Dulquer Salmaan’s King Of Kotha, Mohanlal’s Neru, and more – Top 5 opening day box office grossers of Malayalam in 2023

Malayalam cinema has had a decent run at the box office in 2023. Unlike the previous years, the industry witnessed some surprise box office hits that were released with minimal pre-release hype. Interestingly, most of those films also earned wide acclaims from both the audience and critics. At the same time, many highly awaited projects that were expected to emerge as major blockbusters, ended up as average grossers at the box office.

Now, let’s have a look at the Top 5 opening day box office grossers of Malayalam cinema, here...

King Of Kotha

The Dulquer Salmaan starrer, which marked the directorial debut Abhilash Joshiy, emerged as the highest opening day grosser of Malayalam cinema, in 2023. King Of Kotha broke all pre-existing box office records of Malayalam cinema and also emerged as the biggest opened to date by making a first day collection of Rs. 5.75 Crores. Even though the movie earned mixed reviews from the audiences and critics, it eventually emerged as a superhit.

Neru

The courtroom drama, which marked Mohanlal’s massive comeback to big screens after a long dull period, is in the second position. Neru made a massive opening at the box office on its release day, by earning a worldwide collection of Rs. 3.04 Crores. The Jeethu Joseph directorial’s massive opening proves that even a long period of underwhelming performances and forgettable films has not affected the star value of Mohanlal, who has been considered as the biggest crowdpuller in the industry, even a bit.

Also Read: Salaar vs Neru Kerala box office – Prabhas's action film overpowers Mohanlal’s courtroom room drama 

Kannur Squad

This crime thriller movie, which emerged as one of the biggest hits in its leading man-producer Mammootty’s acting career, was released without much pre-release hype. However, despite that, Kannur Squad made an excellent opening at the box office, by making a collection of 2.4 Crores. The Roby Varghese Raj directorial earned excellent reviews from the audiences and critics, and soon earned the blockbuster tag.

2018

This Jude Anthany Joseph-directed survival drama, which is based on the Kerala floods of 2018, had created quite a buzz before its release with its promising promo videos and stellar star cast. 2018 made a great opening at the box office on its release day, by collecting Rs. 1.85 Crores. The movie eventually earned the blockbuster tag and emerged as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2024.

Also Read: Neru vs Dunki Kerala box office – Shah Rukh Khan’s film fails to beat Mohanlal’s courtroom drama 

Voice of Sathyanathan

This comedy thriller helmed by Rafi featured Dileep in the titular role, and marked the actor’s comeback to cinemas after a long gap. Voice Of Sathyanathan made a grand opening at the box office by making a total collection of Rs. 1.80 Crores. Along with Dileep, the movie also featured talented actor Joju George in a pivotal role.

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