Thudarum box office collection day 1: Mohanlal rules with great opening

Thudarum day 1 collection

Mohanlal's latest Malayalam release Thudarum has made a mockery of all the set norms of a superstar film's launch. Following the record breaking success of L2: Empuraan, one may have expected a massive promotional blitz but the Thudarum makers chose a gentler route. And yet, the movie managed a strong start on the day of its release, with a ₹5.5 crore opening, according to industry tracker Sacnilk.

Thudarum, which was helmed by Tharun Moorthy, had the second largest opening for a Malayalam film in 2025, on the heels of L2: Empuraan which had made ₹18.6 crore on Day 1. This quite release, which was postponed numerous times before its release, overtook recent Vishu releases such as Mammootty starrer Bazooka (₹3.2 crore), Alappuzha Gymkhana (₹2.65 crore) and the early-year success Rekhachithram (₹1.9 crore).

The cop drama's impressive start could be attributed to a good 62.27% footfalls that evening shows got a 68.25% and night shows going up to an excellent 84%. In major centres such as Kochi, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kollam, Kottayam and Alappuzha, the night show occupancy was said to be in the range of 95% to 99% (following increasing good word of mouth).

With critic and audience praise lauding Mohanlal’s return to a more realistic, actor-driven part, Thudarum seems set for a strong weekend haul. “Brilliant & Intense” say fans while we see the trend of what they are calling a ‘vintage Mohanlal’s throwback’ coming into play after watching this gripping and layered revenge drama of the film.

Overwhelmed by the audience's response, Mohanlal penned an emotional note on social media. “I’m extremely grateful and feel so blessed that Thudarum has received so much love and heartfelt response. Every tweet, every kind word has affected me more than I can totally process... This gratitude is not mine alone. It’s everybody’s (who travelled alongside me on this journey).” Writing a heartfelt thanks to director Tharun Moorthy and producer M Renjith, co-writer K.R. Sunil, co-stars Shobana and Binu Pappu, as well as prosthetics artists Prakash Varma and the production crew, he added, “I am thankful for the whole team.

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Thudarum is the comeback of Mohanlal and Shobana after a span of more than two decades (their last movie together was Mambazhakaalam, 2004). The story follows a family man whose life is turned upside down when he’s involved in a car-related legal skirmish. Farhaan Faasil, Thomas Mathew, Bharathiraja and Prakash Varma play other important characters in the movie.

Produced by M Renjith under Rejaputhra Visual Media, Thudarum is the latest in the list of edgy films from Tharun Moorthy, known for films such as Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka. Given its strong opening, Thudarum is fast on its way to become another illustrious addition to the changing canvas of Malayalam cinema.