- Monday, June 09, 2025
After a disappointing 2024, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal stormed back in 2025 with blockbusters like L2 Empuraan and Thudarum, grossing over $60 million worldwide and reaffirming his status as Mollywood’s biggest draw.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
In 2024, Mohanlal struggled at the box office with two highly anticipated films. Malaikottai Vaaliban brought in approximately $3.56 million USD (₹29.75 crore), while Barroz 3D, despite heavy promotion and expectations, managed only $1.8 million USD (₹15.1 crore). Both films failed to meet expectations due to a mix of weak storytelling and, in the case of Barroz, poor CGI execution.
Historic Turnaround in 2025
Mohanlal silenced critics in 2025 with a trio of successful releases. Leading the charge was L2 Empuraan, which hit screens in March and became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, earning $31.9 million USD (₹265.5 crore).
Following that, Thudarum, released in April, came close with $28.2 million USD (₹234.5 crore), securing its place as the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of the year. These two films alone brought in over $60 million USD, an unprecedented achievement for Mollywood.
Even Old Hits Made a Comeback
Adding to his stellar year, the re-release of Mohanlal’s 2007 cult classic Chotta Mumbai earned $126,000 USD (₹1.05 crore) in just two days, showing the timeless appeal of his earlier work and further boosting his 2025 numbers.
Upcoming Projects to Watch
Mohanlal’s success streak may continue with several major releases in the pipeline:
Mohanlal’s journey from a dismal 2024 to a record-breaking 2025 is a reminder of his enduring power in Indian cinema. His combined box office haul of $60.2 million USD (₹501.05 crore) not only revitalized his career but also elevated the profile of Malayalam cinema on the national stage.
