This weekend offers a diverse cinematic experience for South Indian movie enthusiasts, with the release of two highly anticipated films: "Gandhi Talks" and "Valathu Vashathe Kallan". Both movies hit theaters on January 30, 2026, promising a blend of silent storytelling and crime thriller suspense.
"Gandhi Talks," directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar, breaks the mold by presenting a silent film featuring a stellar cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Siddharth Jadhav. Produced by Zee Studios and others, the film premiered at the International Film Festival of India in 2023 before its theatrical release. The film's narrative relies heavily on visual storytelling and a musical score crafted by A. R. Rahman. The trailer depicts a bustling Bombay and introduces a businessman, a devoted son, a pickpocket, and a young woman, all grappling with personal struggles. The plot centers around Mohan Bosman, a businessman facing financial ruin, whose drastic plans are disrupted by a thief and a struggling lover, leading to a chaotic fight for redemption. The release date coincides with Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, adding significance to Vijay Sethupathi's first major release of the year.
"Valathu Vashathe Kallan" (The Thief to the Right), a Malayalam-language crime thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph, also arrived in theaters this weekend. The film stars Biju Menon and Joju George in leading roles, supported by Lena, Leona Lishoy and others. The movie revolves around a police officer with a questionable past whose path crosses with an ethical hacker when a young woman disappears in the city.
"Valathu Vashathe Kallan" had a fair start at the Indian box office, grossing an estimated ₹1.1 crore net on its opening day. Despite the low initial buzz, the film managed to secure the second-biggest opening for a Mollywood film in 2026. It is also the third-biggest opening for director Jeethu Joseph in the post-COVID era. Reviews for "Valathu Vashathe Kallan" have been mixed, with praise directed towards the performances of Biju Menon and Joju George, but criticism aimed at the screenplay and plot. One review in The Hindu noted that the darker tone of the film complements the theme, but the screenplay ultimately falters. The film was released on over 700 screens with a budget of approximately ₹4 crore.
For moviegoers seeking unique cinematic experiences this weekend, "Gandhi Talks" offers a dialogue-free narrative emphasizing visual storytelling and music. Meanwhile, "Valathu Vashathe Kallan" provides a crime thriller option with strong performances from its lead actors, despite some criticism of its plot.
