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Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From 'Manjummel Boys' to 'Thudarum': Malayalam Films That Found Strength in Real Stories
Mollywood has long drawn attention from other film industries for its consistent focus on realistic storytelling and compelling narratives. While industries like Bollywood have produced notable biopics and tribute films, Mollywood stands apart for infusing its projects with a distinct artistic essence. Rather than presenting subjects overtly, these films often explore themes with subtlety and depth. The true beauty of this approach lies in how socially relevant stories are woven into visually rich and artistically nuanced storytelling. In recent films such as ' Manjummel Boys ', ' Thudarum ', and ' Rekhachithram ', what resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike was the emotional and artistic transformation of well-known real-life incidents. One of the most striking aspects of such films is their ability to draw audiences to cinemas purely on the strength of storytelling—without relying on heavy promotions or high-octane action sequences. Rooted in familiar landscapes, these films explored emotions of survival, friendship, and family, making them feel deeply authentic. Audiences responded with heartfelt reviews, helping these films achieve record-breaking success at the box office. This renaissance unfolded during a time of financial uncertainty in the Malayalam film industry. The Kerala Film Producers' Association had recently released a list of films that succeeded and flopped in 2024, causing concern among fans and sparking opposition from industry insiders over the public disclosure of such confidential data. The report also highlighted that films like Manjummel Boys, The Goat Life, Aavesham, Premalu, and ARM had crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office. Let's take a closer look at the thematic brilliance of the films that struck a chord with fans—and achieved box office glory without lavish promotions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo 'Thudarum' Mohanlal 's 'Thudarum', which hit theatres on April 25 , 2024, became one of the most celebrated films of the year. The film crossed Rs 200 crore globally, including over Rs 100 crore from Indian theatres alone—achieved within just 17 days of its release. It continues to attract family audiences across Kerala, especially the elderly, creating a rare theatrical phenomenon. Discussions surrounding 'Thudarum' often centred on Mohanlal's vintage look and his return as a complete actor, evoking nostalgia among long-time fans. But the film also delved into themes of family bonding and togetherness, drawing inspiration from a tragic real-life incident—an honour killing that occurred in Kerala in 2018. Kevin Joseph was reportedly attacked and killed by his girlfriend Neenu's brother. A gang led by her brother kidnapped Kevin and his friend, ultimately murdering him. Kevin had reportedly initiated legal proceedings to marry Neenu, which provoked her family's wrath. In an interview with Manorama Online, 'Thudarum' actress Aarsha Baiju revealed that director Tharun Moorthy had referenced Kevin and Neenu's story while narrating the script. In the film, Aarsha's character Mary loses her boyfriend—murdered by her father, police officer George Mathan (played by Prakash Varma ). The emotional impact of this honour killing deeply moved audiences and enhanced the film's resonance. Filmmaker Jithin Raj recently told ETimes, 'If we take Rekhachithram and Thudarum as examples, they are entirely different. Thudarum benefited from Mohanlal's star power, while Rekhachithram intrigued viewers with its alternative history concept. I don't have a perfect definition for it, but the film is magical. Today, a film's quality determines its fate. Commercial success must at least ensure that the producer doesn't incur a loss. Only then can we call it a true success.' 'Manjummel Boys' Directed by Chidambaram, 'Manjummel Boys' is based on a true event from 2006 involving a group of friends from Kerala. During a trip to the Guna Caves in Kodaikanal—popularised by the Tamil film Gunaa—one of the friends, Subhash, accidentally fell into a dangerously deep pit within the caves, infamously known as 'Devil's Kitchen' due to their narrow, treacherous openings. Against all odds, Subhash's friends launched a spontaneous and daring rescue mission, navigating the perilous terrain without professional help. Their relentless efforts ultimately saved Subhash's life—marking one of the few successful rescues from the cave. The film transforms this emotionally charged episode into a cinematic celebration of friendship, bravery, and the human will to survive. Made on a relatively modest budget of around Rs 20 crore, Manjummel Boys turned out to be a colossal success. According to Sacnilk, it grossed approximately Rs 241 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever. In India alone, it earned about Rs 142.08 crore, with an additional Rs 73.4 crore from overseas markets. The film was especially well-received in Tamil Nadu, where it became the highest-grossing Malayalam film in the state's history, earning around Rs 58.5 crore. Strong word-of-mouth, emotionally resonant storytelling, and the grounded portrayal of a true incident drove its box office run. Director Chidambaram also leveraged the emotional legacy of 'Gunaa', using the classic song 'Kanmani Anbodu' to promote the film. This nostalgic connection helped draw huge crowds to theatres, promising an emotionally gripping narrative. 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life' Blessy's Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life is a stirring adaptation of the bestselling Malayalam novel by Benyamin. The film draws its emotional core from the real-life story of Najeeb Muhammed, a Malayali migrant worker who was trapped in slavery in the deserts of Saudi Arabia during the 1990s. Deceived by the promise of a better job, Najeeb was instead forced to live in near-isolation, herding goats and camels under harsh, inhumane conditions, with little access to food, water, or human contact. His harrowing journey of survival and eventual escape forms the backbone of this haunting and inspiring narrative. Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a physically and emotionally demanding performance as Najeeb, undergoing extreme physical transformations and filming in real desert locations to authentically portray the brutality and loneliness of the experience. The film's haunting visuals, shot extensively in Jordan and Algeria, along with AR Rahman's evocative music, further amplify the emotional depth of the story. The real-life story of Najeeb, long familiar to Malayalam-speaking audiences since the global acclaim of Benyamin's novel, continues to resonate deeply and emotionally impact viewers. The Goat Life has emerged as a massive commercial success. Made on a budget of approximately Rs 85 crore, the film grossed over Rs 157.62 crore worldwide within just a few weeks of its release, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. It was particularly well-received in Kerala, the Middle East, and overseas markets such as the USA and Australia, where diaspora audiences strongly connected with its migrant narrative. 'Rekhachithram' Directed by Jofin T Chacko, 'Rekhachithram' is a Malayalam mystery drama inspired by real-life experiences and unsolved mysteries within the film industry. Set during the production of the 1985 film ' Kathodu Kathoram ', the story follows the sudden disappearance of an aspiring actor. Though fictional, it reflects the hazy truths, hidden traumas, and long-buried secrets that often linger behind the scenes of the entertainment world. Vinothraj on Koozhangal winning at IFFR Blending societal memory, folklore, and plausible reality, the film crafts a suspenseful narrative exploring themes of loss, forgotten history, and the unsettling silence within creative spaces. Released on January 9, 2025, Rekhachithram was a surprise box office success. Made on a budget of Rs 6–9 crore, it grossed over Rs 56.75 crore globally—Rs 31.25 crore from Indian theatres and Rs 25.4 crore from overseas. Actor Asif Ali later expressed his gratitude for the film's performance, noting that it was the only commercially successful Malayalam film released that month, even outperforming Mammootty's highly anticipated Dominic and the Ladies' Purse. Speaking at a public event, Asif shared, 'When they say Rekhachithram was the only hit among January 2025 releases, it's a dream come true. Even during my low phase, Ramu John and my favourite Jofin (the director) believed in me. Thank you for trusting me.' He added, 'This is the most successful film of my career. The confidence Rekhachithram has given me is immense.' Visibly emotional, he credited the cast and crew for their hard work and support. The film's nostalgic theme, linked to Mammootty's 1985 classic 'Kathodu Kathoram', resonated with audiences, while its tight storytelling and suspenseful direction helped it succeed—especially in overseas markets. Its box office performance further proved the growing global appeal of Malayalam cinema. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Listin Stephen reacts amid speculation that his controversial remarks targeted Nivin Pauly; Sandra Thomas urges him not to act on behalf of black money lobby
The spark that film producer Listin Stephen ignited by making a veiled attack on a prominent Malayalam actor without naming him has snowballed into a major controversy, with producer Sandra Thomas also chiming in and speculations rising that he was referring to renowned actor Nivin Pauly. At a recent event, Listin had claimed that a prominent actor had committed a major wrongdoing and warned that if the said actor proceeded ahead with the same mistake, it would cause big problems. 'It's been 10-15 years since I entered Malayalam cinema. I've done quite a few films. A leading actor in Malayalam cinema has committed a serious mistake. It's like lighting a massive firecracker. That was unnecessary. When I say this, the actor will know I'm referring to him. What he did was a serious mistake, and I'm reminding him of that. It should not continue. If it does, it will cause major issues,' he said. Story continues below this ad His comments quickly went viral, prompting many netizens to speculate about whom Listin Stephen was referring to. Meanwhile, a section of social media arrived at the conclusion that the star was Nivin Pauly and that disputes related to the shooting of the under-production film Baby Girl, bankrolled by Listin and starring Nivin, prompted the producer to make such comments. The situation, meanwhile, escalated further when Sandra Thomas took to social media, alleging that the public statement by Listin, who is also an office bearer of the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA), was inappropriate and violated the organisation's rules. 'The black money lobby outside the state is more interested in keeping all aspects of Malayalam cinema under the control of Listin than he is. The threatening speech made by Listin at a movie promotion event the other day is also seen as part of the conspiracy,' she noted on Facebook. Questioning the association's silence over the matter, she told Manorama Online, 'Only after it appeared that everything was in Listin's hands did he start speaking in a threatening tone.' 'If outside investors stop funding Malayalam cinema, the industry will be completely taken over by loan sharks from other states,' she said, adding that Listin was acting as an agent for them. 'This might bring him short-term profit, but it will ultimately destroy the ecosystem he is part of. He could end up being a victim of the same predatory model he's enabling.' As the controversy grew bigger, Listin Stephen himself offered clarification that he never mentioned Nivin Pauly's name. He also took potshots at Sandra Thomas, claiming that her remarks stemmed from jealousy and disappointment. 'If I mention the actor's name, the fans will attack,' Listin told Manorama News. He also stated that he would approach the organisations concerned if the issue wasn't resolved quickly. Dubbing Sandra's comments as baseless, Listing reportedly noted that he had chosen to remain silent previously out of respect for her 'as she is a woman'. At the same time, he also responded to reports that excise officials had seized cannabis from the room of a member of Baby Girl's stunt choreography team. Maintaining that he produces three or four films simultaneously, he questioned how he could possibly monitor everything each person brings to each of these sets. 'An issue happened on the set of Baby Girl. Is it with my knowledge that cannabis was seized from there? Is my job ganja cultivation? If it was from my possession that it was seized, asking me about it makes sense. I produce three or four films at a time. How can I know who is bringing what and where? The best we can do is suspend those who are caught.' 'If a lead actor doesn't give a date to a movie, what will happen to the dates of the co-stars who work in the project? There is a thing called ego. I don't know how to put a price on it. Now, let everyone badmouth me. One day, the truth will come to light. However, even then, they will continue to whitewash him,' he added.
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
All March releases, except Empuraan, flopped at box office, as per producers' association's figures
A majority of the Malayalam films released in March this year failed at the box office with Empuraan being the sole exception, according to monthly figures put out by the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) on Sunday. The collection records put out by the producers' association are partial as it takes into account only the producers' share from Kerala theatres after excluding the overseas revenues, OTT revenues and exhibitors' share. As per the figures, Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj, collected ₹24.65 crore from theatres in Kerala on the first five days of its run, till March 31. Though there were wild speculations on its budget, the producers' association records it as ₹175.66 crore, making it the most expensive Malayalam film till date. The makers had recently put out posters claiming that the film has collected ₹325 crore worldwide, including from OTT sales. A good number of smaller films fared poorly at the box office. Maruvasham, made at a cost of ₹78 lakh collected just ₹60,000, while Pralayashesham Oru Jalakanyaka with a budget of ₹1.5 crore collected ₹64 lakh. Aranyam with a budget of ₹85 lakh managed to collect just ₹22,000, Leech with a budget of ₹1 crore got only ₹45,000 and Kaadakam made at ₹30 lakh collected ₹80,000. Rakshasy The Lady Killer made at a cost of ₹60 lakh collected ₹4 lakh while Dasettante Cycle made at a cost of ₹70 lakh collected ₹8 lakh. Partial figures Among the films with partial collection figures as they were still running in theatres are Ouseppinte Osiyath which collected ₹45 lakh (budget - ₹4 crore), Pariwar which collected ₹26 lakh (budget - ₹2.6 crore), Vadakkan which collected ₹20 lakh (budget - ₹3.65 crore) and Abhilasham which collected ₹15 lakh (budget - ₹4 crore). The producers' association's recent practice of publishing the box office collection figures appears to not have gone down well with many from within the industry as even successful films might look like failures due to the partial figures that are published, according to people within the industry.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Empuraan budget revealed; Mohanlal-Prithviraj's actioner is March's only profitable Malayalam film among 15 releases
Although the number of new Malayalam releases was comparatively low in March, since it coincided with Ramadan and the school annual exams season, the third month of the year witnessed the release of one of the most anticipated Indian movies of 2025: actor Prithviraj Sukumaran's third directorial venture, L2: Empuraan. Starring superstar Mohanlal in the lead role, Empuraan did a total business of Rs 325 crore in 30 days, according to its makers, setting a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema. Even though this period has always witnessed very low footfall in theatres, as many as 15 films hit the screens in March, among which 14 flopped. According to the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA), Empuraan is the only movie that managed to avoid facing losses that month. As per the KFPA's latest report detailing the budget and revenue (theatrical share) of Malayalam films that debuted in the state in March, a movie titled Aranyam even minted as low as Rs 22,000. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO Made on a budget of Rs 175 crore, Empuraan clocked Rs 24.65 crore from the Kerala box office in the five days it got in March since its release on March 27. During this period, the movie was also embroiled in a controversy over its content, following which it underwent 'voluntary modifications'. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the Mohanlal-starrer grossed Rs 265.5 crore worldwide and ended its theatrical run registering an India nett collection of Rs 105.25 crore. The second installment in a planned franchise that commenced with Lucifer (2019), Empuraan currently ranks as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, a feat it achieved by outperforming director Chidambaram S Poduval's widely acclaimed survival thriller Manjummel Boys (Rs 240.5 crore). Among the 15 new releases, director Sidheeque Meicon's Leech faced the biggest setback, earning just 0.44 per cent of its budget in theatrical revenue. The film minted just Rs 45,000 from cinema halls against a hefty budget of Rs 1 crore, becoming a colossal disaster at the box office. Aranyam, meanwhile, eked out just Rs 22,000, despite being mounted on a budget of Rs 85 lakh. Other major flops include Pariwar, which earned Rs 26 lakh against a budget of Rs 2.6 crore, and Maruvasham (Rs 60,000 against Rs 78 lakh). Despite opening to positive responses, director Sarath Chandran RJ's Ouseppinte Osiyathu also faced a setback and ended up earning only Rs 45 lakh from theatres against a budget of Rs 4.04 crore. According to the KPFA report, director Shamzu Zayba's Abhilasham, featuring Arjun Ashokan and Saiju Kurup, was also struggling to gain momentum during this period and had managed to mint only Rs 15 lakh in three days against a budget of Rs 4 crore.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
No leniency to those who violate professional conduct, says KFPA
The Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) has stated that it will not show any leniency to those who violate professional ethics and discipline on film locations. Stringent action will be taken against actors and others, who cause problems for the producers by not showing up for shooting as per the agreement and found violating the work norms, said B. Rakesh, secretary of the KFPA, here on Tuesday. He said that the association would wait for the report of the Internal Committee (IC) of the movie Soothravakyam before deciding on the action to be taken against actor Shine Tom Chacko against whom her co-star Vincy Aloshious had raised allegations of drug abuse and misbehaviour on the film set. Mr. Rakesh said that the association had earlier received complaints against a few actors for not turning up for the shooting as per the schedule and causing trouble for the producers, he said.
