The makers of the Jayasurya-starrer Aadu 3: One Last Ride - Part 1 have unveiled the film’s first single, titled 'Sulthaan'. The energetic track, which features a dance performance by actor Vedhika, has quickly begun trending across social media platforms after its release. Composed by Shaan Rahman, it is sung by singer Anila Rajeev. The song features Malayalam lyrics by Manu Manjith, along with Hindi lines written by the composer himself. Vedhika takes centre stage in the dance sequence, surrounded by a large male ensemble, while Vinayakan appears in a striking Sultan-style look. The royal-themed visuals also hint at one of the film’s alternate timelines.
The release of the track also puts to rest earlier speculation that actor Nikhila Vimal would appear in an item number in the film. Director Midhun Manuel Thomas had previously clarified that the rumours circulating on social media were unfounded and that Vedhika would instead perform a dance sequence conceived as part of the film’s narrative world rather than as a conventional item song. Aadu 3 marks the latest instalment in the popular comedy franchise led by Jayasurya, who returns as the much-loved character Shaji Pappan. The film also features Vinayakan, Saiju Kurup, Sunny Wayne, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Indrans and Vijay Babu in key roles.
Meanwhile, the first chapter of the third instalment has also opened to a strong start in advance bookings ahead of its release. Ticket sales began recently in Kerala, and within hours the film reportedly crossed ₹1.5 crore in early pre-sales. Aadu 3: One Last Ride - Part 1 has also completed its censorship formalities, receiving a clean 'U' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. The film has a reported runtime of 2 hours and 47 minutes. Produced by Vijay Babu’s Friday Film House in association with Venu Kunnappilly’s Kavya Film Company, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, coinciding with the Eid festival.
The third instalment expands the world of the Aadu franchise by introducing fantasy elements and a narrative that unfolds across different time periods. The series began with the 2015 film Aadu, which later gained a cult following and led to the successful sequel Aadu 2 in 2017.