Mohanlal's L2: Empuraan and Thudarum together cross Rs 30 Crore mark in North America, setting a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema in 2025
continues to rewrite the box office playbook for Malayalam cinema overseas. In a record-breaking year, his two major 2025 releases — L2: Empuraan and Thudarum — have collectively grossed over Rs 30 crore in the North American market, a first for a Malayalam star and the industry.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Leading the charge is Empuraan directed by
, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. The film stormed through the North American box office, collecting a massive $2,707,540 (USD conversion: $2,358,412 / Rs 20.2 crore) from 449 locations. In the USA alone, the film netted $1,412,461, while Canada contributed an impressive $1,295,079. The Malayalam version dominated with $2,567,297, while the Telugu version added $140,243 — officially making Empuraan the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever in North America.
Meanwhile, Thudarum dircted by
, which was released in fewer locations (186 screens), held its own against bigger pan-India titles. The film earned $1,582,079 (USD conversion: $1,393,729 / Rs 11.94 crore) in North America. In the USA, Thudarum collected $883,000, while the Canadian box office brought in $699,079. Despite a tighter release, the film's strong content and Mohanlal's loyal overseas following ensured packed shows in several cities.
Together, Empuraan and Thudarum have amassed Rs 33.96 crore (approx. $3.75 million) in North America in 2025 — a phenomenal milestone for any Malayalam actor. This joint success also signals the growing appetite for Malayalam films overseas, especially in territories like Canada, where both films recorded remarkable footfalls.
Industry is calling this a historic achievement, with Empuraan shattering all previous Malayalam records and Thudarum comfortably adding to the star's overseas tally. For Mohanlal, whose fan base spans generations, this dual success proves his enduring popularity and the increasing global reach of Malayalam cinema.
With Mohanlal's next big release already in the works, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the superstar's most dominant years at the global box office.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Kabir Khan defends Deepika Padukone's demands for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit: ‘If Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar get 8-hour shifts, why not her?'
Kabir Khan has stepped into the ongoing industry debate sparked by Deepika Padukone 's alleged fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her reported demands for the upcoming film Spirit starring Prabhas . While rumours suggested that Deepika asked for an eight-hour workday and a Rs 25 crore fee, Kabir has come out in strong support of the actress, citing fairness, precedent, and the well-being of film crews. In an interview with Movified, Kabir emphasized the importance of structured working hours in the entertainment industry. 'I work with 500 crew members who each have families and their own lives,' he said. 'Their well-being matters, not just for efficiency, but for their mental health.' Backing Deepika's request, the 83 director added, 'It's a fair point. Aamir Khan works on an 8-hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don't see why Deepika should be denied the same.' Kabir further asserted that if a director expects longer work hours, they should offer a valid reason: 'It's that simple.' Kabir on why personal sacrifice isn't a must Rejecting the notion that productivity in cinema must come at the cost of personal sacrifice, Kabir pointed to his own filmmaking practices. 'I've never shot beyond a 12-hour day, never done overtime, and never worked on Sundays,' he said. 'These are basic and reasonable rules.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Deepika Padukone launches badminton school to celebrate father's legacy on his 70th birthday When asked about Deepika's reported Rs 25 crore remuneration demand, Kabir maintained that pay should be based on star power and audience pull. 'Whoever brings in the viewers, whether an actor, director, man or woman... they deserve to be paid what they're worth,' he said, noting that Deepika consistently draws crowds and thus commands her market value.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Singer Sangeeth on 'Chotta Mumbai' re-release and ‘Nombaram Kalayum Naalam Nee': The response has been overwhelming, I'd call it nothing short of a miracle
Mohanlal's 'Chotta Mumbai' is experiencing a resurgence, particularly the song 'Thala,' where singer Sangeeth's brief stanza has captured widespread attention. Sangeeth, a former Super Singer winner, expresses his excitement over the overwhelming response to his lines, which he describes as a blessing. Another song from the film, though initially cut, is also gaining popularity on social media. In Mollywood, it's becoming a trend for evergreen films to make a comeback and create waves once more. From Devadoothan to Manichithrathazhu, these classics continue to offer unmatched cinematic experiences for film lovers. Now, joining that list is Mohanlal's 2007 hit Chotta Mumbai. But this time, it's not the film itself stealing the spotlight—it's a song, or more specifically, a single stanza from it that's topping the charts all over again. Yes, you heard that right. In the film's iconic high-energy track Thala, there's a brief four-line segment that completely transforms the mood of the song—thanks to the soulful voice of singer Sangeeth. As the track resurged in popularity across social media, we caught up with the former Super Singer winner to hear his thoughts on the overwhelming response. 'No words… I'm truly overwhelmed by the response. It feels like a real blessing. The film is being celebrated again, and the song—especially my lines—feels like pure bliss. Those four lines… that's where Sangeeth lives in it,' the singer shared with excitement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The singer, who recently watched the film during its 4K re-release, shared that he was deeply moved by the audience's reaction in the theatre. 'I watched the movie at Kavitha Theatre, and when the song came on, it turned into a full-blown celebration. People were singing along and completely immersed in the moment—it was overwhelming. Experiencing the song, along with the background score, in such enhanced sound quality was truly something else. All credit goes to music director Rahul Raj ," he said. Reflecting on his experience recording the song, Sangeeth revealed that it came as a complete surprise to him at the time. 'Soon after winning Super Star, I got a call from the channel about a singing opportunity. I assumed it was for some show. But when they told me it was for a Mohanlal movie, I was beyond thrilled. I went to the studio to record Poonilamazha Nanayum, and it went well. Just as I was about to leave, Rahul Raj asked if I'd like to try singing a small stanza from another song. Why would I say no? So I sang that part too. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine those four lines would be celebrated like this years later. The full song was sung by the legendary Shankar Mahadevan , and for someone like him, those lines would've been a breeze. But by sheer luck, Rahul wanted to try it in my voice. That song gave me a life,' he said. Not to forget, there was another song in the Chotta Mumbai album—a romantic track sung by Sangeeth and Sangeetha Prabhu. Although the song didn't make it to the final cut of the movie, it has recently found a second life on social media, especially gaining traction on Instagram reels. 'Thanks to social media, this song didn't go completely unnoticed. Even though it wasn't included in the movie, it got attention on FM stations during the film's release. But now, thanks to Instagram, the song has made a comeback. Fan-made videos have breathed new life into it. I feel truly blessed—it's rare for an artist to receive recognition all over again for something they recorded years ago. I'd honestly call it a miracle,' he concluded.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
No Baby Shoots, Modelling, Reels: New Restrictions In Bengaluru's Cubbon Park
The Karnataka government has imposed new restrictions on activities in Bengaluru's iconic Cubbon Park to curb its commercialisation and misuse. A Horticulture Department official said the violators would face fines of up to Rs 500 and repeat offenders legal action. The fines will go into the Suvarna Karnataka Udyana Pratishtana Fund, he added. From limits on the maximum number of attendees to a prohibition on the use of specific foods and toys, here's what's allowed and what's not in Cubbon Park. What's Not Allowed In Cubbon Park? Pre-wedding and post-wedding shoots, baby shoots, modelling sessions, short film shoots, and making reels. Packed snacks, plastic bottles, carry bags, and pooja materials. Birthday parties, press meets, classes like yoga, cycling, and skating, and religious events (only to be held with prior permission). Not more than 20 readers or writers can gather at once. A 15-acre section, starting from the gazebo near the BSNL entrance, going across the canal bridge and up to the High Court parking lot, can be used for non-commercial activities such as reading, painting, yoga, and meditation. You need prior permission if the gathering is of more than 20 people. Fireworks, alcohol, drugs, smoking, urinating, spitting, littering, and consumption of food parcels are banned inside the park. Parking outside of authorised areas, honking car horns, playing on lawns, climbing or destroying trees, plucking flowers, flying kites and displaying banners. Heavy vehicles like buses, goods carriers, lorries and auto rickshaws are barred What's Allowed? Walkathons, marathons, government awareness programs, and health camps by registered charities during specific hours, which are from 5:30 am to 9 am and 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Only casual photography or wildlife photography is allowed inside the park. Hidden CCTV cameras have been placed throughout the park, and additional security guards have been deployed to ensure people follow the rules. The department also intends to start a public education campaign to inform people about what is and is not allowed.
