In a remarkable instance of an actor surpassing his own past success, Mohanlal’s recent release Thudarum has officially outperformed his 2016 blockbuster Pulimurugan at the box office, earning the distinction of being the sixth highest-grossing Malayalam film in history. According to data from Sacnilk, the emotionally driven family drama has collected Rs 79.85 crore so far, overtaking the Rs 76.67 crore earned by Pulimurugan during its lifetime run.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum offers audiences a soul-stirring narrative anchored by a powerful performance from Mohanlal. The film’s deep emotional resonance has found strong favor with viewers across Kerala as well as in international markets. What sets this achievement apart is the fact that both Thudarum and Pulimurugan feature Mohanlal in the lead role, a clear reflection of his lasting dominance at the box office and his adaptability across genres.
While Pulimurugan was a high-energy action thriller that set new standards for commercial Malayalam cinema, Thudarum stands in contrast as a heartfelt, character-centered drama. Rather than relying on spectacle, it drew in audiences through its compelling storytelling and emotionally impactful performances. This striking shift in tone between the two films highlights Mohanlal’s ability to command attention in both mass-market and intimate cinema formats.
With this new box office milestone, Thudarum has entered the elite circle of Malayalam cinema’s top earners. The current top five highest-grossing Malayalam films at the Kerala box office are Manjummel Boys, L2: Empuraan, 2018, The Goat Life (Aadujeevitham), and Aavesham. Once a record-setter, Pulimurugan has now slipped to seventh place, its position overtaken ironically by another film starring the same actor.
Industry experts attribute the success of Thudarum not only to Mohanlal’s powerful screen presence but also to the film’s steady performance driven largely by positive word-of-mouth. Analysts project that the film could cross Rs 85 crore before it completes its second week, potentially setting it on a path toward entering the Rs 90 crore club in the near future.
“It’s yet another reminder that when it comes to Malayalam cinema, few can match Mohanlal — not even Mohanlal himself,” noted one analyst, capturing the paradox of the actor eclipsing his own benchmarks.
The movie’s strong domestic performance has also been mirrored abroad. Thudarum has been making notable waves in the North American market — a region traditionally led by Hindi and Telugu films. But the landscape is shifting. The release of L2: Empuraan helped generate renewed global interest in Malayalam cinema, and this rising curiosity has opened doors for films like Thudarum to thrive overseas.
Backed by Mohanlal’s immense popularity beyond India, Thudarum has now become his second movie to cross the prestigious $1 million mark in North America, the first being Empuraan. This milestone signifies more than just monetary success — it indicates growing recognition and appreciation for Malayalam cinema in international territories, especially in a marketplace that has often been dominated by larger film industries.
Within just 11 days of its release, Thudarum has already earned over ₹11.50 crore in the North American circuit, a notable feat for any regional Indian film navigating a highly competitive global box office environment.
The film’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the nature of its content. Unlike conventional blockbusters that lean heavily on action sequences, visual effects, or franchise appeal, Thudarum succeeds by offering an emotionally resonant experience. It proves that a strong narrative and moving performances can also pull audiences into theatres, even across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Mohanlal’s enduring appeal is central to this success. With a career spanning decades and marked by a wide range of roles, he continues to defy expectations — not just by competing with younger stars but by surpassing his own past records. The dual success of Pulimurugan and Thudarum, vastly different in genre and tone, only reinforces his unparalleled versatility.
Furthermore, the director Tharun Moorthy deserves credit for crafting a film that not only speaks to local sensibilities but also resonates universally. By tapping into universal themes of family, loss, and resilience, Moorthy has delivered a story that moves beyond geographical boundaries.
The Malayalam film industry itself is reaping the benefits of this success. The international achievements of Thudarum and other recent releases are gradually reshaping the perception of Malayalam cinema on the global stage. From being regarded as a niche segment within Indian cinema, it is now emerging as a potent creative force capable of delivering both critical acclaim and box office triumphs.
As Thudarum continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can climb even higher in the box office rankings. With sustained interest from viewers and growing traction in international markets, it seems likely that the film will set further records in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Thudarum stands not just as a commercial victory but also as a cultural moment — one that reaffirms Mohanlal’s enduring star power, highlights the strength of Malayalam storytelling, and signals a broader shift in global cinema consumption. Its box office numbers are impressive, but its real achievement lies in the way it has connected with audiences, both at home and abroad.