In an electrifying start to its box office journey, the highly anticipated film Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring renowned actors Mohanlal and Prithviraj himself, has made waves by grossing over ₹65 crore worldwide on its opening day, March 27, 2025. This impressive figure comes on the heels of an exceptional advance booking, which already accounted for more than ₹80 crore, setting the stage for what could be a record-breaking run for the sequel to the blockbuster Lucifer.
According to early estimates reported by film industry tracker Sacnilk, Empuraan achieved a remarkable ₹22 crore in collections within India alone on its first day. This achievement marks it as the biggest day one grosser in Malayalam cinema, surpassing the previous records held by Mohanlal's own Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea. The film recorded an overall Malayalam occupancy rate of 58.82% across 2,738 shows, indicating a strong audience turnout.
The film's highest occupancy was seen in Kochi, where it reached an astonishing 98% across 336 shows. Other cities like Kollam and Thrissur also reported impressive numbers, with occupancy rates of 94% and 92%, respectively. In Kozhikode, the occupancy stood at 93%, showcasing the film's widespread appeal across Kerala.
Outside of Kerala, Empuraan also performed well, recording a 23% occupancy in Mumbai across 220 shows and 25% in the Delhi NCR region across 160 shows. However, its performance in Kannada regions was less robust, with an overall occupancy of 10.05%, peaking at 11% in Bengaluru and Shivamogga.
With such a strong opening day, Empuraan has already surpassed the four-day worldwide collections of Aadujeevitham and Lucifer, which previously stood at ₹64.14 crore and ₹55.40 crore, respectively. This milestone highlights the substantial anticipation and box office pull that the sequel has garnered.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Abhimanyu Singh, alongside Mohanlal and Prithviraj. The ensemble cast brings together a mix of established and rising talents, contributing to the film's appeal. Empuraan is produced by Aashirvad Cinemas and Sree Gokulam Movies, with Lyca Productions presenting the project.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, Empuraan continues the saga established in Lucifer, with Mohanlal reprising his iconic role as Khureshi Ab'raam. The film's production involved a talented crew, including cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev, editor Akhilesh Mohan, and music composer Deepak Dev. The action sequences were choreographed by Stunt Silva, ensuring that the film is packed with thrilling moments.
Despite its strong box office performance, Empuraan faced challenges, including reports of being leaked online on its release day. This piracy issue could potentially impact its earnings in the coming days, as audiences may opt for illegal streaming options rather than purchasing tickets to see the film in theaters.
The excitement surrounding Empuraan is palpable, with fans eagerly discussing its potential to become the highest-grossing film in Malayalam cinema history. The film's blend of action, drama, and political intrigue is expected to keep audiences engaged throughout the weekend and beyond.
As the film continues to trend on social media and attract viewers, it remains to be seen whether Empuraan can maintain its momentum and achieve new milestones at the box office. With its strong start and dedicated fanbase, the film is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the coming weeks.