Released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Athiradi has quickly become one of the year’s most significant Malayalam openings. The film, which stars Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph, saw a dramatic 967% jump from its limited “Day 0” previews to its official opening day. While early reviews from audiences are divided, the star power of the lead duo and the film’s high-energy festival atmosphere have successfully pulled crowds into cinema halls across the country.
Detailed Box Office Breakdown: Day 1
The film showed incredible momentum, particularly in its home state of Kerala, where it dominated the charts.
India Collection Figures
- India Net Collection: ₹6.07 Crore (Includes Day 0 previews)
- India Gross Collection: ₹7.04 Crore
- Day 1 India Net: ₹5.55 Crore
- Day 0 Preview Net: ₹52 Lakhs
State-wise Performance (Gross)
| State | Collection |
| Kerala | ₹5.50 Crore |
| Karnataka | ₹55 Lakhs |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹22 Lakhs |
| Andhra Pradesh / Telangana | ₹5 Lakhs |
| Rest of India | ₹12 Lakhs |
Global Reach and Occupancy Trends
The film’s appeal extends beyond the domestic market. Overseas markets contributed a solid ₹3.50 crore, helping the film cross the coveted 10-crore mark on its very first day.
Audience interest grew steadily as the day progressed, indicating that the film’s “theatre experience” is attracting viewers:
- Morning Shows: 25.67% occupancy
- Afternoon Shows: 36.33% occupancy
- Evening Shows: 45.25% occupancy
- Night Shows: 60.83% occupancy (Peak)
Plot and Critical Reception
Directed by Arun Anirudhan (co-writer of Minnal Murali), the film follows Samkutty (Basil Joseph), a spirited student who attempts to revive a banned college festival. This decision triggers a series of escalating tensions, turning the celebration into a chaotic clash of campus politics and gang rivalries.
Critical Response:
- ETimes: 4/5 Stars – Praised the film as an impressive debut for Anirudhan, noting the “confidence and swagger” of the direction.
- The Week: Highlighted the “festive atmosphere” and Basil Joseph’s “cringe-inducing yet relatable” performance, though it noted the film occasionally feels overstuffed.
- Audience Sentiment: Reactions are polarized. While many fans on social media are calling it a “perfect theatre entertainer” with “goosebumps moments,” some viewers feel the first half takes too long to build.