Mollywood witnessed a diverse range of films in the year 2023. With over 230 films hitting the screens, five movies stood out for various reasons. These movies didn't just win hearts, they dominated the box office as well.

TOP GROSSING MALAYALAM MOVIES 2023:

5) Neru- ₹43.63 cr*

The duo of Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph has become familiar to Malayalam audiences, especially after the blockbuster success of 'Drishyam 1 & 2'. Hopes were high as the two reunited yet again to deliver an emotional thriller 'Neru' (Truth), a court drama.  

The film did help Mohanlal in reestablishing his prominence at the box office following a string of underwhelming flicks this year. This film was heralded as the return of Mohanlal actor.

Neru, a courtroom drama, was widely praised for the performances of its lead actors, Anaswara Rajan and Siddique. Critics praised the film's direction, screenplay, and editing. Notably, the film continues to draw audiences to theatres, a testimony to its resounding success.

4) Romancham - ₹69.63 cr

The film, released without much hype, became one of the biggest hits in Mollywood, thanks to word-of-mouth publicity. 

Romanchan (Goosebumps), directed by newcomer Jithu Madhavan and starring Soubhin Shahir in the lead role, cleverly blends horror and comedy as it draws inspiration from a real-life incident. Its unique storyline and refreshing humour provided an enriching cinematic experience to moviegoers in Kerala. 

3) Kannur Squad - ₹Rs 82 cr

At 72 years old, Mammootty continues to captivate audiences with his stellar performances. This year, he impressed viewers with various flicks, most notably 'Kannur Squad' by cinematographer-turned-director Roby Varghese Raj.

This film marks the fourth production venture of Mammootty Kambany, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy production house in Kerala dedicated to delivering high-quality content.

Inspired by a real-life ‘Kannur squad’, the movie delves into the lives of four policemen and the challenges they encounter during police procedures. The performances, engaging narrative, and technical aspects of the film garnered widespread appreciation, making it one of the biggest hits in Mollywood.

Read More: Murder of an industrialist: Meet Kerala Police’s real ‘Kannur Squad’ movie true story

2) RDX - ₹84.55 cr

In an exciting debut, director Nahas Hidayath brings us a thrilling family drama packed with action. The movie, 'RDX,' features Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese Pepe, and Neeraj Madhav as the pivotal characters—Robert, Doney, and Xavier, respectively. The film had the famous fight master duo Anbariv choreographing its action sequences, delivering a pulsating theatrical experience. Sophia Paul's Weekend Blockbuster production is an exciting action film that pushes your adrenaline to its maximum. 

1) 2018: Everyone is a hero - ₹175.50 cr

Jude Anthony Joseph's survival thriller drama revolves around the catastrophic Kerala floods of 2018, portraying the emotional distress endured by the people of Kerala. The film depicts the courage, unity, and sacrifices of the people of Kerala, all of which were instrumental in helping the state overcome the disaster.

The film assembled a host of stars from Mollywood, including Tovino Thomas, Kunchako Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Narain, and Lal, and an ensemble of supporting actors.

2018 became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time and was India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2024 Oscars. However, the film failed to make it to the final cut at the Academy Awards.

(Tracked Collections Only, No Producer Figures)  (Compiled by Abhijay)