'Aadu 3' to feature time travel? Saiju Kurup hints at major surprises in Jayasurya's big-budget sequel

Malayalam cinema’s most loved franchise, 'Aadu', is returning with its third installment, and it may just be the wildest ride yet.

Actor Saiju Kurup , who plays the fan-favourite Arakkal Abu, has dropped an exciting hint now!. The actor shared in an interview that Jayasurya 's ' Aadu 3 ' could explore time travel.

"This one’s going to be exciting and fun!"

In an interview with Movie World Media, Saiju Kurup confirmed that the third film will be very different from its predecessors. "Time travel isn't something we’ve explored much in Malayalam cinema, right? This one’s going to be exciting and fun!" he said, adding that ‘Aadu 3’ will track two different periods. While he kept the finer details under wraps, he promised fans a big surprise.


Larger than ever before - “It will be even more entertaining”






Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, 'Aadu 3' is reportedly being made on a significantly higher budget than the first two films combined. Saiju noted that the production value has increased, reflecting the makers' ambition to take the franchise to the next level. “It will be even more entertaining,” he said, suggesting the film could surpass the laughs and chaos of ‘Aadu’ (2015) and ‘Aadu 2’ (2017).

The film went on floors in May 2025 and is currently under production. Jayasurya will reprise his iconic role as Shaji Pappan, the rugged and quirky tug-of-war team leader whose accidental adventures drive the story.


From goat to time travel


The ‘Aadu’ franchise began with a bizarrely fun premise — a tug-of-war team winning a goat as a prize, only to get caught up in a whirlwind of politicians, gangsters, and a pink bag full of trouble. Vinayakan, Vijay Babu, Dharmajan Bolgatty, and Indrans are expected to return as part of the ensemble cast. Jayasurya will be next seen in 'Kathanar: The Wild Sorcerer'.