Jayasurya and Midhun Manuel Thomas reunite for Aadu 3

The third part in the popular Aadu franchise has been announced. Midhun Manuel Thomas, who helmed the first two parts, will be returning to the director's chair, while Vijay Babu will be producing it under his banner, Friday Film House. Though it is confirmed that lead actor Jayasurya has been retained, it's not yet clear if more actors from the first two parts will be returning.

Aadu is a slapstick comedy centered around Shaji Paappan and his tug-of-war team members. While Jayasurya played Paappan's role, actors like Saiju Kurup, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Vineeth Mohan, Bhagath Manuel and Harikrishnan played some of the others in the gang. Other popular characters in the franchise include Vinayakan's Dude, Vijay Babu's Sarbath Shameer, and Sunny Wayne's Saathan Xavier.

Though the 2015-released first part was a box office failure, the film found popularity after its DVD release and went on to attain cult status. Inspired by that, the makers released its sequel in 2017, which emerged as a massive theatrical success. Following Aadu 2's release, it was hinted that the third part will be made in 3D format, but it hasn't been confirmed yet.

Midhun is currently directing Anali, a Disney+ Hotstar series. Reportedly based on the Koodathayi killings, the show has Leona Lishoy and Nikhila Vimal as the leads. Jayasurya, meanwhile, is working on Kathanar, an ambitious fantasy film directed by Home-fame Rojin Thomas. Anushka Shetty and Prabhudeva also star in it.