Despite Empuraan’s blockbuster success, most Malayalam films released in March 2025 struggled at the Kerala box office, according to Kerala Film Producers’ Association.
April 28, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram —
According to the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA), almost all Malayalam films released in March 2025 failed at the Kerala box office, with Empuraan standing out as the sole exception.
The collection figures released by KFPA are partial, considering only the producers’ share from Kerala theatres. These numbers exclude revenues from overseas, OTT rights, and the exhibitors’ share, leading to concerns that some successful films may appear to have underperformed.
As per the report, Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, collected ₹24.65 crore from Kerala theatres within the first five days of its release until March 31. The film, with a reported budget of ₹175.66 crore, has been touted as the most expensive Malayalam film ever. Its makers recently announced a global gross of ₹325 crore, factoring in OTT deals and international collections.
In contrast, several smaller films performed poorly:
- Maruvasham (Budget: ₹78 lakh) collected ₹60,000
- Pralayashesham Oru Jalakanyaka (Budget: ₹1.5 crore) collected ₹64 lakh
- Aranyam (Budget: ₹85 lakh) collected ₹22,000
- Leech (Budget: ₹1 crore) collected ₹45,000
- Kaadakam (Budget: ₹30 lakh) collected ₹80,000
- Rakshasy The Lady Killer (Budget: ₹60 lakh) collected ₹4 lakh
- Dasettante Cycle (Budget: ₹70 lakh) collected ₹8 lakh
Several films are still running in theatres, with partial figures recorded:
- Ouseppinte Osiyath (Budget: ₹4 crore) collected ₹45 lakh
- Pariwar (Budget: ₹2.6 crore) collected ₹26 lakh
- Vadakkan (Budget: ₹3.65 crore) collected ₹20 lakh
- Abhilasham (Budget: ₹4 crore) collected ₹15 lakh
The association’s decision to publish box office figures has sparked discontent within the Malayalam film industry, with many insiders pointing out that releasing only partial figures can create a misleading picture, making moderately successful films seem like failures.
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Empuraan, Malayalam box office, Kerala Film Producers Association, Malayalam movies 2025, Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Malayalam film industry, box office report, Empuraan box office, Malayalam film flops