Mohanlal, one of the most beloved actors in Malayalam cinema, experienced a rather underwhelming 2024. His two major releases that year, Malaikottai Vaaliban and Barroz 3D, failed to make the intended impact at the box office. These setbacks, while disheartening, were not unfamiliar territory for the actor whose career began with the 1980 classic Manjil Virinja Pookkal. Over the span of 45 years, Mohanlal has witnessed a series of highs and lows. However, some fans and critics began to speculate whether the iconic ‘Lalettan’ was losing his touch. His response to such doubts has been nothing short of emphatic: a record-breaking performance in 2025, collecting a combined ₹500 crore in global box office revenue—largely single-handedly—for the Malayalam film industry.
The year 2024 was not particularly kind to Mohanlal. According to box office tracker Sacnilk, Malaikottai Vaaliban earned ₹29.75 crore globally, while Barroz 3D managed only ₹15.1 crore. Though these figures would be considered acceptable for smaller Malayalam films, they were disappointing given the scale and expectations surrounding both projects. Barroz 3D, in particular, was hyped as a potential game-changer in Malayalam cinema but failed to impress audiences due to its poor visual effects. On the other hand, Malaikottai Vaaliban did manage to find a segment of its audience but ultimately lacked the widespread appeal that was anticipated.
The tide turned dramatically in 2025. March saw the release of L2 Empuraan, which not only shattered box office records in Kerala but across India as well. The film grossed ₹265.5 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Malayalam film in history and the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. This level of success was unprecedented for the Malayalam industry, which has long been celebrated for its thoughtful storytelling but rarely for box office dominance.
Hot on the heels of L2 Empuraan, Mohanlal released another blockbuster in April—Thudarum. This film too performed spectacularly, raking in ₹234.5 crore worldwide. It currently holds the position of the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of the year. When the earnings of L2 Empuraan and Thudarum are combined, they cross the ₹500 crore milestone. This figure doesn’t even include the additional ₹1.05 crore collected within just two days from the re-release of his 2007 film Chotta Mumbai, which further adds to his recent box office resurgence.
To put these numbers into perspective:
- L2 Empuraan earned ₹265.5 crore globally
- Thudarum followed closely with ₹234.5 crore
- Chotta Mumbai brought in ₹1.05 crore in just two days after its re-release
This brings the total worldwide gross from these three films to a staggering ₹501.05 crore.
These earnings have not only silenced Mohanlal’s critics but have also reinforced his status as a cornerstone of Malayalam cinema. For an industry that has long been known for its emotionally rich and intelligent narratives rather than massive commercial success, Mohanlal’s 2025 performance has rewritten what is possible for Mollywood.
Looking ahead, the legendary actor shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming film Vrusshabha, an epic action-drama, is set to release on 16 October. Before that, audiences can look forward to Hridayapoorvam, a family drama slated for release on 28 August. Both films are eagerly awaited and expected to continue his strong box office momentum.
Additionally, one of the most talked-about future projects in the Malayalam film industry is an ambitious multi-starrer featuring Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil. This high-profile collaboration is already being described as a potential industry-defining film and could serve as Mollywood’s next major milestone.
Mohanlal’s journey from a challenging 2024 to a record-breaking 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability and magic of cinema. Even after more than four decades in the industry, he continues to push boundaries and surprise audiences. His remarkable comeback has not only reinforced his legendary status but has also opened new commercial horizons for Malayalam cinema.
“Failures are nothing new to the star who began his career with the 1980 film *Manjil Virinja Pookkal and saw many ups and downs in these 45 years,” noted a film industry observer. Indeed, his enduring popularity and ability to rebound reflect both his talent and the deep connection he shares with his audience.
With over ₹500 crore in global earnings from just three films and more high-profile releases on the horizon, Mohanlal is not just having a moment—he is defining one. As Mollywood evolves into a more commercially robust segment of Indian cinema, it is fitting that one of its greatest icons is leading the charge. His 2025 box office run is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of stardom.