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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Malayalam cinema 6-month report card: Disappointment of most hyped film, tables turning between superstars and more
While Malayalam cinema soared last year, delivering banger after banger and rewriting box office records, many dismissed its success as sour grapes, arguing that its triumph was only because other industries were ailing. As we enter the second half of 2025 now, most major film industries in the country remain in dire straits, while Malayalam cinema has seen an oddly fluctuating performance so far, proving that no one's success hinges solely on the failure of others. It also serves as a reminder that no one stays on top forever. If 2024 was the year Malayalam cinema kept outdoing itself at every turn, each success collectively contributing to its ascent to the top, the first six months of 2025 have delivered a mixed bag: a few exceptional works, some major disappointments, a handful of good films, and many average to poor experiences. In a way, it could be said that the industry is reeling from achievement fatigue, unsure of how to move forward or what to aim for next. Bollywood 6-month report card | Polarising Chhaava, spunky Sitaare Zameen Par and the terrible Sikandar, here's the best and worst of 2025 till now However, since the industry is not a unicellular entity but rather a collective term for a cluster of artistes, technicians and their works, connected by a common language, such generalisations are difficult to assert as fact. That said, there is undoubtedly a growing sense — and to some extent, a fear — among industry professionals about how to outdo themselves. The golden question everyone is grappling with is, 'how do we make films better than the ones we've already made?' While this internal pressure has propelled some to outperform themselves, for others, it has become a burden of sorts. The inability to match one's own standards or meet rising audience expectations is nothing new; but for those working in Malayalam cinema today, it may be more real than ever. Unlike last year, which began with one of the finest Malayalam films in recent memory, Aattam, 2025 started on a disappointing note with Identity, starring Tovino Thomas and Trisha Krishnan. Directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan, the duo behind Forensic (2020), this action thriller turned out to be a complete letdown owing to substandard writing and poor performances from both leads. The filmmakers' obsession with nailing scientific and technical accuracy came at the cost of engaging storytelling here. That week also saw a few smaller releases, such as Communist Pacha Adhava Appa and ID: The Fake, but none made a significant impact. It was Jofin T Chacko's alternate-history (althist) thriller Rekhachithram, starring Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan, that marked Malayalam cinema's first major comeback of the year. Indeed, a 'tribute to the magical allure of cinema', Rekhachithram also reaffirmed the enduring appeal of a well-made thriller, something Identity failed to deliver. While recent big-budget movies like 'Thalapathy' Vijay's The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 and Mohanlal's Barroz faced much backlash for poorly executed VFX, despite hefty financial investments, Rekhachithram proved that technical brilliance is possible even on a limited budget. The AI-generated Mammootty in the film made that point loud and clear. While subsequent releases like Ennu Swantham Punyalan and Pravinkoodu Shappu impressed certain sections of the audience, they ultimately failed to make any impact. 2025 also saw the tables turning between the Big Ms, the bona fide and unparalleled superstars of Malayalam cinema. Not only did we witness Mammootty — who had been riding high on a wave of success with back-to-back spectacular projects earning both critical and commercial acclaim — stumble at the box office, but also Mohanlal — who had been consistently disappointing audiences with one letdown after another in recent years — make a glorious comeback with two consecutive blockbusters. Although Mammootty's Turbo (2024) received mixed reviews, it was a box office success nonetheless, allowing the megastar to bask in glory a little longer last year. However, his winning streak came to a grinding halt with the release of Dominic and the Ladies' Purse, which marked Gautham Vasudev Menon's directorial debut in Malayalam. A mystery comedy marred by wasted potential, it's hard to believe this amateurish film came from a director with 24 years of experience and several hits to his name. The last week of January saw the release of two major films that were polar opposites, both in content and in the audience's reaction. Ponman impressed viewers with its technical brilliance, stellar performances, particularly by Basil Joseph, and the subject matter it tackled. In stark contrast, the Vineeth Sreenivasan-starrer Oru Jaathi Jathakam attracted significant backlash for its narrative, which shamelessly and offensively reinforced several harmful practices, including casteism, colourism, misogyny, sexism, body shaming and homophobia. Thus, according to data from the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), only Rekhachithram managed to generate enough revenue from theatres to turn a profit in January. While February 2024 had been a golden month for Malayalam cinema, with the arrival of films like Manjummel Boys, Premalu, Bramayugam, Family and Anweshippin Kandethum, this year's February was relatively dull, despite the release of several anticipated films. Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, though not a major success, managed to capture some audience attention. Three films — Painkili, Bromance and Daveed — were released during the Valentine's Day weekend, but none performed well. It's baffling that the makers chose to flood theatres with three moderately big releases during a weekend when Saturday wasn't a holiday, and when Valentine's Day didn't fall on the weekend either. Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani's Officer on Duty hit the screens the following week and became a hit, but received massive criticism for its themes after its OTT release. Meanwhile, Unni Mukundan proved, through the failure of Get Set Baby, that despite the massive PR push to position him as Malayalam cinema's new big superstar after the success of Marco (2024), he still has a long way to go, both in terms of stardom and as an actor. Since March is typically exam season for students, film releases are usually limited, and this year was no exception, particularly as the month also coincided with Ramadan. At the same time, it also felt as though the industry was collectively setting the stage for the arrival of the most hyped Malayalam film in recent times. Helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan, a sequel to the duo's 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, hit the screens on March 27 and became an instant box office smash, momentarily putting Malayalam cinema back at the top. However, contrary to expectations, it opened to underwhelming responses, largely due to weak writing and a somewhat pretentious approach to filmmaking. Its troubles were compounded by the controversy over its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat pogrom. Although Empuraan eventually became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, marking Mohanlal's stunning return after a string of flops, including Malaikottai Vaaliban and the disastrous Barroz of last year, many fans were left disappointed, feeling the film didn't live up to even half their expectations. In all honesty, April mirrored February. While April 2024 saw the industry delivering blockbusters like Aavesham and Varshangalkku Shesham, the same month in 2025 was packed with underperformers. Bringing his success streak to a definitive end, Mammootty returned with Bazooka, a disappointing film that exemplified what happens when you start with a unique and intriguing concept but have no idea how to turn it into a full-length screenplay. That same week, two more movies hit theatres. While the Basil Joseph-starrer Maranamass impressed a few but left most unsatisfied, Khalid Rahman and Naslen's fresh take on the sports comedy genre in Alappuzha Gymkhana ultimately proved to be the more successful of the two, despite receiving mixed reviews. Less than a month after scoring an industry hit with Empuraan, Mohanlal returned again at the end of April and set the box office afire with Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy and also starring Shobana. Opening to overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and audiences, Thudarum was widely hailed as the true comeback of Mohanlal, the actor. The film's success even sparked massive trolling against Prithviraj, with many suggesting he take notes from Tharun on how to make a film featuring a legendary actor-turned-star. Thudarum currently ranks as the third-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, behind Empuraan and Manjummel Boys. May was like a microcosm of the year so far: a mixed bag. Sarkeet was good but not great; Padakkalam was poorly written, though the humour worked well enough to keep audiences mildly entertained; Dileep's comedy-drama Prince and Family, despite featuring many attempts to whitewash his public image and resurrect his long-lost stardom, was still a much better movie compared to his recent disasters like Bandra (2023), Thankamani (2024) and Pavi Caretaker (2024); the 3D fantasy film Lovely was trash; Samshayam was, at best, decent; Mr & Mrs Bachelor was forgettable; Azadi had potential but didn't deliver; Detective Ujjwalan was a letdown, especially due to Dhyan Sreenivasan's poor performance; and Narivetta, while technically brilliant, suffered from Tovino Thomas' artificial acting and problematic content. Amidst all this, Vinod AK's dance drama Moonwalk, featuring a cast of newcomers, stood out. Not only was it a brilliant film, but it also served as a sharp reminder to industries like Bollywood, which continue to churn out shoddy pictures without pause or self-reflection. June started on a low note with the underwhelming Written & Directed by God and the misogynistic Abhyanthara Kuttavali. The only positive factor in the latter was Asif Ali's performance. However, the month was redeemed by Shahi Kabir's Ronth, a spectacular police procedural drama featuring a career-best performance from Dileesh Pothan and an impressive one by Roshan Mathew. Tied together by Shahi's sharp screenplay and brilliant direction, Ronth added another feather to Malayalam cinema's cap, though it wasn't entirely free from the problematic tropes often found in the works of the police officer-turned-filmmaker. Other June releases like Vyasana Sametham Bandhumithradhikal were merely decent, while Nancy Rani, United Kingdom of Kerala and Koodal turned out to be entirely forgettable. Although the year so far hasn't been as bad for Malayalam cinema as it has been for its counterpart industries, the road ahead remains precarious. Despite many more releases lined up, the industry is undoubtedly walking on thin ice and a single misstep could send it spiraling. More than just better films, what the industry urgently needs is smarter release planning and more effective promotional strategies. Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Tourist Family' director Abishan Jeevinth set to turn hero; Anaswara Rajan likely to join as lead
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Abishan Jeevinth , the breakout director of the superhit film 'Tourist Family', is reportedly all set to make his debut as a full-fledged actor. Known for his heartfelt storytelling and modest filmmaking approach, Abishan had already made a brief on-screen appearance in 'Tourist Family' as a grieving youngster—a role that, though small, left an emotional mark. Now, according to the reports, he's ready to take on a lead role in an upcoming project. Tourist Family | Song - Aachaley After directorial success, Abishan steps into the spotlight This new venture, which marks Abishan's official foray into acting, will reportedly be directed by a close associate from his Tourist Family crew. While the title is said to be in English, and Anaswara Rajan is rumoured to play the female lead, no formal announcements have been made so far, according to IANS. Love for 'Tourist Family' Tourist Family, released on May 1, surprised many with its feel-good charm and exceptional box office performance. Featuring Sasikumar and Simran in lead roles, the film also starred Yogi Babu, M.S. Bhaskar, Ramesh Thilak, and others in a wholesome narrative that connected with family audiences. ETimes gave the movie a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5 and our review read, "The film finds its anchor in the central performances. Their natural chemistry is a definite plus. The younger son, played by Kamalesh, also provides moments of genuine levity (though sometimes his chatter grates), and the film's use of authentic Sri Lankan Tamil dialect adds a valuable layer of realism to their interactions. 'Tourist Family' is a gentle look at the challenges of starting over, even if the narrative feels somewhat formulaic." Meanwhile, Anaswara Rajan recently impressed the audience with her stunning performance in the Malayalam film 'Rekhachithram'.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Thrillers dominate first half of 2025 for Malayalam cinema
Thrillers have emerged to be the winning ticket for Malayalam cinema in the past several years. Last year, ended with the action thriller Marco, which registered stellar success despite the gory violence. Continuing with the trend, Mohanlal-led thrillers Empuraan and Thudarum too emerged to be among the big successes of 2025. Alappuzha Gymkhana could be the lone light-hearted film, which became a hit this year despite not featuring any violence or thrilling moments. From Empuraan to Tovino Thomas-led Narivetta, here's a look at the thriller films that dominated Malayalam cinema in the first half of 2025. Thudarum, Narivetta From Empuraan to Thudarum, watch the best of 2025 Malayalam thrillers on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium Empuraan Mohanlal's first release of the year was much-anticipated and proved to be a winner at the box office. The action-packed political thriller follows Stephen Nedumpally aka Abraam Khureshi as he returns to Kerala after Chief Minister Jatin Ramdas floats a new party. But not just Kerala, the film weaves in tales from Gujarat, and Khureshi's international links as Interpol tries to track him down. The film helmed by actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran, also sparked controversies. But even that did not stop the thriller, the sequel to the hit film Lucifer, from becoming a roaring success at the box office. Thudarum Barely a month after Empuraan release, Mohanlal returned to the big screen with Thudarum, another riveting thriller. But unlike the big canvas of Empuraan, Thudarum focussed on an ordinary cab driver Benz Shanmugham. However, the film soon sheds its family drama vibes as the police seize Benz Shanmugham's car, which sparks a series of incidents that are linked back to his loved ones. The film becomes a riveting thriller as Benz seeks revenge after his stepson Pavi is brutally killed. Watch out for Mohanlal once again aces the action sequences in the film, which also features the vile villain of George Sir. Rekhachithram Rekhachithram follows cop Vivek as he tries to identify the victim and the murderer after a skeleton is found buried in the woods. His probe leads him to a Malayalam film set in 1985 which had Mammootty in the lead. Even while incorporating mystery and crime elements, Rekhachithram narrates an engrossing tale that will both thrill and move you. Malayalam actors Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan headline this film, which emerged to be the first hit of Malayalam in 2025. Officer On Duty Another cop thriller, with actor Kunchacko Boban as the fiery Harishankar, who delves into a fake jewellery case only to realise that a far more sinister crime is linked to it. Sinister plots and heinous crimes are exposed as Harishankar probes the case. The film, helmed by Jithu Ashraf, penned by writer-director Shahi Kabir. Packed with twists and some raw action, the film stays suspenseful till the end. Vishak Nair plays the antagonist in the film along with Priyamani and Jagadish. Officer on Duty is streaming on Netflix. Narivetta Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas headlines this action-packed thriller, which focusses on a tribal protest. Tribals have been protesting as the promised land is yet to be allocated to them by the state. But as the police take action, it leads to a tense showdown between the cops and the protesting tribals. An ominous atmosphere engulfs this film, which raises some unsettling questions. Despite the serious subject and political implications, Narivetta succeeded in winning over audiences.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Thudarum to Alappuzha Gymkhana: Where to watch the best Malayalam movies of 2025 on OTT?
The first half of 2025 saw the release of several Malayalam films. Few, nevertheless, were able to leave a lasting impression on viewers or earn decent profits at the box office. After more than 40 days of a successful theatrical run, the majority of these hits made their OTT debut. The top Malayalam films of 2025 are listed here, along with where to watch them online. Posters of Thudarum and Rekhachithram Watch Malayalam's latest hits such as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass, Prince and Family and more on OTTplay Premium The public as well as critics appreciated this film, which was directed by Tharun Moorthy of Saudi Vellaka fame. Mohanlal's most recent movie, which made over ₹ 100 crore at the global box office, received accolades for its compelling story and outstanding performances. Rekhachithram (SonyLIV) The movie became the first Malayalam film to become a box office success in 2025. The story of a missing woman in the late 1980s is the focus of the investigation. Rekhachithram received plaudits for its ability to blend cinematic elements into an investigative thriller and its lead actors' nuanced performances. L2: Empuraan (JioHotstar) Prithviraj and Mohanlal's second installment of the trilogy, L2 Empuraan, after the 2019 box office blockbuster Lucifer, went on to rank among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of this year. Amidst controversies, the thriller appealed to the audience with its action sequences. Alappuzha Gymkhana (Sony LIV) The comedy and boxing scenes in the movie received plenty of attention. Alappuzha Gymkhana, which made its OTT premiere after a successful run in theatres, is a light-hearted story about a group of friends and their bromance amidst a boxing championship competition. Officer on Duty (Netflix) From a compelling storyline by Shahi Kabir to the outstanding performances by the cast, the movie had all the viewer could want in a good thriller. Officer on Duty maintains a realistic narrative while also cramming in plenty of action and intriguing scenes. Ponman (JioHotstar) Ponman ranks high among all the recent Malayalam films because it seamlessly blends emotional scenes with thriller aspects in its narrative. The Basil Joseph film proved to be one of the year's most critically acclaimed films thanks to phenomenal performances and plot. Pravinkoodu Shappu (Sony LIV) This film skilfully combines a gripping narrative with strong acting to create an engaging viewing experience for the audience. This movie, which features Soubin Shahir and Basil Joseph in the key roles, also has a dark comic undertone. Padakkalam (JioHotstar) Padakkalam, which centres on the concept of body-swapping, contains a number of humorous sequences. After its OTT release, the fantasy thriller—which was an unexpected hit in theaters—received even more recognition. Also Read: Love Malayalam thrillers? Here are a few films that you should not miss on OTT
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
KFPA says will add OTT revenue to movie collection report
KOCHI: The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) is now set to include OTT revenue in its monthly box office collection report — a notable shift in its approach to industry transparency, amid criticism by a section of members over publicly releasing theatre-collection numbers. The association hit the breaks after publishing figures for January, February, and March this year. According to KFPA vice-president G Suresh Kumar, the delay is due to the proposal to present a more comprehensive financial picture. 'Several films have been sold to OTT platforms. And many producers requested that the monthly numbers reflect both theatre and OTT revenue. Compiling the amounts takes time,' he told TNIE. The move comes in the wake of opposition from some producers to the release of box office figures. 'I don't know who hired the people to facilitate the release of monthly reports of Malayalam films. These are confidential numbers. If a body authorised or constituted by the state is coming out with these figures, then it is understandable,' Santhosh T Kuruvilla, co-producer of films like 'Da Thadiya', 'Mayaanadhi' and 'Nna Thaan Case Kodu', posted on Facebook. He urged those involved to stop spreading false notions about the industry. KFPA secretary B Rakesh said that the reports for April to June will be published after the association's general body meeting and election. 'Officials are working on annual reports and preparing for the election. The figures of the last three months will be released soon after,' he said. According to the three reports released by KFPA, only three films — 'Rekhachithram' starring Asif Ali, the Prithviraj-Mohanlal film 'Empuraan', and 'Officer on Duty' featuring Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani — were commercially successful in the first quarter of 2025. The association maintains that the aim of releasing such data is to raise awareness among producers, particularly newcomers, about financial risks in an industry grappling with mounting losses.
