184 Malayalam films released but only 8-10% succeeded in 2025: Kerala Film Chamber reveal shocking figures

Highlighting the crisis in Malayalam cinema, the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce revealed that out of the 184-odd films that released this year so far, only 8-10% succeeded in theatres.

Lokah, Empuraan are the highest-grossers in Malayalam in 2025

Malayalam cinema marked a major milestone in the year 2025 finally breaking into Rs 300 crore club with Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, but the phenomenal success of the Kalyani Priyadarshan film in no way can be rated as the overall performance of Mollywood movies. The shocking figures released by the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce point to an abysmal picture - out of the 184-odd films that have been released this year so far, only 8-10% succeeded in theatres.

Crisis in Malayalam cinema

Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce seems to be on a war path, seeking immediate government intervention over their various long-pending demands, including the waiver of entertainment tax that is levied in addition to GST. The executive committee has decided to boycott the government-run KSFDC theatres, halting the screenings at these cinema halls from January 2025. The representatives of the KFCC made the statements during a press meet held in Kochi on Tuesday.

The KFCC officials also pointed out that out of the 184-odd films released this year, only 8-10 per cent had a successful run in theatres. The film industry and theatres are going through a major crisis, and the government needs to act on its promise of doing away with the double taxation, which adds to their burden, the officials insisted.

They also said that the boycott of KSFDC theatres is just a token strike and they would be forced to take more stringent measures if their demands are not met.

Malayalam hits of 2025

The highest-grosser of Malayalam this year is actress Kalyani Priyadarshan-led Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra which made close to Rs 303.86 crore at the worldwide box office, as per trade tracker Sacnilk. The Dulquer Salmaan-backed film is followed by Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, which collected Rs 266.81 crore at the box office, putting it in the second spot of highest Malayalam grossers. However, L2 Empuraan, helmed by actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, was mounted on a massive budget, featuring even international names, and how much profit the film actually made is not known. Third spot on the highest-grossers is another Mohanlal film, Thudarum, which made Rs 235.38 crore.

Also read: Most-awaited Malayalam OTT releases in January 2026 on Netflix, SonyLiv, JioHotstar, Prime Video, Zee5 and more

Malayalam movies FAQs

Q. Which is the most hit Malayalam movie?

A. The most hit Malayalam movie is Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra which made Rs 303.86 crore in worldwide collections, as per Sacnilk. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays a superhero in the movie, which also stars Naslen.

Q. What are the new Malayalam releases in December 2025?

A. The new Malayalam releases in December 2025 are Nivin Pauly's horror comedy Sarvam Maya, Shane Nigam's Haal and Unni Mukundan-starrer Mindiyum Paranjum that will hit theatres on Christmas. On OTT, series Pharma and Mammootty's movie Dominic and the Ladies' Purse have been released.

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