If there’s one name that owns the Kerala box office, it’s Mohanlal. And Drishyam 3 just made that case even stronger. The third chapter of the beloved franchise has stormed into the record books with a thunderous opening day, becoming only the second Malayalam film ever to cross Rs. 10 crore gross on Day 1 in Kerala. Here’s the full picture.
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Top 10 Biggest Opening Days in Kerala Box Office History (Malayalam Films)
| Rank | Movie | Day 1 Kerala Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | L2 Empuraan | Rs. 14 crore |
| 2 | Drishyam 3 | Rs. 11 crore |
| 3 | Patriot | Rs. 8.50 crore |
| 4 | Odiyan | Rs. 7.20 crore |
| 5 | Bha Bha Bha | Rs. 7.20 crore |
| 6 | Marakkar | Rs. 6.60 crore |
| 7 | Lucifer | Rs. 6.30 crore |
| 8 | Turbo | Rs. 6.15 crore |
| 9 | Bheeshma Parvam | Rs. 6.15 crore |
| 10 | Athiradi | Rs. 6.00 crore |
Drishyam 3 Rewrites History
Drishyam 3 stormed an opening of Rs. 11 crore gross at the Kerala box office, becoming the second-biggest opener of all time. It also became the second Malayalam movie to score a double-digit opening — all other titles in the top 10 remained under the Rs. 10 crore mark.
That is a staggering achievement for any Mollywood release, and it underlines just how deeply the Drishyam franchise is embedded in the hearts of Kerala audiences. Georgekutty is not just a character — he’s a cultural institution.
The Mohanlal Factor: 7 Out of 10
The list is heavily Mohanlal-coated — seven of these top 10 titles belong to Lalettan. Either he starred in the titular role or made a guest appearance in these movies. The only titles without his involvement are Turbo, Bheeshma Parvam, and Athiradi.
It’s a remarkable stat that tells you everything about what Mohanlal means to Malayalam cinema. No other actor in Indian cinema commands this kind of loyalty from a regional audience over such a sustained period.
The top spot among the biggest opening days at the Kerala box office still belongs to L2 Empuraan, the Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial that had an opening of Rs. 14 crore gross in its home state.
What This Means for Mollywood?
Drishyam 3’s record-breaking start signals something important — Malayalam audiences are not just returning to theatres, they are showing up in huge numbers for stories that matter to them emotionally. The franchise model, built on character and writing rather than spectacle alone, continues to be Mollywood’s strongest weapon.
For more Mollywood box office updates and South Indian cinema coverage, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Which Malayalam film holds the all-time record for biggest opening day at the Kerala box office?
A: L2 Empuraan holds the top spot with Rs. 14 crore gross on Day 1 in Kerala, with Drishyam 3 now second at Rs. 11 crore.
Q: How many films in Kerala’s all-time top 10 opening days feature Mohanlal?
A: Seven out of the top 10 biggest Malayalam opening days at the Kerala box office feature Mohanlal either in a lead role or as a guest appearance.
