In the ever-evolving world of Malayalam cinema, where star power often trumps everything else, “Bha Bha Ba” is making its much-anticipated digital debut. Starting January 16, 2026, fans can stream this action thriller on Zee5, just weeks after its theatrical run wrapped up with a mix of cheers and jeers. Directed by newcomer Dhananjay Shankar, the film brings together heavyweights like Dileep and Mohanlal in a story that’s equal parts chaos, comedy, and commentary on politics. If you missed it in theaters or want to revisit the madness, this is your chance to dive in from the comfort of home.
The buzz around “Bha Bha Ba” started long before its release. Announced back in 2023, the project was initially rumored to star Pranav Mohanlal, but it pivoted to Dileep in the lead role. Produced by Gokulam Gopalan under his banner Sree Gokulam Movies, the film boasts a hefty budget and a sprawling cast that screams ensemble extravaganza. Shooting kicked off in mid-2024, hopping between locations like Palakkad, Coimbatore, and Kochi, wrapping up just in time for a December 2025 theatrical launch. The title itself is an acronym for “Bhayam, Bhakthi, Bahumanam” – fear, devotion, and respect – hinting at the thematic layers beneath the surface action.
At its core, “Bha Bha Ba” revolves around a daring kidnapping that shakes up Kerala’s political landscape. Dileep plays Ram Damodar, aka Radar or the Commoner, a enigmatic figure who abducts the newly appointed Chief Minister C.K. Joseph (Baiju Santhosh) right after his inaugural speech. What follows is a whirlwind investigation led by a special team, including the CM’s son Noble (Vineeth Sreenivasan) and Commissioner Dev G. (Devan). The Commoner’s motives? To force the public to voice their grievances against corrupt politicians, turning the abduction into a bizarre public spectacle. Flashbacks peel back layers of Radar’s troubled past – orphaned young, battling mental health issues, and entangled with shady figures like gangster Ghilli Bala (Mohanlal in an extended cameo).
The supporting cast adds plenty of flavor. Dhyan Sreenivasan shines as Godson Ancharakandy, revealing key insights into the protagonist’s history, while Sandy brings intensity as the corrupt ACP Ashkar Ahammed. Balu Varghese, Saranya Ponvannan, and Fahim Safar play the Commoner’s quirky accomplices, injecting humor amid the tension. Cameos steal the show too – Mohanlal’s Ghilli Bala is a fan-favorite, channeling raw menace and mentorship, while S.J. Suryah as the rival gangster Oscar adds cross-industry appeal. Other notable appearances include Salim Kumar as a bumbling advocate and Basil Joseph lending his voice as the narrator.
Musically, the film features songs by Shaan Rahman and a background score by Gopi Sundar, though critics have called them underwhelming. The visuals, handled by cinematographer Armo and editor Ranjan Abraham, aim for high-octane thrills with chases, fights, and VFX that sometimes hit the mark but often fall flat. It’s a film that wears its influences on its sleeve, spoofing mass entertainers and packing in pop-culture references, but not always landing the punch.
Theatrical reception was a rollercoaster. Opening on December 18, 2025, “Bha Bha Ba” raked in an impressive ₹14.84 crore worldwide on day one, making it one of the biggest Malayalam openers of the year, trailing only behind hits like “Empuraan” and “Coolie.” Kerala theaters saw packed houses, thanks to Dileep’s comeback appeal – this being his first major release post his acquittal in the 2017 actress assault case conspiracy charges. However, earnings dipped sharply by day two, settling at around ₹3.3 crore, as mixed word-of-mouth spread. Over the opening weekend, it crossed ₹14.86 crore net in India, a solid haul but not the blockbuster some predicted.
Critics were divided, leaning toward the negative. The Indian Express gave it 1.5 stars, labeling it a “painfully bad riot” with an overindulgent script and embarrassing VFX, though praising the star cameos. Times of India echoed this, noting the confusion in the storyline despite Dileep and Mohanlal’s efforts. Cinema Express called it “fan-service cinema” that celebrates its leads but sacrifices narrative depth for superficial laughs. On the flip side, some audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes hailed it as a “super action comedy” and an entertainer worth a second watch, especially for the Dileep-Mohanlal combo attempting a dance number reminiscent of “Naatu Naatu” from RRR. The Week appreciated the mass entertainer spoof elements but criticized the weak revenge arc.
Controversy swirled post-release, particularly around a scene accused of mocking the 2017 actress abduction case – a sensitive topic given Dileep’s real-life involvement (he was acquitted in December 2025). Social media erupted with backlash, calling it insensitive and poorly timed. The filmmakers haven’t directly addressed it, but it added fuel to online debates about cinema’s responsibility.
As “Bha Bha Ba” transitions to OTT, Zee5 is positioning it as a must-watch for action fans. The platform’s announcement came with teaser posts hyping the “ultimate blast,” and early trailers promise high-energy drama. For Dileep, it’s a significant milestone in his resurgence; for Mohanlal, another feather in his cameo cap. Whether you’re in it for the thrills, the stars, or the social satire, this film offers a glimpse into Malayalam cinema’s bold experiments – flaws and all.
In a year packed with big releases, “Bha Bha Ba” stands out for its ambition, even if execution stumbled. Streaming from January 16, it’s an easy way to judge for yourself. Will it find a second life online? Only time – and viewer metrics – will tell. Clocking in at around two hours, it’s primed for binge-watching, perhaps with popcorn and low expectations.
