Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, long considered one of India’s greatest film legends, has added another golden page to his remarkable career. At 65, while other stars slow down or curtail their appearances, Mohanlal is blazing the box office — and not merely with one film, but two consecutive international blockbusters. With Empuraan and Thudarum, he has now reached back-to-back 10 million USD marks, which is a record in Malayalam cinema and an uncommon one in Indian cinema.
What’s even more remarkable is the stark difference in scale between both movies. Whereas Empuraan took the burden of an enormous franchise and grand-budget spectacle with it, Thudarum was a low-budget affair — and yet it broke through into a whole new level, exceeding expectations in the unmatchable power of Mohanlal’s name and reputation.
Empuraan: The Storm That Shook the Industry
Released with gigantic expectation, Empuraan was more than a film; it was an event. A sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer, the movie arrived with gigantic anticipation, a star-studded cast, high-power political themes, and cutting-edge filmmaking. Written and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and produced on a massive scale, the film was meant to break the mold — and deliver, and how.
Empuraan became the first Malayalam film to reach both the 10 million USD and 15 million USD marks worldwide. Its box office run drew record-breaking audiences throughout Kerala, the UAE, the US, and even unconventional markets such as the UK and Australia. The movie’s compelling story, along with Mohanlal’s dominant on-screen presence, made it a cultural phenomenon.
But even that, some critics blamed the success of the film on its franchise value and high budget. Not many thought lightning would strike twice — particularly within a month.
Thudarum: The Surprise Blockbuster
If Empuraan was the storm that everyone had anticipated, Thudarum was the quiet wave that became a tsunami. Out only weeks after Empuraan, Thudarum was a fairly low-profile film. It lacked franchise support, high-octane action, and over-the-top VFX. What it did have, though, was Mohanlal — and that was enough.
Bucking all expectations, Thudarum sprinted past the 10 million USD worldwide mark, being only the second Malayalam film ever to achieve this feat — and both are now owned by Mohanlal. Locally, the film passed ₹100 crore in India alone, and by mid-weekend, its global collection will cross ₹200 crore, joining the elite group along with Manjummel Boys and Empuraan.
Thudarum’s success is even more remarkable in that it was based on raw audience trust. Without any franchise hype or super promotions, the movie succeeded by virtue of excellent word of mouth, emotional plot, and naturally, the irresistible pull of a veteran actor at the height of his powers.
A Record-Breaking Feat at 65
Mohanlal is not only shattering box office records — he is redefining the concept of stardom and longevity in Malayalam cinema. While most actors turn 65 and fade into selective roles or semi-retirement, Mohanlal has given back-to-back 10M USD grossers, with a one-month gap in between. It is not just a milestone for him — it is a historic moment for Malayalam cinema.
Even more strikingly, these successes are not only regional or emotional wins. They’re international standards. With considerable revenues from foreign markets, Mohanlal’s fame now resonates far beyond the Indian horizon. His name, already so iconic in South Indian homes, is now beginning to find recognition even in the realms of international cinema.
The Changing Face of Malayalam Cinema
This phenomenal success streak also points to the continued evolution of Mollywood. What was once primarily associated with realistic storytelling and niche audiences, Malayalam cinema is now creating content that’s gaining acceptance on a worldwide level. And veterans such as Mohanlal are spearheading this new wave, demonstrating that content, performance, and emotional connect can trump spectacle if executed well.
It also puts a new bar for actors across the nation. In a career so often enamored with glam and youth, Mohanlal’s success at his mid-sixties is assurance that genuine skill and hard work do not run out with the passage of years — they rather grow stronger and mature.
With Empuraan and Thudarum re-writing history, the question on everyone’s mind is — what next for Mohanlal? It is reported that he is already in negotiations for a new experimental thriller and family drama with acclaimed directors. If anything, his recent successes will motivate filmmakers to experiment with newer genres with him at the forefront.
Already, fans are dubbing this phase the “Second Golden Era” of Mohanlal. His capacity to seamlessly transition from political thrillers to emotionally charged dramas, and all the while attract huge audiences, makes him a force that few can match.
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Final Thoughts
Mohanlal’s double success with Empuraan and Thudarum is more than a paean to box office figures — it’s a paean to consistency, class, and charisma. At the age of 65, while many stars bank on their previous successes, Mohanlal is forging new ones. With consecutive 10M USD successes, he’s established that age is but a number, but legacy — when created through talent and trust — remains forever.
In a world of cinema in perpetual motion, Mohanlal is a testament to the fact that certain stars don’t merely burn bright — they guide. And as he proceeds to extend this phenomenal journey, the viewers, cut across languages and borders, keep following, cheering, and cherishing him.
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