From new additions to the “Star Wars” franchise to Tamil and local films, here’s what’s coming to cinemas near you.
1. ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ (May 7)
Originating from a massively popular 1992 arcade game, “Mortal Kombat” returns with a sequel to the 2021 reboot. Directed by Simon McQuoid, this instalment finally throws audiences into the long-awaited tournament.
Earthrealm must win its next match or fall to Outworld, ruled by the tyrannical Shao Kahn, who has already secured nine consecutive victories.
New faces include fan-favourite Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban), alongside Princess Kitana and Queen Sindel. After the chaos of the first film, this one promises the real fight fans have been waiting for.
2. ‘Tarung: Unforgiven’ (May 7)
Positioned as a major milestone for Malaysian martial arts cinema, this action drama from Razaisyam Rashid stars Mierul Aiman as Hatta, a former silat champion.
After a fatal accident in the ring, he swears off fighting, but is pulled back into the underground scene when his sister falls critically ill and medical bills pile up. His only option: compete in “Tarung”, a brutal tournament to crown the next Ketua Paduka.
Things turn personal when his final opponent is Isa, his former best friend, now out for revenge after Hatta unintentionally killed his brother.
3. ‘Circus of Life’ – local movie (May 7)
If you’re after something softer, this Chinese local drama – releasing just after Mother’s Day – serves as a tribute to women, and maternal love.
The story follows Wei, a man chasing his childhood dream of building an animal circus.
Life, however, has other plans. Failures pile up, and his grip on reality begins to slip, to the point where he believes he’s been abducted by aliens.
As his world unravels, only two people remain: his devoted girlfriend and a mother who refuses to give up on him. It’s tender, slightly surreal, and likely to hit you right in the chest.
4. ‘Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour Live in 3D’ (May 8)
Fans of 10-time Grammy Award-winning singer Billie Eilish are in for a treat. Co-directed by Billie herself and Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron, the film continues her tradition of documenting her career through different cinematic lenses.
Unlike her previous projects, this one was shot over four nights in Manchester for IMAX and 3D screens, creating an experience that makes you feel like you’re right on stage with her.
It captures her sold-out 2025 world tour, featuring a 24-song setlist from the album and her other big hits.
5. ‘Karrupu’ (May 14)
After 2025’s “Retro”, Suriya returns to Tamil cinema with “Karrupu”, an action film directed by RJ Balaji, marking their first collaboration together. He also reunites with Trisha on screen after more than two decades.
Suriya plays a principled lawyer who becomes the human vessel for Karuppu Swamy, a fierce guardian deity rooted in Tamil folklore. When the justice system fails, divine intervention steps in.
Blending mythology with mass-action spectacle, this long-delayed release is finally ready to hit cinemas, and it looks like a full-throttle ride.
6. ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ (May 21)
The galaxy far, far away returns to the big screen. Directed by Jon Favreau, this film continues the story from “The Mandalorian” series and marks the first theatrical Star Wars release since 2019.
Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Din Djarin, alongside everyone’s favourite companion, Grogu.
This time, the two are recruited by the New Republic for a high-risk mission of rescuing Rotta the Hutt (the son of Jabba) in exchange for critical information on an Imperial target.
They face off against the Shadow Council and a formidable Imperial Warlord who aims to restore the Empire. There’s also buzz around more helmet-off moments for Din, giving fans a bit more of Pascal on screen.
7. ‘Passenger’ (May 21)
If horror is your thing, this one comes with a chilling hook: “130 million people take road trips every year. 15,400 of them are never seen again.”
Directed by André Øvredal (“The Autopsy of Jane Doe”), the film follows a couple on a carefree van-life journey that quickly spirals into terror after witnessing a fatal crash.
From that moment on, something follows them, an entity known only as “The Passenger”. It can’t be outrun, and it won’t let go. What starts as an adventure turns into a relentless fight to survive.
8. ‘The Sheep Detectives’ (May 28)
Ending the month on a lighter note, this quirky mystery-comedy is based on the best-selling novel “Three Bags Full”.
Hugh Jackman plays a shepherd who reads crime novels to his flock, unaware they’ve become amateur detectives. When he’s found dead, the sheep take it upon themselves to crack the case.
Led by the clever Lily, they venture beyond their meadow for the first time, outsmarting humans along the way.
With sheep voices from Bryan Cranston, Patrick Stewart and more, it’s a delightfully oddball whodunnit.