'Thudarum' box office roars as Mohanlal in top form promises a year 'to be continued' with hits

Mohanlal’s 2025 is off to a spectacular start. His latest film, Thudarum (meaning to be continued in English), has taken theatres by storm, collecting a remarkable Rs 5.5 crore on its opening day. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, it marks the second-biggest opening for a Malayalam film this year. Topping the list is none other than Mohanlal himself, with Empuraan registering a massive Rs 18.6 crore on its debut day.

Thudarum, which features the legendary Shobana alongside Mohanlal, managed this feat despite facing multiple release delays. It even outshone several high-profile Vishu releases earlier this year. This strong performance highlights Mohanlal's enduring popularity, especially after a quieter 2024, where his directorial debut Barroz struggled both critically and commercially.

The past few years have seen Mohanlal on a bumpy ride, with sporadic successes but no back-to-back hits. However, current reports suggest that 2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for the actor, with his strong box office return in Thudarum setting the tone for what could be a series of successes.

What films are lined up next for him?
Mohanlal’s calendar for 2025 looks robust. Hridayapoorvam, directed by the legendary Sathyan Anthikad, is set for release on August 28. Promising a shift from action to emotional drama, the film, starring Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sangeetha, and Sangeeth Prathap, is expected to strike a chord with audiences. Following this, Vrushabha, a multilingual project blending Malayalam and Telugu cinema, is scheduled for October 16. Directed by Nanda Kishore, Vrushabha boasts a star-studded cast, including Roshann Meka, Shanaya Kapoor, and Ragini Dwivedi, and aims to appeal to audiences across South India.

What lies ahead?
If Thudarum's early success is anything to go by, Mohanlal’s resurgence appears to be continued well into 2025. With a strong line-up of upcoming releases and audiences showing renewed enthusiasm, the veteran actor looks poised to reclaim his place at the top of the Malayalam film industry.