Mollywood

27 days ago

2645 views

Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal To Be Honoured With Dadasaheb Phalke Award

New Delhi, September 20 - The Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, for his contribution to Indian cinema. The award, conferred by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, will be presented during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on September 23, 2025. Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the country's highest recognition in the field of cinema. Mohanlal is the second Malayali to receive this honour after film director, script writer, and producer Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who is regarded as one of the most notable and renowned filmmakers in India. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Mohanlal has acted in over 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada languages. From his early breakthrough in Manjil Virinja Pookkal to acclaimed classics such as Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham and Manichitrathazhu, the actor has displayed a remarkable range. Mohanlal's modern hits like Drishyam, Pulimurugan and Lucifer have set new benchmarks at the box office for Malayalam cinema. He is also the recipient of five National Film Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards, and India"™s civilian honours, the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019). The announcement has been met with widespread celebration across the film fraternity and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Mohanlal as the "epitome of excellence and versatility," while fans and colleagues praised the recognition as long overdue. With this honour, Mohanlal joins the league of Indian cinema legends who have shaped the industry"™s artistic and cultural legacy, further cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema. I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive The Dadasaheb Phalke Award. My heartfelt gratitude to Hon"™ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for your kind words and blessings, they fill me with encouragement and joy. I remain ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all"¦ https://t.co/yMwNrNHMYm— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) September 20, 2025 Stay tuned...

Mollywood

27 days ago

6361 views

Lokah Creates History: Kalyani Priyadarshan's Superhero Saga Beats Mohanlal's Empuraan To Become Biggest Malayalam Grosser Worldwide

Kochi, September 20 - Kalyani Priyadarshan has etched her name in history as her superhero film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has become the Malayalam industry hit by beating superstar Mohanlal's political actioner Empuraan at the time of writing this piece. The film, which has been on a dream run ever since its release, has now overtaken Empuraan on its 24th day. Empuraan was released earlier this year and finished its box office journey with around 267 crores worldwide. Lokah is expected to be around 270 crores gross at the end of the day. Directed by Dominic Arun, Chandra has witnessed phenomenal numbers across domestic and overseas markets, powered by strong word of mouth, repeat viewings, and an engaging story that resonated with family audiences. The film's box office run is far from over, and trade analysts believe it could add many more crores before completing its theatrical journey. Though it will take more than what is left in the tank, Lokah has an outside chance of topping 300 crores worldwide, a dream Malayalam industry thought Empuraan would acheive. The achievement of the latest sensation is significant as it comes with a film led by a female. Until now, the list of top-grossing films has been dominated by male superstars, making Lokah's triumph an inspiring milestone. There is no doubt that Lokah is a watershed event for Malayalam cinema that could pave the way for more women-centric blockbusters in the industry. With this massive success, Kalyani has not only delivered the performance of her career but also rewritten the rules of box office dominance. Stay tuned...

Mollywood

31 days ago

5242 views

Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Release Date Revealed, As Director Jeetu Joseph Warns Fans

Kochi, September 16 - Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is all set to return as Georgekutty in Drishyam 3, the highly anticipated conclusion to director Jeethu Joseph's cult thriller franchise. The movie was recently announced officially, with the shooting scheduled to take place this month. While fans are eagerly awaiting another gripping and twist-laden thriller, Jeethu Joseph has issued a word of caution. Whenever the audience hears about Drishyam, they start thinking about the twists and turns in the plot, which leave them speechless. But they might have to lower their expectations this time. Addressing speculation about the tone of the new film, Jeethu Joseph revealed (as per India Today) that audiences should not expect Drishyam 3 to be a heavy, mind-bending film like its predecessors. Instead, the narrative will focus more on the evolution of Georgekutty's character after the dramatic events of Drishyam 2. Jeethu explained that this instalment is designed to explore Georgekutty's transformation as a person, his moral dilemmas, and how the weight of past secrets continues to shape his future. Unlike the intricately layered plotting of the first two parts, the third film promises a more emotional and character-driven journey, highlighting the human side of its protagonist. The filmmaker revealed that he has already completed the script. The team is reportedly planning simultaneous production for Malayalam and Telugu versions, continuing the pan-Indian appeal of the franchise. Meanwhile, according to the latest Malayalam media reports, the makers have locked the Eid 2026 release date for Drishyam 3. There have been reports that the makers were looking to release the movie on Christmas 2025, as the shoot is expected to be wrapped quickly. While that option is still available, March 19, 2026, is looking more probable, given the limited time the makers have. If the March 19, 2026 release date holds, Drishyam 3 will arrive nearly five years after Drishyam 2, which released directly on OTT in 2021 due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Hindi version of Drishyam 3 is also in development and is expected to start rolling in the first week of October 2025. The Ajay Devgn-fronted film has locked an October 2, 2026, release date for the same. Stay tuned...

Mollywood

32 days ago

4242 views

Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah Emerges Number 1 Malayalam Film On BookMyShow

Kochi, September 15 "“ Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra still has to run few more steps to become the biggest Malayalam grosser, but that historic milestone, it has emerged as the number 1 Mollywood film of all-time on the online ticketing platform BookMyShow. The superhero movie continues to set new milestones at the box office, and topping BMS sales is one of them. The fantasy epic has officially become the number one Malayalam film in terms of tickets sold, surpassing some of the biggest industry blockbusters. According to data by Filmy View, Lokah has sold a whopping 4.51 million tickets (and still running strong), edging past superstar Mohanlal's Thudarum, which also recorded 4.51 million tickets but has now settled its run. With this, Lokah has claimed the top spot, rewriting the history books for Malayalam cinema on the platform. The full ranking of Malayalam films on BookMyShow in terms of ticket sales stands as follows: Lokah "“"“ 4.51+ million* Thudarum "“"“ 4.51 million Manjummel Boys "“"“ 4.30 million Empuraan "“"“ 3.75 million Aavesham "“"“ 3 million This achievement reflects not just the movie's massive box office success but also the increasing influence of digital ticketing platforms in determining a film's popularity among audiences nationwide. With Lokah still running successfully in cinemas, it is expected to widen the gap at the top in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Lokah has crossed 250 crores running total at the worldwide box office, and is currently the second biggest Malayalam grosser of all-time. The Dominic Arun's directorial is now trailing Empuraan by around 17 to claim the number 1 spot, and it will most likely top that by the next weekend. Stay tuned...

Mollywood

39 days ago

8777 views

Overseas Box Office: Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah Joins Mohanlal's Thudarum and Empuraan in $10 Million Club

Kochi, September 8 - Kalyani Priyadarshan's superhero film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has achieved a remarkable milestone at the overseas box office. Dominic Arun's directorial is wreaking havoc in the international markets, and has topped $10 million gross collection in just 11 days. With this feat, Dulquer Salmaan's production has placed itself among the rare Malayalam films to touch such numbers internationally. The film's overseas performance is particularly significant as it has joined the elite club of Malayalam movies led by Mohanlal's Empuraan and Thudarum in the $10 million club. Before 2025, not a single Malayalam film reached $10 million overseas box office milestone, and now, the industry has three titles in the coveted club. In 11 days, it has grossed 91 crores ($10.3+ million). Superstar Mohanlal's L2: Empuraan is currently the highest-grossing Mollywood film with 124.50 crores ($13.75+ million), followed by his Thudarum with 94 crores ($10.50+ million). Industry experts attribute the movie's success to its universal appeal, a strong narrative rooted in mythological fantasy, and Kalyani's standout performance, which has received glowing reviews. The film was made on a budget of 30 crores, which is comparatively very low than the average movie of Bollywood, Kollywood, and Tollywood. Meanwhile, at the worldwide box office, Lokah is nearing 200 crores gross. It has grossed approximately 185+ crores through the second weekend (11 days). It will cross the milestone in a day or two, and then will begin its race to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film, while having a real shot at becoming the first 300 crores Mollywood blockbuster of all time. Stay tuned...

Mollywood

50 days ago

9016 views

Hridayapoorvam vs Lokah Chapter 1 Box Office Day 1: Mohanlal's Family Drama Wins Opening As Kalyani Priyadarshan's Superhero Saga Emerges As Dark Horse

Kochi, August 28 - The Malayalam film industry has its moment, once again, as two of its most-anticipated films - Hridayapoorvam and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra - open big at the box office during the Onam holiday period, despite clashing against each other on the same day and date. The Mollywood industry normally doesn't indulge in the box office clashes, but to get the advantage of the Onam holidays, superstar Mohanlal's family comedy drama Hridayapoorvam was pitched against Kalyani Priyadarshan's superhero film Lokah, and the gamble seems to have worked as both films open with positive reception and solid openings at the box office. The opening day battle is won by the Mohanlal-starrer, which has scored 3.80 crores gross collection in India and 8.35 crores worldwide. However, the movie got tough competition from Lokah, which looks like going to be a major box office winner. Despite clashing with the Malayalam titan, the first instalment in the filmmaker Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Cinematic Universe has taken a very good start of around 3.15 crores gross in India and over 6.50 crores worldwide. The critics' reviews and audience reception for Lokah are super positive, and seeing the opening day box office trajectory, it is going to rule the opening extended Onam weekend domestically, especially in Kerala. If early signs are anything to go by, the Kalyani Priyadarshan-fronted superhero saga could emerge as a big blockbuster in the long run. Trade experts note that while Hridayapoorvam has secured a bigger opening day tally, the sustainability of Lokah Chapter 1 could shift the momentum as the weekend progresses, as the superhero genre can explode if audience reception is on the positive side. Chandra has the potential to grow stronger in the coming days, much like earlier cult successes in regional cinema. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

54 days ago

3108 views

Director Priyadarshan Sparks A Blockbuster Cameo In Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan's Haiwaan

Mumbai, August 24 - Director Priyadarshan has reunited with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar for a crime thriller Haiwaan, also starring Saif Ali Khan in the lead role. The movie officially kicked off filming on August 23, with plans to release it in the summer of 2026. During a recent interview, Priyadarshan confirmed that Haiwaan is inspired by his 2016 Malayalam movie Oppam, but with several changes to the dialogues and screenplay. Ever since fans learned about this development, they have been wondering if Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who played the lead role in the original movie, will also make an appearance. Well, the veteran filmmaker has himself confirmed that Mohanlal will indeed play a cameo role in Haiwaan. "His character will definitely be a surprise for the audience," Priyadarshan revealed in a chat with Onmanorama, adding that after Haiwaan, he plans to direct his 100th film with Mohanlal in the lead. Haiwaan marks Priyadarshan's 8th collaboration with Akshay Kumar, including the upcoming horror comedy Bhooth Bangla. When asked about his frequent collaborations with Akki, the filmmaker said that it is all about comfort as he labelled him as Bollywood's Mohanlal. Priyadarshan also hinted that Hera Pheri 3, which will be his 9th film with Akshay, could be his last film as he is getting tired. Meanwhile, Haiwaan is produced by the leading Kannada production house, KVN Productions, marking its debut in Bollywood. The movie is currently being filmed in Kochi, and after that, the team will move to Vagamon, Ooty, and Mumbai. It also reportedly stars Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Boman Irani, and Asrani in key roles. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

79 days ago

6036 views

Box Office: Ahaan Pandey, Aneet Padda's Saiyaara Becomes Biggest Bollywood Grosser of 2025 Overseas; Beats Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna's Chhaava

Mumbai, July 30 - Yash Raj Films"™ romantic drama Saiyaara has unlocked another box office milestone by emerging as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2025 in the international market. Starring debutantes Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda, the film has achieved this milestone in just 12 days since its release. ## As of its second Tuesday, Saiyaara has grossed approximately 94 crores overseas, overtaking the lifetime international collections of Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna's historical action drama Chhaava, which stood at 91 crores. The overseas momentum is being seen as remarkable, considering the film features debutants in the lead roles. ## Among all Indian releases in 2025, Saiyaara now stands as the second-highest-grossing film internationally, also beating Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's Thudarum (93.80 crores). Only Mohanlal's L2: Empuraan stands above it with a towering international gross of 124.50 crores. With strongholds in key markets, Saiyaara continues to perform exceptionally well and is on track to potentially become the biggest Indian international grosser of the year. ## Meanwhile, on the global front, Saiyaara has crossed the 400 crore mark worldwide, becoming only the second Indian film of 2025 to do so after Chhaava (808 crores). Its total worldwide gross has reached 414 crores in 12 days, and it is now eyeing entry into the prestigious 500 crore club, a monumental achievement for a romantic drama led by fresh faces, possibly by the end of the third weekend. ## Top 10 Biggest Bollywood Grosser of 2025 At The Overaeas Box OfficeS.N.Movie TitleOverseas Box Office Collection1Saiyaara₹ 94.00 Cr (12D)2Chhaava₹ 91.00 Cr3Housefull 5₹ 70.25 Cr4Sitaare Zameen Par₹ 66.75 Cr5Sikandar₹ 54.00 Cr6Kesari Chapter 2₹ 34.25 Cr7Raid 2₹ 31.00 Cr8Deva₹ 15.50 Cr9Sky Force₹ 14.50 Cr10Jaat₹ 14.00 Cr## Note: Estimated figures, as of July 29.## Stay tuned...

Mollywood

116 days ago

5759 views

'Drishyam 3' To Have Same Story In All Versions

Kochi, June 23 - After the official announcement, director Jeethu Joseph has dropped a major update regarding Drishyam 3. There have been speculations that the Hindi version of this crime suspense thriller will be different, unlike the first two movies, which were remakes of the original Malayalam films. ## During a recent conversation with the Times of India, director Jeethu Joseph, who directed the first two Malayalam versions of Drishyam 3 and will return for the third instalment, said that the script of the upcoming film is nearing completion and contrary to the rumours, he confirmed the plot will be same in all versions. ## "There have been reports that the Hindi version will have a different story, but that's not true. The Hindi film will also be based on my story. Once I complete my script, it will be shared with the Hindi team, who will then adapt it to suit their setting and make suitable cultural changes", the filmmaker said. ## Both Hindi and Malayalam versions of Drishyam 3 will start rolling in October this year. There were rumours that the Malayalam movie would be released before the Hindi, but Jeethu Joseph hinted that both versions may have a simultaneous release. ## "There was a request from their side for a simultaneous release. So, we have been discussing the prospect of releasing the films simultaneously. In this OTT age, they feel that releasing on different dates might reduce the film's impact in other languages", he added. ## It is confirmed that Drishyam 3 Hindi will be directed by Abhishek Pathak and will see Ajay Devgn and the rest of the cast reprising their roles. The Malayalam version features superstar Mohanlal in the lead role alongside Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, and Asha Sharath. ## Stay tuned...

Bollywood

118 days ago

5693 views

Ajay Devgn's 'Drishyam 3' Shooting Details Revealed

Mumbai, June 21 - Ajay Devgn has been among the most successful Bollywood actors in recent times, and his upcoming line-up promises to take things a notch higher for him. The actor has nearly half a dozen films in the pipeline, and one of the hugely anticipated ones is Drishyam 3. ## Drishyam is among the most successful film franchises of Indian cinema with immense repeat value. The third instalment of it was recently confirmed for October 2, 2026, release. According to the report by Pinkvilla, the movie will start its shooting journey exactly a year before its theatrical debut. ## "The Gandhi Jayanti date holds a lot of significance for the Drishyam franchise (those who have watched would know why), and hence, the makers are embarking on the journey for the final Drishyam film from October 2, 2025", says the report. ## Ajay Devgn has already reportedly allotted his dates for Drishyam 3, which will be shot at real locations of Maharashtra, as well as the studio set up during a marathon schedule, spanning 3 months. The script of the film is already locked, and the makers are working on the dialogue draft at the moment. ## The entire cast of the franchise, along with director Abhishek Pathak, will return for the third instalment. The report further states that it's not clear if Drishyam 3 is a remake of the Malayalam film or an original script, as the makers were also working on an original draft at some point in time. There will be clarity on the same in the next few weeks. ## Meanwhile, the Malayalam version of Drishyam 3, starring superstar Mohanlal, is expected to go on floors in September this year and be released early next year. ## Stay tuned...

Mollywood

125 days ago

8619 views

Malayalam 'Drishyam 3' To Release Before Hindi Version?

Kochi, June 14 - Superstar Mohanlal and director Jeetu Joseph reunited for the crime suspense thriller, Drishyam 3, which was officially announced earlier this year without any release date or shooting timeline. It is among the most anticipated films, and the stakes are all-time high for the film. ## The Hindi version of Drishyam 3, headlined by Ajay Devgn, has also been announced for a confirmed release date of October 2, 2026. The film will be directed by Abhishek Pathak, with the rest of the cast also expected to return. It will go on the floors towards the end of this year. ## Drishyam 3 Hindi will reportedly be different from the Malayalam version, unlike the first two films, which were remakes of the Malayalam films. It was supposed to hit the big screen first among other versions; however, the latest reports suggest otherwise. ## Reportedly, Jeetu Joseph and Mohanlal will begin shooting for the third instalment of this celebrated franchise in September this year, and if this happens, then it will likely hit the big screen ahead of the Hindi version. ## While the early release of Drishyam 3 Malayalam may not be a concern for the Hindi version, as both are reportedly different, it may prove to be a big advantage for the former if the makers decide to release it in the dubbed Hindi version. ## There is undoubtedly huge anticipation among the Hindi audience for the movie, and the Malayalam makers must be aware of it. Earlier, there were reports that both Malayalam and Hindi will be shot simultaneously, but it is not looking like the case anymore. It needs to be seen how things unfold going forward. ## Stay tuned...

Mollywood

151 days ago

8329 views

Mega Blockbuster 'Thudarum' Creates Record For Mollywood On Book My Show

Kochi, May 19 - Superstar Mohanlal's mega blockbuster Thudarum continues to rewrite history for Malayalam cinema with the record-breaking box office run. It is a back-to-back blockbuster for Lalettan after Empuraan, which is the sequel to Lucifer (2019). ## Thudarum has stunned the Mollywood trade and become the first film to top 100 crores gross collection in Kerala state. Now, it has created a major milestone for the industry, selling the highest number of tickets on the online ticketing platform, BookMyShow. ## Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film has sold approximately 4.35 million tickets (43.5 lakh) on the platform so far, surpassing Manjummel Boys, which sold approximately 42 lakh tickets in its lifetime run on BMS. Overall, Thudarum has sold approximately 80 lakh tickets, including online and offline. ## At the box office, the drama thriller has grossed approximately 223 crores worldwide, including 131.50 crores gross at the Indian box office in 24 days so far. The film is heading towards finishing with around 240 crores globally and has chance to pip Manjummel Boys (241 crores) to become the second biggest Malayalam grosser after Empuraan (267 crores). ## Stay tuned...