The year 2025 is shaping up to be an iconic one for Malayalam cinema, especially for superstar Mohanlal. His latest crime thriller Thudarum has emerged as a groundbreaking film in Mollywood, surpassing several benchmarks and setting a new standard for box office success. With record-breaking footfalls and massive global collections, Thudarum has achieved a feat no Indian film has managed in the last nine years.
Released on April 25, 2025, Thudarum has captivated audiences across Kerala, with its gripping storyline and Mohanlal’s compelling performance drawing in massive crowds to theatres. The film’s popularity shows no sign of slowing down, as it continues to attract moviegoers in unprecedented numbers.
According to the most recent data, the film has recorded a staggering 66.2 lakh footfalls in Kerala within just 20 days of its release. With the current momentum, Thudarum is expected to cross the 70 lakh mark with ease by the weekend. This incredible audience turnout reflects the film’s strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership. What makes this even more remarkable is that Thudarum has outperformed another of Mohanlal’s recent blockbusters, L2: Empuraan, which had amassed a total of 53.95 lakh footfalls during its entire theatrical run.
This level of footfall is historic for Kerala’s film industry. Thudarum is now the third most-watched Indian film in Kerala since the year 2000. It trails only behind Narasimham (2000) and Pulimurugan (2016), both of which are also Mohanlal starrers. Notably, Pulimurugan had been the gold standard for nearly a decade when it came to audience turnout, but now Thudarum is challenging that legacy. In fact, no Indian film over the past nine years has managed to achieve such a large viewership in Kerala. As one observer noted, “Mind-boggling, isn’t it?”
While the film is breaking records in terms of audience numbers, its performance at the global box office is equally impressive. Within 21 days, Thudarum has already overtaken L2: Empuraan to become the second highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. The only film still ahead of it is Manjummel Boys.
Domestically, Thudarum has earned a net total of ₹107.66 crore in India. Its gross domestic collections amount to ₹127.03 crore. On the international front, the film has concluded its overseas run with a gross of ₹90.20 crore. Adding it all together, the worldwide gross stands at a remarkable ₹217.23 crore.
Here’s a breakdown of Thudarum’s global box office performance over the span of 20 days:
India net: ₹107.66 crore
India gross: ₹127.03 crore
Overseas gross: ₹90.20 crore
Worldwide gross: ₹217.23 crore
These numbers are a testament to the wide appeal of the film, not just among audiences in Kerala but also among the Malayali diaspora and international moviegoers. Few regional films manage to make such a dent globally, but Thudarum has proven that Malayalam cinema continues to rise in stature and influence on the world stage.
The film has been helmed by director Tharun Moorthy, who has crafted a crime thriller that resonates with viewers across demographics. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, Thudarum includes celebrated actress Shobana in a pivotal role, alongside Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Sangeeth Prathap, and Krishna Prabha. Each actor brings depth and nuance to the film, enhancing the intricate storyline and creating a cinematic experience that is both engaging and memorable.
Produced by M. Renjith under the banner of Rejaputhra Visual Media, Thudarum had a wide theatrical release on April 25, 2025. The production values and cinematic craftsmanship have received praise, with critics highlighting the film’s storytelling, tight screenplay, and impactful performances. The collaboration between Mohanlal and director Tharun Moorthy has proven to be a winning combination, attracting both critical acclaim and commercial success.
The film’s success reflects not just Mohanlal’s star power but also the evolution of Malayalam cinema into a more global and commercially viable force. While Mohanlal’s name undoubtedly adds tremendous weight to any film, it is clear that Thudarum has resonated with audiences on multiple levels—thanks to its compelling plot, direction, and powerful ensemble cast.
As Thudarum continues its theatrical run, it remains a phenomenon in Kerala and beyond. With its footfall count inching toward 70 lakhs and worldwide revenue already crossing ₹217 crore, the film is expected to climb even higher in the list of all-time box office successes.
Given the current trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising if Thudarum goes on to challenge even more longstanding records in the days to come. Its popularity suggests strong legs at the box office, and with continued support from fans and audiences, it could eventually narrow the gap with Manjummel Boys or even surpass it.
For now, Mohanlal can bask in the glory of yet another historic achievement. His ability to consistently draw crowds and push the boundaries of Malayalam cinema remains unmatched. Thudarum is more than just a hit film—it is a cultural event, a celebration of storytelling, and a clear indicator that Malayalam cinema is thriving like never before.
In an industry constantly evolving with new trends and shifting audience preferences, Mohanlal continues to adapt and dominate. As 2025 unfolds, Thudarum stands tall as a defining moment for both the actor and the Malayalam film industry.