Mollywood has been rapidly transforming over the past decade, breaking regional barriers and expanding its footprint across India and overseas markets. The latest Day 1 worldwide grossers list showcases how Malayalam cinema has moved beyond niche appreciation to full-fledged commercial power, driven by strong content, star value, and global fandom. The figures truly reflect a new era of box-office supremacy.
At the top of the chart stands Empuraan, rewriting history with a staggering ₹68.20 crore worldwide opening. This Mohanlal–Prithviraj collaboration has set an unprecedented benchmark for Malayalam cinema, not only surpassing local standards but challenging top Indian openers from other industries. Premium release strategy, massive anticipation, and multi-language exposure ensured that Empuraan became a phenomenon from the first show itself.
In the second position sits another Mohanlal-led magnum opus, Marakkar with ₹20 crore on Day 1. Despite mixed reception later, the film’s first-day business proved the sheer scale that Malayalam projects can achieve when backed by star power and technical grandeur.
Close behind is Kurup, led by Dulquer Salmaan, grossing ₹19 crore worldwide on Day 1. The stylish crime biopic capitalized on Dulquer’s pan-Indian appeal and a gripping narrative, becoming a massive theatrical attraction during its release phase..
The fourth and fifth spots belong to two high-profile Mohanlal projects — Odiyan (₹17.6 crore) and Thudarum (₹17.18 crore) — films that benefitted from heavy hype and a strong, loyal fan base.
Adding to the competitive streak, Turbo (₹16.25 crore) and Aadujeevitham (₹16.04 crore) proved that content-driven, big-canvas filmmaking continues to attract crowds. Aadujeevitham especially earned global attention, demonstrating how survival-drama storytelling can also yield blockbuster openings.
Meanwhile, Kalam kaval (₹15.66 crore), King of Kotha (₹15.50 crore), and the recent entertainer Bha Bha Ba (₹14.82 crore) complete the Top 10, signaling that newer stars and commercial formats are also gaining traction.
This ranking highlights an exciting shift Malayalam cinema is no longer competing only at the state level. These films are now event-releases with worldwide marketing, satellite value, and overseas dominance. With escalating budgets, ambitious directors, and more pan-Indian releases ahead, Mollywood’s box-office evolution is just getting started.
