184 Malayalam films released but fewer than 10 succeeded in 2025: Kerala Film Chamber reveal shocking figures
The figures released by the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce point at an abysmal picture as fewer than 10 films can be considered success, though the year saw 184 Malayalam films releases...
Lokah, Empuraan are the highest-grossers in Malayalam in 2025
Last Updated: 07.24 PM, Dec 23, 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 as fewer than 10 films can be considered success, though the year witnessed as many as 184 Malayalam films releases.
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 waiver of entertainment tax. 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 Kerala Chamber of Commerce made the statements during a press meet held in Kochi on Tuesday.
The KFCC officials also pointed out that out of the 184 films released this year, fewer than 10 films have succeeded, as per a news article by Reporter Live. The film industry and theatres are going through a major crisis, and the government needs to act on its promise of doing away with entertainment tax, 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.
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.