Malayalam cinema is riding a high right now, and Athiradi is a big reason why. Directed by Arun Anirudhan, this action comedy featuring the crowd-pleasing combo of Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph has not just survived the dreaded Monday drop — it’s actually proven its legs at the Kerala box office.
What’s Athiradi About?
Athiradi follows Samkutty, an overzealous college student who falls in love and becomes a campus icon. When he tries to revive a long-banned college festival, he locks horns with Sreekuttan Vellayani — a local goon turned aspiring singer. What unfolds is a fiery, entertaining feud that’s clearly resonating with audiences. The Kerala box office has always rewarded films with heart and humor, and Athiradi delivers both.
Athiradi Kerala Box Office Collections — Day-by-Day Breakdown
| Day | Collection |
|---|---|
| Previews | ₹0.60 crore |
| Day 1 | ₹5.40 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹4.25 crore |
| Day 3 | ₹4.75 crore |
| Day 4 | ₹5.25 crore |
| Day 5 (Mon) | ₹2.40 crore (est.) |
| Total | ₹22.65 crore |
The film recorded a 55% drop from its opening day on Monday — a perfectly acceptable hold for a non-holiday weekday. A first-week finish around the ₹30 crore mark looks very much achievable.
Can It Hold Against Drishyam 3?
Here’s the real challenge. Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 is arriving this weekend with massive advance bookings already crossing ₹25 crore globally. Athiradi will face serious screen pressure from one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest franchises. That said, films with genuinely positive word-of-mouth — like Athiradi clearly has — often continue pulling in dedicated audiences even amid blockbuster competition. If you haven’t caught it yet, this weekend might be your last comfortable window.
For more Malayalam box office updates, check out our South Indian cinema box office tracker and our coverage of the latest OTT releases from South India.
