He did B.Tech in Kerala, worked at Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Then entered the film industry. Now, he has delivered Onam 2026’s Malayalam blockbuster. Who is Girish AD?

Ever since Bethlehem Kudumba Unit hit the theatres, everyone is talking about the latest chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju in this romantic-comedy movie. The Malayalam film, which hit theatres on August 21, has quickly become one of the major talking points of the 2026 Onam season. At the centre of the film is director Girish A.D., the filmmaker who has built a reputation for delivering one popular film after another.

For Malayalam cinema audiences, Girish is already a familiar name. His films Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Super Sharanya and Premalu have all connected strongly with younger viewers. His latest film continues that run.

From engineering to a dream in cinema

But before becoming a filmmaker, Girish had a very different professional path. He studied engineering, worked in the technology sector and later took up work connected to the Kerala State Electricity Board. His journey from an engineering job to becoming one of Malayalam cinema's prominent young directors is part of what makes his story interesting.


Girish A.D. is from Chalakudy in Kerala and completed his Bachelor of Technology in electrical engineering. After completing his studies, he did not immediately become a full-time filmmaker. He worked at Technopark and also worked on contract with KSEB while continuing to pursue his interest in cinema. His early filmmaking efforts included short films.

In a 2019 interview with The Hindu, around the release of his debut film Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Girish spoke about his journey towards making films. His professional life at the time was still connected to his engineering background, but filmmaking had already become the direction he wanted to pursue.

Rather than abandoning his film ambitions, he worked on short films alongside his job. That eventually led him to feature films.

His first directorial venture, Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, arrived in 2019. The coming-of-age film became a major success and introduced Girish as a filmmaker who could capture the humour, awkwardness and everyday experiences of young people without making them feel exaggerated.

The success changed the course of his career. Girish eventually left his job and chose filmmaking as his full-time profession.

A filmmaker who understands young audiences

After Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Girish followed it with Super Sharanya in 2022. The film continued his interest in youthful characters and the small situations that shape their lives.

His biggest breakthrough came with Premalu in 2024. Starring Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, the romantic comedy went beyond Kerala and became a major success across different markets. The film's appeal came from its simple situations, natural humour and characters who felt familiar to audiences.

That style has become closely associated with Girish's filmmaking. Instead of relying heavily on dramatic twists, his movies often find humour in ordinary conversations, relationships, friendships and the confusion of growing up.

That ability to make everyday experiences entertaining has helped Girish establish himself as a modern Malayalam hitmaker.

From Premalu to Bethlehem Kudumba Unit

Now, Girish is back with Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, bringing together Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. The film is a romantic comedy and has already generated strong interest during the Onam season.

The film's commercial performance has added another chapter to Girish's growing track record. According to the box-office figures provided by Sacnilk.com, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit collected Rs 7.90 crore net in India on Day 5, taking its India gross to Rs 41.65 crore. Its overseas gross stood at Rs 52.25 crore, putting its worldwide gross at Rs 93.90 crore by that point.

For Girish, the latest success comes after a run that began with an engineering graduate trying to balance a regular job with a passion for cinema.