‘Bharathanatyam 3’ announced: Next film in Saiju Kurup’s franchise titled ‘Rasaleela’

The third film in the Bharathanatyam franchise was announced on Sunday (June 28), at the success meet of Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam in Kochi. The film, titled Bharathanatyam 3: Rasaleela, will once again have Krishnadas Murali as co-writer and director and Saiju Kurup as the lead.

The project, produced by Lini Mariam David and Anupama Nambiar under the banner of Thomas Thiruvalla Films and Saiju Kurup Entertainments, is slated to release in 2028.

Starring Saiju, Sai Kumar, and Kalaranjini among others, Bharathanatyam released in 2024 and had a dismal box office run. However, the comedy-drama gained attention following its OTT release.

The second film in the franchise, a dark comedy, however, had a successful theatrical run, grossing over ₹25 crores from the box office globally and was further appreciated after the OTT premiere. The film had rapper Baby Jean in a key role, apart from the ensemble cast in the first film.

The announcement motion poster suggests a genre shift like the last film.

Vishnu R. Pradeep and Electronic Kili return as cowriter and composer for Bharathanatyam 3: Rasaleela. Shafeeque VB helms the film’s editing. Bablu Aju handles the project’s cinematography.