Pranav Mohanlal’s Dies Irae overtakes Marco, becomes highest-grossing A-rated Malayalam opener

Pranav Mohanlal’s Dies Irae overtakes Marco, becomes highest-grossing A-rated Malayalam opener

Pranav Mohanlal’s latest psychological horror thriller Dies Irae has stormed the box office, dethroning Unni Mukundan’s Marco to claim the title of the highest-grossing A-rated Malayalam opener ever.

Directed and written by Rahul Sadasivan, the film hit theatres on October 31 and has sparked a wave of excitement across Kerala and key overseas markets.

According to trade sources, Dies Irae raked in an impressive Rs 12 crore worldwide on its opening day, including collections from paid premieres held on October 30.

The numbers continued to surge through its first weekend, with over 230 late-night shows added across Kerala to accommodate the massive audience turnout.

Exhibitors reported near houseful shows in major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut, fueled by glowing audience reviews and a strong word-of-mouth.

By the end of its second day, the film’s Kerala gross had already crossed the Rs 10 crore mark, pushing its global total close to Rs 25 crore. Analysts predict the film could surpass Rs 40 crore in its opening week if current trends continue.

For context, Unni Mukundan’s Marco, which previously held the record as one of the most successful A-rated films in Malayalam cinema, earned around Rs 14 crore during its opening weekend in 2024.

The film’s success is being hailed as a watershed moment for Malayalam cinema, especially within the adult-rated category, which traditionally caters to niche audiences. Dies Irae manages to balance intense psychological tension with supernatural storytelling, appealing to both mainstream viewers and genre enthusiasts.

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In the film, Pranav Mohanlal plays Rohan, a privileged yet troubled young man whose life spirals into darkness following a mysterious death that forces him to confront buried fears and guilt. His performance has been widely praised for its restraint and emotional intensity. The supporting cast—featuring Gibin Gopinath, Sushmita Bhat, Jaya Kurup, and Arun Ajikumar—adds depth to the unsettling narrative.

Director Rahul Sadasivan, celebrated for Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam, continues his mastery of atmospheric horror and psychological dread in Dies Irae. Critics have lauded his ability to combine haunting imagery, tight pacing, and emotionally layered storytelling, resulting in one of the most gripping Malayalam releases of the year.

With box office dominance, critical acclaim, and audience enthusiasm, Dies Irae not only reinforces Pranav Mohanlal’s growing stature as a performer but also solidifies Sadasivan’s reputation as one of the most visionary filmmakers in Malayalam cinema today.