The remarkable resurgence of Malayalam cinema’s performance in the first quarter 2024. ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
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During the first quarter of 2024, Malayalam cinema witnessed a remarkable resurgence. Movies such as ‘Premalu,’ ‘Bramayugam,’ ‘Manjummel Boys, and ‘Aadujeevitham’ have not only achieved success at the box office but have also earned praise for their high-quality content, attracting audiences not only from Kerala but also from neighboring states. Furthermore, significant releases like ‘Abraham Ozler’ and ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ have also managed to draw decent crowds to theaters throughout the first quarter of the year.
The industry’s films cater to a broad audience, reaping rewards for average audiences and film buffs. Once again, the Malayalam film industry shines brightly, standing tall amidst challenges faced by Bollywood and other film sectors.
In 2023, according to Manorama, despite a staggering 220 film releases, only around 15 managed to turn a profit. It marked a record-breaking year for Malayalam cinema, with some weeks seeing as many as 18 releases. Reports from the Film Chamber painted a dire picture, revealing an overall industry loss of Rs 700 crore. The brunt of this was felt by first-time producers. While Malayalam films faced difficulties, high-budget Tamil movies splashed the Kerala market. Blockbusters like Rajinikanth‘s ‘Jailer,’ Vijay’s ‘Leo,’ Raghava Lawrence’s ‘Jigarthanda,’ and Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’ and ‘Pathaan’ all found success in the state.
Despite boasting top-notch casts, films like ‘Alone,’ ‘Christopher,’ ‘Ayisha,’ and ‘Thuramukham’ struggled at the box office due to poor content quality. Disheartened fans of Malayalam cinema questioned the future of an industry known for its globally acclaimed content. The early months of 2023 saw only a few bright spots: ‘Romancham’ and ‘2018’ initially started slow but gained momentum through positive word-of-mouth, while others like ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’ received critical praise but failed financially. Nevertheless, ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ managed to sustain decent runs. Yet ‘Pookkaalam’ garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback but experienced only moderate success at the box office.
The present stage of Malayalam cinema.
Skipping ahead to 2024, Malayalam films have raked in over Rs 500 crore, owing to successes both in the domestic and out-of-state markets. Premalua had a lasting impression at the Telugu box office, while ‘ManjuManjummel Boysred the spotlight in Tamil Nadu. ‘AadujAadujeevithamade significant inroads in Kerala and Tamil Nadu markets, with these films already crossing the ₹100 crore milestone. Beyond mere box office statistics, these Malayalam films have been praised for their high-quality content and technical excellence.
Looking ahead at the future.
Movies like ‘Varshangalkku Shesham,’ ‘Aavesham,’ ‘Nadikar,’ and ‘Jai Ganesh,’ are hitting theaters during the Eid-Vishu week. Anticipation is at an all-time high among industry insiders and theater owners, riding on the coattails of past successful releases during the festive season. ‘Varshangalkku Shesham,’ directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, boasts a near star-studded ensemble including Pranav Mohanlal, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, and more. ‘Aavesham,’ starring Fahad Faasil, promises another hit under the direction of Jithu Madhavan, the genius behind ‘Romancham.’ And make sure to catch ‘Malayalee from India,’ directed by Dijo Jose Antony and starring Nivin Pauly, offering a perfect blend of comedy and drama, showcasing Nivin Pauly’s signature style.
