Malayalam cinema suffers Rs 360-Cr loss in 2025, even Rs 300-Cr blockbuster Lokah couldn't save it

The Kerala Producers' Association reveals that the Malayalam film industry suffered losses of Rs 360 crore. Of the 183 Malayalam films released in theatres this year, only 15 have had a successful run

Kalyani Priyadarshan in Lokah

In a year which saw several highs, including Lokah’s unprecedented blockbuster triumph of Rs 300 crore, Malayalam cinema continued to grapple with mind-numbing losses. The report card for Malayalam cinema in 2025, as per the data revealed by the Kerala Film Producers' Association, highlights that the Malayalam film industry suffered losses to the tune of Rs 360 crore. Of the 183 Malayalam films that released in theatres this year so far, only 15 had a successful run in theatres.

8 Superhits, 7 Hits of Malayalam cinema in 2025

The Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) has revealed the profit-and-losses of Malayalam films this year. Only 15 films were able to garner enough box office collections at the theatres to be adjudged as success. They further broke down the figures to claim 8 superhits and 7 hits in the year.

As per the data revealed by the association, Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer Lokah, Mohanlal’s Thudarum and Empuraan, Pranav Mohanlal-led Dies Irae, Naslen’s sports comedy Alappuzha Gymkhana, Mohanlal’s heartwarming Hridayapoorvam, Kunchacko Boban’s Officer on Duty, and Rekhachithram of Asif Ali were the 8 superhit films of 2025.

Mammootty's serial killer story Kalamkaval, Sandeep Pradeep-starrer Eko, Sharafudheen’s comedy The Pet Detective, Dileep’s Prince and Family, Basil Joseph-led Ponman, Padakkalam, and Bromance are the hits of Malayalam cinema in 2025.

Phenomenal achievements among these numbers would be Kalyani Priyadarshan becoming the first actor, male or female, to shoulder a Rs 300-crore film in Malayalam. Mohanlal too impressed with 3 hits, while young actors such as Sandeep Pradeep and Naslen too made a mark by scoring hits.

Also read: Mohanlal’s 7 much-anticipated films releasing in 2026: Drishyam 3 to star cameos in Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 and more

Kerala Film Chamber too flags poor performance

Not just the Producers’ Association, Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Tuesday had also pointed out the poor box office performance of Malayalam films in 2025. KFCC officials claimed that out of 184-odd films that released only 8-10 per cent can be termed as a success. Highlighting the dire straits of Malayalam cinema, KFCC sought urgent action from the Kerala government. KFCC president Anil Thomas had also declared the films would not be screened at the theatres of Kerala State Film Development Corporation from next month.

Malayalam cinema FAQs

Q. Which is the most hit Malayalam movie?

A. The most hit Malayalam movie is Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra starring actress Kalyani Priyadarshan as a superhero. The film made Rs 303.86 crore in worldwide collections, as per Sacnilk.

Q. What is kollywood and Mollywood?

A. Mollywood refers to Malayalam films made in the state of Kerala, while Kollywood refers to Tamil films.

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