AT Welcome to the Dark Side is a Malayalam movie, released on February 13, 2026, starring Shaju Sreedhar as Shivan, Rachel David as a key character, alongside Roshan Basheer, Anarkali Nazar, and other supporting cast members including Unni Raja and Balaji Sharma. Directed by Don Max and produced by Kochurani Productions, this action thriller delves into the shadowy world of the dark web, where strangers Shivan and Akash unite to dismantle Kali’s empire of imported drugs and illegal media.
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Their quest for a rogue hacker holding crucial encryption keys uncovers shocking personal connections, blending high-stakes suspense with themes of technology, betrayal, and redemption. The film commenced its theatrical run with moderate expectations in Kerala, particularly in urban centers like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, where advance bookings hovered around ₹0.3-0.5 crore gross, fueled by the intriguing trailer and Valentine’s Day alignment appealing to thriller enthusiasts.
Worldwide, the release focused primarily on India with limited overseas screenings in the Gulf for the Malayali diaspora, but competition from pan-India titles like O’ Romeo constrained multiplex allocations. Early morning shows reported occupancy of 20-30%, with initial feedback praising the film’s tense atmosphere and plot twists, though some noted pacing issues.
The A-certification targets adult audiences, potentially limiting family turnout but enhancing appeal for edge-of-seat drama. Preliminary estimates suggest a subdued Day 1 India net of ₹0.6-0.8 crore, with global additions minimal at ₹0.1-0.2 crore, indicating a steady niche launch reliant on word-of-mouth to gain traction over the weekend.
AT: Welcome to the Dark Side 2026 Overview

| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | AT: Welcome to the Dark Side |
| Directed by | Donmax |
| Written by | Donmax |
| Produced by | Kochurani Productions |
| Lead Actor | Shaju Sreedhar |
| Lead Actress | Rachel David |
| Other Cast | Akash Sen, Nayana Elza, Saran Jith |
| Cinematography | Ravichandran |
| Edited by | Donmax |
| Music by | 4 Musics |
| Production Companies | Kochurani Productions |
| Distributed by | Not specified |
| Release Date | February 13, 2026 |
| Running Time | 2h 23m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Film Industry | Mollywood |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | A |
AT: Welcome to the Dark Side Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | February 13, 2026 | ₹0.7 | (Opening Day – Early Estimate) |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹0.6 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹0.7 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.8 crore | – |
AT: Welcome to the Dark Side is a Hit or Flop
Verdict to be determined post-release.
What is the budget of AT: Welcome to the Dark Side
The budget is estimated at ₹5 crore.
AT: Welcome to the Dark Side Ott release date
- OTT Platform: Not announced yet and OTT date: To be announced post-release.
Our Review
AT Welcome to the Dark Side emerges as a gripping entry in Malayalam cinema’s thriller genre, directed by Don Max, who constructs a narrative steeped in the perils of the dark web and digital underworld. Shaju Sreedhar delivers a compelling performance as Shivan, a determined outsider thrust into a web of intrigue, balancing intensity with vulnerability that anchors the film’s high-tension sequences.
Rachel David complements as a pivotal figure, adding emotional layers to the alliance against Kali’s empire, while the ensemble, including Roshan Basheer and Anarkali Nazar, enhances the story’s complexity through their portrayals of interconnected fates. The screenplay integrates elements of cybercrime and personal revelations effectively, supported by cinematography that evokes the shadowy, tech-driven atmosphere, drawing parallels to thrillers like Forensic but innovating with real-time hacker pursuits.
However, the plot occasionally succumbs to coincidences, potentially diluting suspense in comparison to tighter scripts like those in Drishyam. In terms of box office dynamics, the film has initiated with restrained momentum, registering an early estimate of ₹0.7 crore gross on opening day, as per industry trackers, positioning it modestly against recent Malayalam thrillers amid a competitive Valentine’s release slate.
This figure aligns with projections for a mid-budget production, where urban multiplexes in Kerala drive collections, but single-screen theaters exhibit tepid response due to its mature themes and niche cyber focus. Overseas remains negligible, with limited interest in diaspora markets, though the dark web motif could attract gradual viewership if endorsements build. Compared to Don Max’s prior works or similar films like CBI 5 (₹1.2 crore opener), AT Welcome to the Dark Side faces challenges in expanding beyond core audiences, yet its thematic relevance to modern digital threats may foster sustained interest.
Prospects for AT Welcome to the Dark Side depend on consistent occupancy over the weekend and affirmative critiques emphasizing its narrative urgency, with ratings around 3/5 highlighting technical prowess despite occasional plot conveniences. Achieving ₹2-3 crore in the first three days could propel it toward a ₹10-15 crore India net lifetime, yielding average returns against its ₹5 crore budget, bolstered by ancillary rights.
Conversely, stagnant growth might label it average, echoing understated thrillers like Neru. Overall, the film represents a bold venture in Mollywood’s evolving suspense landscape, potentially inspiring more tech-centric stories while navigating commercial constraints.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of AT: Welcome to the Dark Side?
The film follows a deadly race to find a rogue hacker holding encryption keys to a digital underworld, with shocking discoveries along the way.
Who are the main stars?
It stars Shaju Sreedhar. as the lead actor and Rachel David as the lead actress, with Akash Sen, Nayana Elza, and Saran Jith in key roles.
When is AT: Welcome to the Dark Side releasing?
The movie is released on February 13, 2026.
What genre is AT: Welcome to the Dark Side?
It is an action thriller exploring themes of cyber dangers and pursuit.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in Indian Rupees (INR) and represented in crores, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Indian Standard Time (IST) (UTC +5:30).
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