Mollywood's big grossers, trend setters and changemakers of 2025

2025 was a rollercoaster year for Malayalam cinema, with fewer than 200 releases but delivering some massive blockbusters that took the industry by storm. Once known for its modest yet high-quality productions, it has now evolved into a major force, producing high-budget films and raking in even bigger profits. A standout example of this change is 'Lokah,' directed by Arun Dominic, which shattered records, earning over Rs 300 crore in total revenue. Here's a look at the game-changers and history-makers of Mollywood's experimental year.

'Lokah'
'Lokah' made waves as the first female superhero film in Mollywood, with Kalyani Priyadarshan delivering a stunning performance. Alongside her, Naslen, Tovino Thomas, and Dulquer Salmaan made memorable appearances. The film's gripping narrative, set in Bengaluru, and groundbreaking visual effects set it apart. Kalyani's role not only drove the film artistically but also financially, marking a major shift in an industry that had struggled for a consistent female lead. Despite rumours, Dulquer confirmed the film's budget was closer to Rs 70 crore, much higher than the speculated amount. The film went on to become a pan-Indian success, grossing Rs 304 crore worldwide.

'Empuraan'
'Empuraan', the much-anticipated film directed by Prithviraj and starring Mohanlal in the lead, was the most expensive Malayalam film of 2025, with a budget of over Rs 170 crore. It briefly held the box office crown, grossing Rs 266 crore worldwide and becoming the second Malayalam film after 'Manjummel Boys' to enter the Rs 200 crore club. Although the film received mixed reviews, its marketing strategy created a massive pre-release buzz and revolutionised big-budget film marketing in Mollywood. The movie also sparked controversy after right-leaning political parties alleged it altered history.

'Thudarum'
'Thudarum' brought together the legendary duo of Mohanlal and Shobana for an emotional rollercoaster. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film was a superhit, with Prakash Varma leaving a lasting impact with the portrayal of the villain, George Sir. Many also hailed the movie, calling it Mohanlal's comeback after a series of flops. Made on a budget of Rs 30 crore, the film grossed over Rs 230 crore worldwide.

'Rekhachitram'
'Rekhachitram' became a landmark in Malayalam cinema, being the first to use AI to recreate scenes involving a younger version of Mammootty. This experimental film interweaves its narration with an older Malayalam movie 'Kathodu Kathoram', adding docu-style, fictional interviews with the latter's makers and crew. The film earned over Rs 50 crore worldwide.

'Eko'
Released toward the end of the year, 'Eko,' directed by Dinjith Ajayan and written by Bahul Ramesh, was praised for its innovative concept. From the makers of 'Kishkindha Kandham,' the film is set in lush forest ranges and explores the unique bond between a dog breeder and a group of Malaysian dogs. Its compelling screenplay also set it apart, helping the film earn Rs 50 crore at the box office.

'Narayaneente Moonamakkal'
Despite underperforming at the box office by earning less than Rs 1 crore, 'Narayaneente Moonamakkal' gained traction after its OTT release. Its controversial portrayal of a romantic relationship between cousins sparked debate and challenged societal norms. Gargi Ananthan's performance as Athira was one of the highlights of the film, which also featured Joju George, Thomas Mathew, Suraj Venjaramoodu, among others.

‘Padakkalam’
A blend of fantasy and comedy, 'Padakkalam' stood out for its unique connection of black magic to everyday college life. The performances and humour made it a hit among students and fantasy fans alike. The film picked up momentum a few days after its release and collected Rs 18.7 crore worldwide.

'Feminichi Fathima'
'Feminichi Fathima' premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) last year, winning five awards. However, the movie only hit theatres in October and then premiered in Manorama Max in December.The film's lead, Shamla Hamza, took home the Kerala State Award for Best Actress. With its focus on a young wife's battle against patriarchy, the film resonated deeply with audiences and critics.

'Dies Irae'
This movie by Rahul Sadasivan, best known for directing horror films such as 'Bramayugam' and 'Bhoothakalam', is arguably the most anticipated horror film in Malayalam cinema. Critics and fans of Rahul's previous works gave the movie a thumbs down for its plot and excessive reliance on jump scares. The movie, however, is technically rich, with some great music by Christo Xavier and cinematography by Shehnad Jalal. Pranav Mohanlal, who played lead roles in films like 'Hridayam' and 'Varshangalkku Shesham' made his horror debut with 'Dies Irae'.

'Thalavara'
'Thalavara,' directed by Akhil Anilkumar, brought attention to vitiligo, starring Arjun Ashokan as a character struggling with the condition. Instead of presenting it from a sympathetic perspective, the film portrayed his daily challenges with understanding and empathy. Though it earned only Rs 2 crore at the box office, word of mouth after release made it a primary conversation starter.