Dridam is a Malayalam movie, released on 8 May 2026 starring Shane Nigam, Krishna Prabhakara and other main cast. The film is a gripping investigation crime thriller that follows a young and ambitious police officer who takes up his first posting in a seemingly peaceful hill station. His calm posting turns into intense pressure when human remains are discovered, forcing him to solve the murder case within a strict one-week deadline while facing demands from his department and an anxious public seeking swift justice.
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Directed by Martin Joseph (debutant) and presented by Jeethu Joseph, this realistic drama has already generated strong pre-release buzz with its powerful trailer and relatable tension that Malayali audiences enjoy in smart thrillers. Trade experts note healthy advance bookings in single-screen and multiplex centres across Kerala where viewers love content-driven crime stories with emotional depth.
On the worldwide front, Dridam is expected to open with respectable numbers driven by Shane Nigam’s popularity and the long weekend advantage. Malayalam cinema has been shining with bold, realistic thrillers that travel beyond Kerala, and this film rides on the same wave with its honest storytelling and strong performances.
Early trailer reactions show good curiosity among Malayali audiences in India and overseas markets like the Gulf, US, Canada and Europe. Unlike big-star vehicles, this mid-scale production depends on word-of-mouth, repeat viewings and tense discussions during the weekend. If the reviews stay positive, it can easily build momentum and enjoy a comfortable run in theatres.
Dridam 2026 Overview

| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Dridam |
| Directed by | Martin Joseph |
| Written by | Jomon John, Linto Devasia |
| Produced by | Mukesh R. Mehta, C.V. Sarathi |
| Actor | Shane Nigam |
| Actress | NA |
| Other Cast | Krishna Prabhakara, Mathew Varghese, Abhishek Raveendran, Shobi Thilakan, Kottayam Ramesh, Dinesh Prabhakar, Nandan Unni and others |
| Cinematography | P.M. Unnikrishnan |
| Edited by | V S Vinayak |
| Music by | Sreerag Saji |
| Production Companies | E4 Experiments, Bedtime Stories |
| Distributed by | E4 Experiments |
| Release Date | 8 May 2026 |
| Running Time | 2h 8m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Film Industry | Mollywood |
| Genre | Crime, Mystery, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | UA16+ |
Dridam Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Friday, 8 May 2026 | ₹ – | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | Saturday, 9 May 2026 | ₹ – | – |
| Day 3 | Sunday, 10 May 2026 | ₹ – | – |
| Total India Net | – | ₹ – crore | – |
| Total India Gross | – | ₹ – crore | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | ₹ – crore | – |
Box office data published on this website is compiled through independent research and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Figures are approximate and may differ significantly from official producer, distributor, or studio records. Data is subject to change and may be updated, revised, or corrected at any time without prior notice as more accurate information becomes available. Tenvow makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented at any given point in time. This data should not be used for commercial, financial, or legal decision-making. Tenvow is not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
Dridam is a Hit or Flop
To be updated
What is the budget of Dridam
The film is made on a mid-scale budget estimated between ₹15-25 crore.
Dridam OTT release date
- OTT Platform: TBA
- OTT date: TBA
Our Review
Dridam feels like a sharp and realistic Malayalam thriller that keeps you engaged with its tense investigation and human drama. The story follows a young and ambitious police officer who takes up his first posting in a seemingly peaceful hill station, only to find himself drawn into a web of crimes when human remains are discovered. He has just one week to solve the murder while facing pressure from his department and an anxious public.
Director Martin Joseph builds suspense with clever writing, realistic character reactions and powerful dialogues that make every scene feel urgent and believable. Shane Nigam delivers a strong and committed performance as the rookie officer, bringing both determination and vulnerability to the role. The supporting cast including Krishna Prabhakara, Mathew Varghese and Abhishek Raveendran adds solid depth to the investigation.
Compared to recent successful Malayalam thrillers, this one stands out because of its focus on realistic police work and emotional pressure without depending only on big stars or over-the-top twists. It reminds one of films that worked because they stayed true to honest storytelling and strong character arcs. The trailer already shows gripping scenes and intense moments that promise a theatre experience filled with suspense and reflection.
For audiences tired of routine love stories or heavy action, this is pure intelligent cinema that entertains while making you think. The long weekend release is perfect as families and youth will head to theatres looking for something thrilling yet meaningful. Right now, just days before release, the film is riding on positive trailer reactions and growing interest across Kerala. Social media is full of appreciation for Shane Nigam’s powerful performance and the realistic plot.
If word-of-mouth stays strong over the weekend, Dridam can comfortably cross respectable numbers in India and do well among Malayali audiences overseas. It has all the ingredients to stay in theatres for a good run and become a profitable venture for its makers. Overall, this is a solid watch for anyone who loves intense Malayalam cinema packed with suspense, investigation and emotional depth.
Top 15 Opening day movie of Mollywood 2025
- L2: Empuraan – ₹68.20 crore
- Thudarum – ₹17.18 crore
- Kalamkaval – ₹15.65 crore
- Dies Irae – ₹11.70 crore
- Hridayapoorvam – ₹8.50 crore
- Bha Bha Bha – ₹7.25 crore
- Bazooka – ₹7.00 crore
- Alappuzha Gymkhana – ₹6.50 crore
- Rekhachithram – ₹5.80 crore
- Officer on Duty – ₹5.20 crore
- Sarvam Maya – ₹4.80 crore
- Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra – ₹4.50 crore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dridam a crime thriller?
Yes, it is an investigation crime thriller that follows a young police officer solving a murder case under intense pressure.
What is the release date of Dridam?
Dridam is scheduled to release in theatres on 8 May 2026.
Who is the lead actor in Dridam?
Shane Nigam plays the main role of the rookie police officer SI Vijay Radhakrishnan.
When will Dridam come on OTT?
The OTT release date has not been announced yet. It is likely to arrive on a major platform 8-10 weeks after its theatrical run.
Who directed Dridam?
The film is directed by Martin Joseph.
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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