Aadu (film series)

Aadu is an Indian film franchise of Malayalam-language comedy films created by Midhun Manuel Thomas and produced by Friday Film House. The series follows the misadventures of Shaji Pappan and his quirky gang in the Idukki hills, centered around a goat named 'Pinky' they win in a tug-of-war.

The first in the franchise was Aadu (2015), followed by Aadu 2 (2017) and Aadu 3: One Last Ride - Part 1 (2026),^[1] slated to release on 19 March 2026.^[2]

A local Tug-of-war tourney gifted Shaji Pappan and his gang, a cute but naughty little goat called 'Pinky'. Their attempts to dump the goat, unknowingly, interrupts few groups of smugglers, who are in race for the 'Neelakodiveli'.^[b]

Shaji Pappan and his gang try to redeem their arts club through a game of tug-o-war. Meanwhile, Pappan's back pain has become a bigger problem, so they orders a Ayurvedic medicine from North India. Chaos erupts when Pappan and his gang miscarries the counterfeit note design thinking as Medicine for his back pain. As the half-witted gang gets entangled in a bigger conspiracy.^[c]

Third Installment in the franchise and the first installment of a sub-duology, set to release on 19 March 2026.

Pannimattathil Shaji Pappan is the owner/manager/trainer of Winners Pothumukku, a local tug-of-war team in Idukki, visually defined by his double-colored mundu, thick beard, and black shirt. In any other Malayalam movie, this aesthetic would signal an invincible warrior. However, Pappan’s "mass" entries are often immediately followed by slapstick failure, such as his chronic back pain flaring up at the most inconvenient times. In Aadu, Pappan’s life spirals when his team wins a female goat named Pinky as a tournament prize. Because Pappan has a deep-seated dislike of females—stemming from his wife Mary eloping with his driver—he is desperate to get rid of the goat. This simple goal inadvertently pulls his dim-witted gang into a high-stakes conflict involving international smugglers and a mythical herb called Neelakoduveli. By the sequel, Pappan’s luck hasn't improved. While trying to redeem his arts club through another tug-of-war match, he wins a golden trophy that is promptly stolen. The plot thickens when Pappan orders Ayurvedic medicine for his back pain, only to receive a set of counterfeit note engraving plates by mistake. The character's arc in this film revolves around surviving the chaos of demonetization while being hunted by both the police (led by S.I. Sarbath Shameer) and dangerous gangsters. What makes Pappan elaborate is his unwavering confidence despite his "half-witted" gang frequently messing up his plans. He is a leader who truly cares for his boys, even as they inadvertently cause him physical pain or legal trouble. This vulnerability makes him a relatable and highly meme-able icon, representing the common man who tries to stay stylish while life repeatedly knocks him down.

Arakkal Abu, is the standout comic relief and self-proclaimed "strongman" of Shaji Pappan’s tug-of-war team, whose character is defined by a hilarious gap between his terrifying posturing and his cowardly reality. His backstory establishes him as a man desperately seeking a "tough-guy" reputation, often boasting about his imaginary bravery and physical prowess to anyone who will listen. In Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu, he is introduced as a man who mistakenly believes he is a master of combat, famously donning a specialized "fighting costume" and carrying a signature knife, yet he is the first to flee or faint when actual violence erupts. Abu’s character is most famous for his "bad luck" streak, particularly regarding his anatomy—having suffered various accidental injuries across the films that have made him the butt of the gang's jokes. Despite his incompetence and his tendency to escalate situations with his misplaced confidence, he remains Shaji Pappan’s most loyal, albeit dim-witted, lieutenant.

Sub-Inspector Sarbath Shameer, is the bumbling and ego-driven primary law enforcement "antagonist" of the Aadu series, whose character is defined by his peculiar obsession with "Sarbath" (a local lime drink) and his misplaced sense of authority. His backstory presents him as a police officer who prioritizes style and intimidation over actual investigative skill, often seen wearing high-end sunglasses and maintaining a polished, "tough-cop" persona that is frequently undermined by his own incompetence. He earned his nickname due to his ritualistic habit of drinking Sarbath during or after his "interrogations," which usually involve him bullying the innocent while completely missing the actual criminals. In the first film, Shameer is the primary foil to Shaji Pappan’s gang, relentlessly pursuing them over the missing goat, Pinky, and a misunderstanding involving a rare medicinal herb. By the sequel, his character shifts from a menacing (if ineffective) threat to a more comedic figure, having been demoted and humiliated multiple times, yet still desperately trying to reclaim his lost glory. Despite his antagonistic role, his interactions with Shaji Pappan and Arakkal Abu are central to the franchise's humor, as his attempts to act like a cinematic "super-cop" inevitably end in slapstick disaster or public embarrassment.

Saathan Xavier, is a stylish yet eccentric high-range criminal who serves as a chaotic antagonist in the Aadu universe, known for his cold demeanor and unpredictable violence. His backstory establishes him as a ruthless figure in the Idukki underworld, often operating in the shadows and dealing in high-stakes illegal trades, from rare medicinal plants like Neelakkoduveli to counterfeit currency. Unlike the bumbling Shaji Pappan or the cowardly Arakkal Abu, Xavier is presented with a genuine "dark" energy, characterized by his signature long hair, intense gaze, and a penchant for dramatic entrances that strike fear into the local villagers. However, true to the franchise's slapstick nature, his path frequently crosses with Pappan’s gang in increasingly absurd ways, leading to his carefully constructed "tough guy" image being dismantled by the pure chaos that follows the protagonists. Despite being a formidable villain on paper, Xavier often finds himself outsmarted by sheer luck or caught in the crossfire of the gang's incompetence, making him a unique blend of a genuine threat and a victim of the series' overarching absurdity.

Dude(Damodaran Unnimakan Delmon Edakkochi), is a high-stakes, international gangster who descends upon the rural landscape of Idukki, serving as the franchise’s most iconic and unintentionally hilarious antagonist. His backstory paints him as a cold-blooded criminal from the underworld of Mumbai (and later Bangkok), sent to Kerala to retrieve high-value items—ranging from a rare medicinal herb in the first film to counterfeit currency plates in the sequel. Despite his fearsome reputation, "mass" background music, and a wardrobe of flamboyant, colorful outfits, Dude is the ultimate victim of the "Aadu curse," where his professional plans are consistently dismantled by the sheer stupidity and chaotic luck of Shaji Pappan’s gang. His character is famous for his signature catchphrases, his intense but baffled expressions when faced with village-level logic, and his penchant for extreme violence that usually backfires into slapstick comedy. Whether he is being accidentally knocked out or finding himself stranded in a rural village without his usual resources, Dude represents the "fish out of water" trope, where a big-city criminal is humbled by the unpredictable absurdity of small-town life.

Captain Sachin Cleetus, is the highly enthusiastic yet physically diminutive "star player" and captain of Shaji Pappan’s tug-of-war team. His backstory is rooted in his unwavering obsession with sports and his delusional belief in his own athletic supremacy, despite his fragile frame and lack of actual strength. An ardent fan of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Cleetus carries himself with the ego of a world-class athlete, often seen wearing professional sports jerseys and headbands to maintain the image of a disciplined sportsman. In the first film, he is the primary motivator who convinces the gang to participate in the tournament that leads to them winning Pinky the goat, though his "strategic" advice is usually nonsensical or leads the team into deeper trouble. Known for his high-pitched excitement and his tendency to get bullied by the larger-than-life characters around him, Cleetus serves as the emotional—if slightly misguided—heart of the group. His character represents the quintessential "try-hard" whose passion for the game far exceeds his actual ability, making him a fan favorite for his frantic energy and comedic chemistry with Arakkal Abu and Shaji Pappan.

Kuttan Moonga, is a vital member of Shaji Pappan's eccentric tug-of-war team, often serving as the "serious" and grounded presence within the group's chaotic atmosphere. His backstory characterizes him as a loyal companion who, despite the group's general illiteracy and aimless lifestyle, provides a level of sincerity and level-headedness that occasionally keeps the gang from total collapse. In Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu, he is introduced alongside his close friends, participating in the fateful tournament that results in the team winning Pinky the goat. While characters like Arakkal Abu and Captain Cleetus lean into exaggerated cowardice or delusion, Kuttan Moonga is often the one reacting to their absurdity with genuine concern or straightforward logic. Throughout the franchise, he remains a steadfast lieutenant to Shaji Pappan, accompanying the team through their numerous run-ins with gangsters and law enforcement alike. His character represents the quiet loyalty found in rural friendships, making him an essential piece of the "Winners Pothumukku" team dynamic.

He appears only in Aadu and Aadu 2, and will be replaced by another character played by the social media star, Fukru, in Aadu 3.

Krishnan Mandaram, is a key member of Shaji Pappan’s tug-of-war team and the younger, more impressionable "romantic" of the group. His backstory frames him as a quintessential rural youth who is often more concerned with his personal life and appearance than the high-stakes criminal misunderstandings the gang constantly falls into. In the first film, his narrative is largely driven by his pursuit of a love interest, which frequently distracts him during the team’s missions and contributes to their collective bumbling. Unlike the aggressive posturing of Shaji or the delusional bravado of Arakkal Abu, Krishnan Mandaram carries a softer, more naive energy, often acting as the "innocent" member of the pack. Despite his lack of fighting prowess or strategic thinking, his unwavering loyalty to Shaji Pappan is absolute; he is always present to support the team’s "mass" entries, even if he is just as likely to be confused by the situation as the rest of them. Throughout the franchise, he provides a youthful balance to the group, embodying the simple, carefree spirit of the village of Pothumukku.

Lalan P.K., called affectionately Lolan, is the quintessential "innocent" and often dim-witted member of Shaji Pappan’s tug-of-war team, serving as a key source of the group's observational humor. His backstory is that of a simple-minded young man from Pothumukku whose life revolves entirely around his friends and the local gossip of the village. Known for his wide-eyed expressions and slow reaction times, Lolan often fails to grasp the gravity of the dangerous situations involving Dude or Saathan Xavier, frequently asking naive questions or making misplaced comments that break the tension of a "mass" moment. While he lacks the physical strength of a traditional athlete or the tactical mind of a leader, his role in the group is that of a dedicated follower who finds genuine joy in the gang’s misadventures, no matter how disastrous they become. In the sequel, Aadu 2, he remains a constant presence at Shaji’s side, embodying the unshakeable, albeit clueless, brotherhood that defines the Pothumukku team. His character is a fan favorite for representing the pure-hearted, albeit slow-on-the-uptake, village youth who is simply happy to be part of the ride.

Bastin Pathrose, portrayed by Unni Rajan P. Dev, is a heavy-set, physically imposing member of Shaji Pappan's tug-of-war team, often recognized for his signature beard and silent but menacing presence. His backstory is characterized by his role as the "muscle" of the Winners Pothumukku team, though, in true Aadu fashion, his intimidating appearance is frequently undermined by the group's collective bad luck. Unlike the more talkative members like Abu or Cleetus, Bastin’s arc is defined by his quiet loyalty and his participation in the team's various harebrained schemes, from the goat-related chaos of the first film to the counterfeit currency pursuit in the sequel. He is often the one standing directly behind Shaji Pappan during "mass" walk sequences, adding to the team's visual gravitas. His character serves as a vital physical anchor for the group, representing the raw strength of the high-range tug-of-war spirit, even when they find themselves in situations that strength alone cannot solve.

P.P. Sasi (also known as P.P. Sasi Aashan), is a veteran political figure in the Aadu universe whose character serves as a satirical commentary on contemporary political leadership. His backstory in the first film, Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu, introduces him as a seasoned leader who foolishly admits to politically motivated crimes in a public speech, forcing him to become a fugitive from the law. Accompanied by his right-hand man, High Range Hakkim, Sasi spends much of the first film hiding in the high ranges of Idukki, eventually crossing paths with Shaji Pappan's gang and the various criminals pursuing the Neelakkoduveli herb.

By the sequel, Aadu 2, his fortunes have drastically shifted; he has risen to the position of Home Minister of Kerala. Despite his high-ranking office, he remains an eccentric and somewhat bumbling figure. He is instrumental in the return of SI Sarbath Shameer to active duty, as Shameer is seen pleading with Sasi to get his uniform back. Sasi's character is characterized by his lean frame, peculiar dialogue delivery, and humorous interactions that often mirror real-world political scenarios. Whether as a hiding fugitive or a powerful minister, P.P. Sasi remains a fan favorite for his deadpan comedic timing and his role in the escalating chaos of the franchise.

Kanjavu Soman is the franchise’s resident "stoner" and a local forest-dweller whose life is lived in a perpetual, drug-induced haze. His backstory frames him as a man who has completely lost touch with reality due to his constant use of "Kanjavu" (marijuana), leading him to have vivid hallucinations and a very slow, "trippy" way of speaking. In Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu, he is the one who originally possesses the decoy trunk (filled with cow dung) that everyone mistakes for the Neelakkoduveli herb. By Aadu 2, he has unintentionally aligned himself with Saathan Xavier, though he remains just as clueless as ever. His character is a cult favorite for his "logic-defying" observations and his ability to remain calm in the middle of a gunfight simply because he doesn't realize it's happening.

Ponnappan is a character whose impact on the Aadu series is far greater than his actual screen time, primarily serving as the catalyst for Shaji Pappan's tragic backstory and his cynical worldview. Originally Shaji Pappan's trusted driver, Ponnappan committed the ultimate betrayal by eloping with Shaji's wife, Mary. This event is the reason Shaji Pappan harbors a deep-seated resentment toward women and is the "villain" of Shaji's personal life story.

In the films, Ponnappan is depicted as a somewhat opportunistic and cowardly figure who constantly tries to evade Shaji’s wrath. Whenever he appears or is mentioned, it triggers Shaji Pappan's "mass" theme music—but usually in a comedic or frustrating context. Despite the gravity of his betrayal, the interactions between him and the Pothumukku gang are played for laughs, often involving him getting caught in the crossfire of the gang's various misadventures. He represents the "traitor" trope within the franchise, but like everyone else in the Aadu universe, he is ultimately a bumbling character who finds himself in over his head.

Mary is the estranged wife of Shaji Pappan and the central figure of the backstory that defines Shaji’s character and his general disdain for women. Her history is marked by a scandalous elopement with Ponnappan, Shaji's own driver, an act that turned Shaji into a laughingstock in his village and left him with a broken heart and a massive ego wound. In Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu, Mary is depicted as a strong-willed, vocal, and somewhat fiery woman who has no regrets about her decision to leave Shaji, often engaging in sharp-tongued verbal spats with him whenever they cross paths.

Rather than a typical "damsel" or a tragic figure, Mary is presented through a comedic lens; her interactions with Shaji are fueled by mutual annoyance and "high-range" sass. Her departure is the reason Shaji is so protective of his niece and so wary of female presence in the "Winners Pothumukku" gang. While she doesn't have a large amount of screen time, her presence looms large over the narrative, as she is the living reminder of Shaji’s greatest personal defeat, making her one of the few characters who can truly get under his skin without using any physical force.

Battery Simon is an eccentric local technician in the Idukki high ranges who appears in Aadu 2. His backstory is defined by a manic obsession with electrical energy and batteries, which he treats with a level of reverence usually reserved for religious artifacts. He operates a small, cluttered repair shop where he claims to be a master of all things "current," though his methods are often erratic and dangerous. Simon is characterized by his signature wide-eyed expressions, frantic body language, and a fast-paced way of speaking that is heavily peppered with electrical jargon.

In the sequel, Battery Simon becomes an unintentional ally to Saathan Xavier and eventually crosses paths with Shaji Pappan's gang. His arc is centered on his role as the "technical consultant" for the gang's various needs, most notably regarding the counterfeit currency printing plates. Despite his claims of expertise, his involvement usually leads to slapstick disasters, including accidental shocks and technical malfunctions. His character is a fan favorite for his high-energy comedic timing and for embodying the "mad scientist" trope on a rural, high-range scale.

Dragon Paili is a recurring character who undergoes one of the most hilarious "rebranding" arcs in the series. Initially introduced as Paili Vattakuzhy, he is a local man in Idukki with a somewhat timid and unremarkable personality. His life takes a drastic turn when he crosses paths with the international gangster Dude.

In a moment of classic Aadu absurdity, Dude decides to recruit him and bestows upon him the much more intimidating name "Dragon Paili" to fit the gangster aesthetic. Despite the grand name and his attempt to act like a hardened criminal henchman, Paili remains fundamentally the same bumbling villager. He is often seen following Dude's orders with a mix of fear and confusion, serving as a comedic foil to Dude’s high-stakes intensity. By Aadu 2, the name has stuck, and he continues to be part of the chaotic criminal underworld of the high ranges, proving that in Pothumukku, a cool nickname is about as close as anyone gets to actually being "mass."

Shaan Rahman composed the soundtracks and film scores for entire Aadu franchise.