Directed by:Midhun Manuel Thomas
Written by:Midhun Manuel Thomas
Produced by:Vijay Babu,
Venu Kunnappilly
Starring:Jayasurya,Saiju Kurup,Vinayakan,Sunny Wayne,Dharmajan Bolgatty,Vijay Babu,Bhagath Manuel,Harikrishnan
Cinematography:Akhil George
Edited by:Lijo Paul
Music by:
Songs and Original Themes:Shaan Rahman
Background Score and New Themes:Dawn Vincent
Production
companies:Friday Film House,Kavya Film Company
Distributed by:Friday Film House
Release date:19 March 2026
Language:Malayalam
Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1 is an Indian Malayalam-language fantasy comedy film written and directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas.It is the sequel to Aadu 2 (2017) and the third installment of Aadu franchise and the first installment of a sub-duology.The film was jointly produced by Vijay Babu and Venu Kunnappilly for Friday Film House and Kavya Film Company, respectively.It stars an ensemble cast including Jayasurya, Saiju Kurup, Vinayakan, Renji Panicker, Vijay Babu, Sunny Wayne, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Bhagath Manuel, Indrans, Bijukuttan, Sudhi Koppa, Harikrishnan, reprising their roles, with Alleya Bourne and Krishna Jeev newly joining the cast.
The latest installment in the Aadu series has some great bones, but it feels like it’s missing that extra oomph to make it truly unforgettable. The comedy, a crucial part of the franchise, falls flat in many places, and the pacing feels sluggish. Cutting down unnecessary bits and focusing on a more cohesive narrative could’ve worked wonders.
The timeline incidents, scattered throughout the story, don’t add much value and feel like filler. The climax has a great idea, but it’s executed in a way that feels rushed and doesn’t leave a lasting impact.
The lead cast is terrific, but they can’t quite elevate the movie to the level of its predecessors. A less impactful background score and repetitive sequences hold it back. The one-liners are enjoyable, but some hit while others miss.
On the bright side, Aadu 3 is technically a step up from its previous outing, especially in the 1790 era – the art work is superior.
Bottomline
If you’re an Aadu franchise fan, you might still enjoy it, especially in a packed theatre with a lively audience. Otherwise, it’s just an average watch with some great ideas but too many flaws.
