Mohanlal’s much-anticipated film, Empuraan, has made history by achieving the best opening day in Malayalam cinema, raking in ₹22 crores on its first day of release. The film, which premiered on March 27, 2025, has set a new benchmark for box office earnings in the region, with early estimates suggesting that its international collections could soar to as much as ₹50 crores.
This remarkable feat makes Empuraan the first Malayalam movie to earn ₹22 crores on its opening day, surpassing previous records held by other films. The excitement surrounding the film was palpable, with nearly ₹80 crores collected through advance bookings alone, primarily from international theaters. As the long weekend approaches, industry experts predict that the collections will continue to climb, potentially exceeding expectations.
Empuraan is the second installment in the planned Lucifer trilogy, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy. The film dives deep into the backstory of Steven Nedumpally, played by Mohanlal, exploring his transformation into Khureshi Abraham. Following the events of the first film, where Steven steps away from Kerala politics, Empuraan delves into the consequences of his departure and the ensuing chaos in the political landscape of Kerala.
The film features a stellar cast, including Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Abhimanyu Singh in pivotal roles. The ensemble has been praised for their performances, with reviews highlighting Mohanlal’s charisma and the impactful character development from the first part. Critics have noted that Empuraan leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist in the narrative.
In terms of box office performance, the breakdown of earnings on Day 1 revealed that the Malayalam version of the film grossed ₹19.45 crores, while the Telugu version earned ₹1.2 crores. The Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi versions contributed ₹0.8 crores, ₹0.05 crores, and ₹0.5 crores, respectively, bringing the total domestic collection to ₹22 crores.
As the film opened to mixed reviews, it still managed to eclipse the previous record-holder, Marakkar, which had earned ₹20 crores on its opening day. The competition was fierce, especially with Tamil star Vijay's Leo having previously set the opening record in Kerala. However, Empuraan not only broke this record but also added over 500 late-night shows, indicating strong demand.
Online ticketing platforms reported that Empuraan had a full occupancy in many locations, particularly in Kochi, which recorded a remarkable 100% attendance for IMAX showings. The film's success at the box office is attributed to its high-quality production values and engaging storytelling, despite some critics expressing concerns regarding the plot's depth.
As audiences flock to theaters, the film's director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, has garnered praise for his vision and execution. A reviewer remarked, "Empuraan, the latest cinematic marvel directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring the legendary Mohanlal, has undeniably redefined the standards of Malayalam cinema." Another critic noted, "Hats off to Prithviraj for that direction. Hats off to all the L2 team for making a spectacle. Mohanlal in his usual charisma and power performance. Manju Warrier almost stole the show… a super performance. Great character development from L1."
The film's narrative is set against a backdrop of political unrest and global crime networks, as it follows the rise of a mysterious power player. As factions clash in Kerala and international forces close in, the story unfolds into a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and survival, leading to an explosive reckoning.
In summary, Empuraan has not only achieved record-breaking box office numbers but has also sparked a renewed interest in Malayalam cinema on a global scale. With its compelling storyline and powerful performances, the film is expected to maintain momentum in the coming days, especially with the extended Eid holiday weekend approaching.
As the audience eagerly awaits the next installment in the Lucifer trilogy, it is clear that Empuraan has set a new standard for future releases, promising a thrilling continuation of Steven Nedumpally’s saga.
