a Malayalam-language fantasy comedy film and the third major instalment in the Aadu franchise. The movie continues the story of characters audiences first met in Aadu: Oru Bheekara Jeevi Aanu and later saw again in Aadu 2.
The film is directed and written by Midhun Manuel Thomas, who has been closely associated with the franchise from its beginning. With its larger scale, fantasy elements and familiar ensemble, the third instalment takes the story in a different direction.
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Aadu 3 |
| Alternative Title | Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1 |
| Release Year | 2026 |
| Release Date | 19 March 2026 |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Genre | Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Adventure |
| Director | Midhun Manuel Thomas |
| Writer | Midhun Manuel Thomas |
| Lead Actor | Jayasurya |
| Female Cast | Alleya Bourne, Srinda, Vedhika and others |
| Music Director | Shaan Rahman |
| Background Score | Dawn Vincent |
| Cinematography | Akhil George |
| Editor | Lijo Paul |
| Producers | Vijay Babu, Venu Kunnappilly |
| Production Companies | Friday Film House, Kavya Film Company |
| Theatrical Release | 19 March 2026 |
| OTT Platform | ZEE5 |
| OTT Release Date | 1 May 2026 |
What Is Aadu 3 About?
Aadu 3 takes the familiar characters of the franchise into a new fantasy adventure. At the centre of the film is Shaji Pappan, whose unusual personality and unpredictable gang have been responsible for much of the comedy in the earlier movies.
This time, the story moves beyond the familiar situations of the previous instalments. It introduces a historical setting and fantasy-based developments, connecting the characters with a different period and giving the narrative a new dimension.
The film brings together comedy, action and adventure while retaining the distinctive personalities of its central characters. The unusual circumstances and interactions between the gang members remain an important part of its entertainment value.
Aadu 3 Release Date
Aadu 3 was released in theatres on 19 March 2026. The film arrived as the next major chapter in the Malayalam comedy franchise, following the popularity that the earlier movies developed over the years.
The release attracted attention because audiences were eager to see Jayasurya and the original gang return to the big screen. The film also generated interest through its fantasy-based promotional material and historical character posters.
Main Cast of Aadu 3 and Their Characters
The strength of Aadu 3 lies in its ensemble cast. Many actors return to characters that have already become familiar to Malayalam film audiences. Their established comic styles and relationships help maintain continuity while the story introduces new situations.
1. Jayasurya as Pannimattathil Shaji Pappan
Jayasurya plays Pannimattathil Shaji Pappan, the central character of the Aadu franchise. Shaji Pappan is known for his distinctive appearance, unusual confidence, comic reactions and unpredictable behaviour.
His character became especially popular because of the way he handles situations that frequently become more complicated than expected. His interactions with the rest of the gang are a major part of the franchise’s identity.
In Aadu 3, Jayasurya returns to the role with a new fantasy-oriented storyline. The historical setting also presents his character in a different identity, expanding the world associated with Shaji Pappan.
2. Vinayakan as Dude
Vinayakan returns as Dude, one of the most recognisable characters in the franchise. Dude is known for his eccentric personality, unpredictable behaviour and memorable interactions with the other members of the group.
Vinayakan’s performance adds a different kind of energy to the comedy. His character often creates humour through his expressions, attitude and unusual responses to situations.
In the fantasy storyline of Aadu 3, Dude also receives a historical identity, giving the actor an opportunity to appear in a different setting.
3. Saiju Kurup as Arakkal Abu
Saiju Kurup plays Arakkal Abu, a returning character who has been an important part of the franchise. Abu’s personality and relationship with Shaji Pappan create several entertaining moments throughout the series.
Saiju Kurup is known for his natural comic timing and ability to make ordinary conversations entertaining. His performance helps balance the group whenever the story becomes chaotic.
In Aadu 3, Arakkal Abu continues his association with the gang while becoming part of the film’s expanded fantasy setting.
4. Dharmajan Bolgatty as Captain Sachin Cleetus
Dharmajan Bolgatty returns as Captain Sachin Cleetus. His character is recognised for his distinctive mannerisms and comic interactions with the other members of the gang.
Dharmajan’s comedy often comes from his expressions, dialogue delivery and reactions. His presence helps preserve the entertaining group dynamic that made the earlier films popular.
The third instalment also gives his character a place in the historical fantasy storyline.
5. Sunny Wayne as Saathan Xavier
Sunny Wayne plays Saathan Xavier, another returning member of the Aadu universe. The character is associated with the unusual situations and comic conflicts that develop around Shaji Pappan’s group.
Sunny Wayne brings his familiar screen presence to the film. His character adds another layer to the gang’s interactions, particularly when the group finds itself dealing with unexpected circumstances.
6. Vijay Babu as Sarbath Shameer
Vijay Babu plays Sarbath Shameer, a character connected with the police side of the franchise. His presence adds another dimension to the conflicts and comic situations involving Shaji Pappan and his companions.
Apart from acting, Vijay Babu is also one of the producers of the movie. His association with the franchise makes him an important part of the film both in front of and behind the camera.
7. Indrans as P. P. Sasi
Indrans appears as P. P. Sasi, a character associated with the political side of the Aadu universe. His performance brings a distinctive comic presence to the ensemble.
Indrans is known for his versatility and long career in Malayalam cinema. His inclusion in the third instalment strengthens the connection with the earlier films while adding another recognisable performer to the cast.
8. Bhagath Manuel as Krishnan Mandaram
Bhagath Manuel plays Krishnan Mandaram, another familiar face from the franchise. He is part of the group of characters whose interactions help create the chaotic atmosphere associated with the Aadu films.
His return is particularly meaningful for viewers who have followed the franchise since its first instalment.
9. Harikrishnan as Lolan
Harikrishnan returns as Lolan, a character who contributes to the group’s comic situations. His role is part of the ensemble that surrounds Shaji Pappan.
The character’s continued presence helps maintain the familiar group chemistry while the story moves into a larger fantasy adventure.
10. Bijukuttan as Battery Simon
Bijukuttan plays Battery Simon, another returning character from the Aadu universe. His comic performance and distinctive screen presence make him a recognisable part of the ensemble.
The character adds to the film’s humour through his interactions with other members of the gang.
11. Renji Panicker as Pannimattathil Thomas Pappan
Renji Panicker plays Pannimattathil Thomas Pappan, a character connected to Shaji Pappan’s family background. His appearance contributes to the wider fictional world of the film.
Renji Panicker is known for his work as an actor, screenwriter and director in Malayalam cinema. His experience gives the ensemble another established performer.
12. Sudhi Koppa as Kanjavu Soman
Sudhi Koppa appears as Kanjavu Soman. His character is part of the supporting group that contributes to the film’s comic atmosphere.
Sudhi Koppa has appeared in several Malayalam films and is recognised for his character performances. His return adds continuity to the franchise.
Supporting Cast of Aadu 3
Along with the main actors, Aadu 3 features several supporting performers who contribute to its larger story. These characters help build the film’s different settings and expand the world around Shaji Pappan.
| Actor | Character / Role |
|---|---|
| Aju Varghese | Driver Ponnappan |
| Srinda | Mary |
| Alleya Bourne | Cassandra / Lara |
| Unni Rajan P. Dev | Bastin Pathrose |
| Nelson | Dragon Paily |
| Vineeth Mohan | Kuttan Moonga |
| Noby Marcose | Constable Ayyappankutty |
| Nazreen Nazar | Stella |
| Govind Krishna | Vikraman Gurukkal |
| Baiju | Panchayath President Uthup Theckeparambil |
| Vedhika | Special dance appearance |
| Midhun Manuel Thomas | Cameo appearance |
| Chemban Vinod Jose | Supporting role |
| Pradeep Kottayam | Supporting role |
| Fukru | Supporting role |
The supporting cast is important because the Aadu franchise depends on more than one central performer. Its comedy comes from the combined personalities of several characters, their misunderstandings and the situations they create together.
Aadu 3 Characters in the Historical Storyline
One of the most noticeable changes in Aadu 3 is its historical fantasy setting. Promotional character posters introduced the familiar actors in new identities, suggesting that the story would connect the present-day characters with a much older period.
The historical versions give the film a different visual and narrative direction.
| Actor | Present-Day Character | Historical Identity / Poster Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jayasurya | Shaji Pappan | His Majesty / Maharaja Padmanabha Thamburaan |
| Vinayakan | Dude | The Conqueror |
| Saiju Kurup | Arakkal Abu | The Commander in Chief |
| Dharmajan Bolgatty | Captain Sachin Cleetus | The King’s Hand |
| Sunny Wayne | Saathan Xavier | The Overlord EIC |
| Vijay Babu | Sarbath Shameer | The Grand Architect |
| Indrans | P. P. Sasi | The Usurper |
These historical identities are an important part of the film’s promotional presentation. They show how the familiar characters are reimagined in a different period instead of simply repeating the setting of the earlier movies.
Aadu 3 Director and Crew Members
The technical team plays a major role in bringing the film’s fantasy world to the screen. The movie is directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, who also wrote the screenplay and story.
The production brings together experienced professionals from cinematography, editing, music, production design and visual effects.
| Crew Department | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Midhun Manuel Thomas |
| Story and Screenplay | Midhun Manuel Thomas |
| Producers | Vijay Babu, Venu Kunnappilly |
| Cinematography | Akhil George |
| Additional Cinematography Credit | Vishnu Narayanan |
| Editor | Lijo Paul |
| Music Director | Shaan Rahman |
| Background Score | Dawn Vincent |
| Lyrics | Manu Manjith |
| Production Design | Anees Nadodi |
| Costume Design | Stephy Zaviour |
| Makeup | Ronex Xavier |
| Action Direction | Anbu, Arivu, Phoenix Prabu, Mafia Sasi |
| Line Producer | Gopakumar G. K. |
| Production Companies | Friday Film House, Kavya Film Company |
Midhun Manuel Thomas – Director and Writer
Midhun Manuel Thomas is the director and writer of Aadu 3. He is closely associated with the franchise and has developed its distinctive style of comedy and ensemble storytelling.
His direction brings back the familiar characters while expanding the story with fantasy and historical elements. His involvement in both writing and direction helps maintain continuity between the different instalments.
Vijay Babu – Producer
Vijay Babu is one of the producers of the movie and also appears as Sarbath Shameer. Through Friday Film House, he has been associated with the production of several Malayalam films.
His dual involvement as an actor and producer makes him an important member of the Aadu 3 team.
Venu Kunnappilly – Producer
Venu Kunnappilly is another producer of the film. He is associated with Kavya Film Company, which joined Friday Film House in producing the third instalment.
The collaboration supported the film’s larger production scale and fantasy-oriented presentation.
Aadu 3 Cinematography, Music and Editing
The technical presentation is an important feature of Aadu 3, particularly because the film moves between familiar comic situations and a historical fantasy setting.
Akhil George handles the cinematography, creating the visual framework for the film. Lijo Paul is responsible for editing, while Shaan Rahman composes the music and original themes.
The background score is handled by Dawn Vincent. The combination of music, editing and visual effects helps distinguish the third instalment from the earlier movies.
Aadu 3 Runtime and Language
Aadu 3 is a Malayalam-language film made primarily for audiences who have followed the franchise. Its theatrical runtime is approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes, although published listings may differ slightly.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Malayalam |
| Genre | Fantasy Comedy |
| Runtime | Approximately 2 hours 48 minutes |
| Theatrical Release | 19 March 2026 |
| Certification | U |
| Available Languages on OTT | Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada |
Aadu 3 Box Office Collection
Aadu 3 received considerable attention at the box office following its theatrical release. The film attracted audiences through its popular cast, established franchise identity and fantasy-comedy storyline.
Industry tracking estimates reported a worldwide gross of approximately ₹120.11 crore after 42 days of its theatrical run. The estimated figures include domestic and overseas collections.
| Box Office Details | Estimated Collection |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | ₹120.11 crore |
| India Gross | ₹59.11 crore |
| India Net | ₹51.12 crore |
| Overseas Gross | ₹61 crore |
Aadu 3 OTT Release
After its theatrical run, Aadu 3 became available for streaming on ZEE5 from 1 May 2026.
The digital release made the movie accessible to viewers who missed its cinema release or wanted to watch it again. The film is listed with multiple language options, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
| OTT Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Aadu 3 |
| OTT Platform | ZEE5 |
| OTT Release Date | 1 May 2026 |
| Original Language | Malayalam |
| Other Listed Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada |
Connection Between Aadu, Aadu 2 and Aadu 3
The Aadu franchise has developed a loyal audience through its unusual characters and comedy. Each instalment builds on the fictional world established by the previous film.
Aadu (2015)
The first film, Aadu: Oru Bheekara Jeevi Aanu, introduced audiences to Shaji Pappan and his unusual group. Although it did not initially achieve major theatrical success, the film gradually developed a strong following through television and later viewing.
Aadu 2 (2017)
The sequel, Aadu 2, brought back the popular characters and expanded the franchise’s comic world. It became a major commercial success and strengthened the popularity of Shaji Pappan and his gang.
Aadu 3 (2026)
The third instalment, Aadu 3, takes the franchise in a fantasy-oriented direction. It combines the familiar gang with historical identities and a larger adventure, giving returning characters a new setting.
Why the Cast of Aadu 3 Is Special
The cast is one of the biggest attractions of Aadu 3. Rather than building the movie around a completely new group of characters, the film brings back many of the performers who established the franchise’s identity.
- Jayasurya’s return as Shaji Pappan keeps the central character of the franchise at the heart of the story.
- Vinayakan and Saiju Kurup bring back two familiar personalities whose interactions are an important part of the comedy.
- Dharmajan Bolgatty and Sunny Wayne help maintain the ensemble chemistry developed in the earlier instalments.
- Vijay Babu contributes both as an actor and as a producer.
- Indrans, Renji Panicker and other experienced performers add depth to the supporting cast.
- The historical character identities give several returning actors a different appearance and role within the fantasy setting.
The combination of familiar performers and a new storyline allows the movie to retain its franchise identity while offering a different cinematic experience.
Conclusion
The cast of Aadu 3 brings together Jayasurya, Vinayakan, Saiju Kurup, Sunny Wayne, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Vijay Babu, Indrans and several other performers from the Malayalam film industry. Their return makes the third instalment a continuation of the characters and comic world that audiences have followed since 2015.
Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the film adds fantasy and historical elements to the established comedy franchise. With its returning ensemble, expanded storyline and theatrical release on 19 March 2026, Aadu 3 marks an important chapter in the journey of Shaji Pappan and his gang.
FAQs
Who is the lead actor in Aadu 3?
Jayasurya is the lead actor in Aadu 3. He reprises his popular character, Pannimattathil Shaji Pappan.
Who plays Dude in Aadu 3?
Vinayakan plays Dude in the movie. He returns to the character from the earlier instalments.
Who plays Arakkal Abu in Aadu 3?
Saiju Kurup plays Arakkal Abu in the third instalment.
Who is the director of Aadu 3?
Midhun Manuel Thomas is the director and writer of Aadu 3.
When was Aadu 3 released?
Aadu 3 was released in theatres on 19 March 2026.
Who plays Captain Sachin Cleetus in Aadu 3?
Dharmajan Bolgatty plays Captain Sachin Cleetus.
Who plays Saathan Xavier in Aadu 3?
Sunny Wayne plays Saathan Xavier in the film.
Who composed the music for Aadu 3?
Shaan Rahman composed the music and original themes, while Dawn Vincent handled the background score.
What is the OTT platform for Aadu 3?
Aadu 3 is available on ZEE5, with its listed OTT release date being 1 May 2026.
Is Aadu 3 a comedy or fantasy film?
Aadu 3 combines comedy, fantasy, action and adventure. It retains the humour of the earlier films while introducing a historical fantasy storyline.
Who are the producers of Aadu 3?
The movie is produced by Vijay Babu and Venu Kunnappilly under the banners of Friday Film House and Kavya Film Company.
What is the box-office collection of Aadu 3?
Trade-tracking estimates reported approximately ₹120.11 crore worldwide gross after 42 days. The final figure may vary between box-office tracking sources.
Also, Know: Cast of Derby Film || Cast of Deiva Thirumagal || Cast of Rolex || Cast of Kanchana || Cast of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 || Cast of Ikka || Cast of Jailer || Cast of Thallumaala || Cast of Joe 2023 || Cast of Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A || Cast of Ambikapathy