KKN Gurugram Desk | South Indian cinema powerhouse Mohanlal has once again proven his box office dominance with his latest release Thudarum. In an impressive feat, the film has surpassed major Bollywood releases like Ground Zero and Phule within just three days of release. Despite minimal promotional campaigns, Thudarum has captivated audiences nationwide and has crossed the ₹10 crore mark in India.

Mohanlal’s Consistent Box Office Power

After the massive success of L2: Empuraan, Mohanlal returns to theatres with Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy. The film blends family drama with intense storytelling, resonating strongly with audiences across age groups.
While Bollywood films struggle to maintain a foothold at the box office, Thudarum is witnessing rapid growth purely driven by strong word-of-mouth and organic audience support.

Opening Weekend Performance: Numbers Speak Louder Than Promotions

Without relying on high-profile marketing gimmicks, Thudarum managed to make an impressive opening.

• Day 1 (Opening Day): ₹5.24 crore

• Day 2: ₹8.45 crore (a significant growth)

• Day 3: Continuing momentum, pushing the total domestic collection beyond ₹10 crore

These numbers are remarkable, especially considering that competing films like Ground Zero and Phule had heavy promotional backing but still lagged behind in collections.

Thudarum vs Ground Zero and Phule: A Clear Winner Emerges

The clash between Thudarum, Ground Zero, and Phule was keenly observed by trade analysts.

• Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, and Phule, based on historical social reformers, both launched with considerable expectations.

• However, Thudarum steadily overshadowed them, with higher audience occupancy rates and better critical acclaim.

While Ground Zero and Phule struggled to maintain momentum post-release, Thudarum continued to draw crowds, especially in South India, major metros, and even international markets.

Storyline and Performances: Key Factors Behind Success

Directed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum tells a gripping family drama that resonates with common people. Its emotionally charged narrative, stellar performances by Mohanlal and the supporting cast, and strong screenplay have made it a crowd favorite.

Mohanlal’s nuanced performance, blending intensity and vulnerability, has particularly been praised by critics and audiences alike.

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International Markets: Thudarum’s Global Reach

Not only in India, but Thudarum has also made a notable impact in overseas markets.
The film’s international collections are steadily rising, particularly in regions like:

• UAE

• USA

• UK

• Australia

The South Indian diaspora has embraced the film, leading to increased showings and additional theatre screens internationally.

Critical Reception: Applause Across the Board

Film critics have lauded Thudarum for its:

• Realistic storytelling

• Emotional depth

• Brilliant performances

• Authentic direction

The Times of India praised the film as “a masterclass in blending entertainment with meaningful storytelling,” while other leading media outlets rated it among the best performances of Mohanlal’s career in recent years.

Minimal Promotions, Maximum Impact

One of the most notable aspects of Thudarum’s success is the minimal promotional strategy employed by the makers.
Unlike Bollywood films that often rely heavily on marketing blitzes, Thudarum focused solely on content quality and performance-driven promotion.
Word-of-mouth and social media buzz have been instrumental in propelling the film’s popularity.

Audience Response: A Resounding Yes

Audience surveys and social media reactions have shown overwhelming positivity toward Thudarum. Many viewers appreciated the film’s grounded storytelling and praised Mohanlal for choosing substantial content over commercial masala.

Common audience reactions:

• “One of Mohanlal’s finest performances in a decade.”

• “A movie that touches the heart while keeping you on the edge of your seat.”

• “Authentic, emotional, and brilliantly acted.”

Mohanlal: A One-Man Army at the Box Office

With Thudarum, Mohanlal once again demonstrates why he remains one of India’s most beloved actors.
Even without extravagant promotions, he consistently draws audiences to theatres, defying industry norms.
In a cinematic environment where marketing often outweighs content, Mohanlal’s career continues to be a testimony to the enduring power of genuine acting and good storytelling.

What’s Next for Thudarum?

Given its growing success, industry insiders predict that Thudarum may soon cross ₹30 crore globally within its first week if the current trend continues.
Distributors are also increasing showtimes and adding additional screens in non-traditional markets like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Future projections:

• Strong second-weekend collections

• Potential for 50+ day theatrical run

• Streaming rights interest from major OTT platforms

The Bigger Picture: South Indian Cinema Dominating India

Thudarum‘s success further emphasizes the growing influence of South Indian cinema across India.
Films from industries like Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada are no longer confined to regional popularity; they are now mainstream across the country.

This pan-India acceptance is pushing Bollywood to rethink its strategies, focusing more on content-driven cinema rather than star power alone.

Mohanlal’s Thudarum has not only conquered the box office but also won hearts with its emotional depth and powerful performances. Surpassing major Bollywood films within days, it stands as a shining example of how strong content, backed by an acting powerhouse, can lead to phenomenal success.

As Thudarum continues its glorious box office journey, it marks another historic milestone in Mohanlal’s illustrious career and showcases the unstoppable rise of South Indian cinema on the national stage.