Mohanlal’s 2025 is off to a spectacular start. His latest film, Thudarum (meaning "to be continued" in English), has taken theatres by storm, collecting a remarkable Rs 5.5 crore on its opening day. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, this marks the second-biggest opening for a Malayalam film this year. Topping the list is none other than Mohanlal himself, with Empuraan registering a massive Rs 18.6 crore on its debut day.
Thudarum, which features the legendary Shobana alongside Mohanlal, managed this feat despite facing multiple release delays. It even outshone several high-profile Vishu releases earlier this year. This strong performance highlights Mohanlal's enduring popularity, especially after a quieter 2024, where his directorial debut Barroz struggled both critically and commercially.
The past few years have seen Mohanlal on a bumpy ride, with sporadic successes but no back-to-back hits. However, current reports suggest that 2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for the actor, with his strong box office return in Thudarum setting the tone for what could be a series of successes. What films are lined up next for him?
Mohanlal’s calendar for 2025 looks robust. Hridayapoorvam, directed by the legendary Sathyan Anthikad, is set for release on August 28. Promising a shift from action to emotional drama, the film, starring Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sangeetha, and Sangeeth Prathap, is expected to strike a chord with audiences. Following this, Vrushabha, a multilingual project blending Malayalam and Telugu cinema, is scheduled for October 16. Directed by Nanda Kishore, Vrushabha boasts a star-studded cast, including Roshann Meka, Shanaya Kapoor, and Ragini Dwivedi, and aims to appeal to audiences across South India.
If Thudarum's early success is anything to go by, Mohanlal’s resurgence appears to be set to continue well into 2025. With a strong line-up of upcoming releases and audiences showing renewed enthusiasm, the veteran actor looks poised to reclaim his place at the top of the Malayalam film industry.
The film Thudarum opened to highly positive reviews and became the first Malayalam film to record over 30,000 ticket sales in one hour, as per online ticketing websites. The film, which hit the screens on April 25, 2025, is a crime-thriller that charts the journey of a taxi driver named Shanmughan, whose life turns upside down when his beloved Ambassador car gets entangled in a legal turmoil.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum features a talented ensemble cast alongside Mohanlal and Shobana, including Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, Farhaan Faasil, and others. Critics have praised the film for its engaging storytelling and performances, with many noting that it gives audiences their "vintage Mohanlal." Mohanlal himself expressed his gratitude for the film's reception, stating, "I’m deeply moved and truly humbled by the love and heartfelt response for #Thudarum. Each message and every word of appreciation has touched me in ways I can’t fully express. Thank you for opening your hearts to this story, for seeing its soul, and for embracing it with such grace."
The opening day numbers for Thudarum were impressive, with an overall occupancy of 62.27%. The evening and night shows garnered an impressive 68.25% and 84%, respectively. In fact, the occupancy of the night shows in cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Alappuzha ranged from 95% to 99%. This strong turnout reflects not only the star power of Mohanlal but also the positive buzz surrounding the film.
Despite a quieter 2024, where his previous film Barroz struggled, Mohanlal’s return to form with Thudarum has been met with enthusiasm. The film’s success is a much-needed boost for the veteran actor, whose recent outings had failed to impress fans or the box office. With positive reviews and audience praise, Thudarum is expected to grow over the weekend, solidifying its place as one of the year's standout films.
As the excitement builds around Thudarum, fans are eager to see how the film performs in its first weekend. Industry experts predict that the positive word-of-mouth will continue to drive ticket sales, making it a significant player at the box office. Mohanlal's performance, coupled with the film's engaging narrative, has set the stage for what could be a remarkable comeback.
Looking ahead, Mohanlal’s upcoming projects promise to keep the momentum going. With Hridayapoorvam and Vrushabha lined up, fans can expect a diverse range of performances from the actor, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. As the Malayalam film industry continues to evolve, Mohanlal remains a central figure, with Thudarum marking a triumphant return to form.
In conclusion, Mohanlal’s Thudarum has not only made a significant impact at the box office but also rekindled the love and admiration of his fans. With strong performances, a compelling storyline, and a promising lineup of future projects, the Malayalam superstar is set to reclaim his status as one of the leading figures in Indian cinema.
