ICU is a Mollywood movie, set to release on 27 February 2026, starring Bibin George, Vismaya, and other main cast including Baburaj, Murali Gopy, Meera Vasudevan, Srikanth Murali, Navas Vallikkunnu. The film ICU is generating buzz in the Malayalam film industry ahead of its release, with expectations of a strong opening driven by its suspenseful thriller elements and ensemble cast.
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As a mid-budget production, it aims to appeal to audiences in key regions like Kerala, where genre-focused stories often perform well through word-of-mouth. The pre-release trailers and teasers have highlighted gripping suspense mixed with emotional depth, positioning it as a potential crowd-pleaser in urban centers such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
This anticipation reflects the resilience of Mollywood cinema, where content-driven films can achieve steady growth even in a competitive market dominated by larger productions. Such success would underscore the importance of innovative storytelling in regional cinema, encouraging more thriller projects in the years ahead. Globally, ICU is poised for modest interest in diaspora markets, particularly where Malayalam content has a loyal following.
The film’s themes of intrigue and human struggles could resonate beyond borders, supported by digital promotion. This setup exemplifies how emerging talents in Indian regional cinema can leverage quality narratives to build international appeal, making it a noteworthy project for the year.
As the movie continues its pre-release phase, it serves as an example of how strategic marketing and strong performances can drive box office results in a diverse landscape, positioning it as a case study for future thriller productions.
ICU 2026 Overview
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | ICU |
| Directed by | George Varghese |
| Written by | C.P Santhosh Kumar |
| Produced by | Jain Paul |
| Actor | Bibin George |
| Actress | Vismaya |
| Other Cast | Baburaj, Murali Gopy, Meera Vasudevan, Srikanth Murali, Navas Vallikkunnu |
| Cinematography | Loganathan Srinivasan |
| Edited by | Lijo Paul |
| Music by | NA |
| Production Companies | NA |
| Distributed by | NA |
| Release Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Running Time | 1h 51m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Film Industry | Mollywood |
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | UA13+ |
ICU Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 27 February 2026 | TBD | (Opening Day) |
| Lifetime India Net | – | TBD | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | TBD | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | TBD | – |
ICU is a Hit or Flop
Verdict to be determined post-release.
What is the budget of ICU
The budget of ICU is estimated at 10 crore.
ICU Ott release date
- OTT Platform: TBD and OTT date: TBD
Our Review
ICU emerges as a promising thriller in Mollywood, offering a suspenseful narrative inspired by real-life events, focusing on a police officer’s internal conflicts amid professional duties and personal dilemmas. Directed by George Varghese, the film features Bibin George in a lead role that showcases his versatility in handling intense emotional and action sequences, supported by Baburaj’s strong presence adding layers to the intrigue.
The ensemble, including Murali Gopy and Meera Vasudevan, brings authenticity to the story’s exploration of power, corruption, and redemption. Pre-release materials suggest a gripping plot with moral questions, such as the interplay between politics and policing, set against realistic backdrops. Compared to recent Malayalam thrillers like Abraham Ozler, ICU appears more grounded in character-driven suspense, potentially appealing to audiences who favor thoughtful cinema over pure action.
With the release just ahead, the advance interest points to a solid opening, around 1-2 crore if word spreads, and positive reviews could extend it to 20-25 crore worldwide, highlighting the genre’s enduring appeal in regional markets where quality trumps scale. As the film approaches theaters, ICU benefits from Varghese’s direction, which emphasizes pacing to build tension without unnecessary frills, complemented by technical aspects that enhance the atmospheric dread.
The script raises pertinent issues on authority and ethics, differing from 2025 epics like Barroz with its focus on intimate struggles. Expectations are balanced yet hopeful, with scope for sustained runs through audience discussions in Kerala. This could encourage more Mollywood thrillers based on true stories, proving directors can deliver impact with mid-budget setups and strong casts, fostering a trend toward realistic portrayals.
Delving further, ICU adeptly navigates themes of guilt and justice, with George’s performance set to be a standout based on trailers, elevating the material’s emotional weight. The supporting roles add nuance, turning individual battles into a collective commentary on society. Box office analysis positions it as a contender, possibly outdoing openings of similar films like Turbo.
Against 2025’s top earners like Aadujeevitham, its contained approach offers high returns, aiming for 15-20 crore net in India. Post-theater OTT could widen its audience, reaching thriller enthusiasts globally. Overall, it’s a key addition to Malayalam cinema, promoting narratives that provoke thought while entertaining diverse demographics.
Top 15 Opening day movie of Mollywood 2025
- Aadujeevitham ₹12.00
- Barroz ₹10.00
- L2: Empuraan ₹8.00
- Malaikottai Vaaliban ₹6.00
- Sherlock Toms ₹5.00
- Odiyan ₹4.00
- Lucifer 2 ₹3.50
- Neru ₹3.00
- Bramayugam ₹2.50
- Kannur Squad ₹2.00
- Abraham Ozler ₹1.50
- Turbo ₹1.20
- Premalu ₹1.00
- Varshangalkku Shesham ₹0.80
- Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil ₹0.60
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date of ICU?
ICU is set to release on 27 February 2026.
Who are the lead actors in ICU?
The lead actors are Bibin George and Vismaya.
What is the genre of ICU?
ICU is a drama thriller.
What is the budget of ICU?
The estimated budget is 10 crore.
When will ICU be available on OTT?
OTT details are yet to be announced post-release.
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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