King of Kotha to Empuraan: Upcoming Malayalam movies expected to break 2018's box office record

This week, Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali’s disaster drama 2018 set a new box office record in Malayalam by becoming the highest grossing film ever – both in international and domestic market – with a collective revenue of Rs 175 crore and counting. Within 10 days, the film cruised to Rs 100 crore and only had to contend with Mohanlal’s Lucifer and Pulimurugan, which it dethroned within a month of its theatrical release.

However, records are meant to be broken, and not surprisingly, Mohanlal-starrers are the ones leading the race to set a new box office record once again in Malayalam. But this time, there’s also Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino – who have proved they have enough popularity to bring in big numbers as the veteran superstar.

Also read: 2018's OTT release ruined its chance of becoming the first ever Malayalam film to gross Rs 200 Cr: FEUOK president 

Here’s the list of upcoming movies that stand the best chance to break 2018’s box office record:

King of Kotha

Dulquer Salmaan’s period gangster actioner will see the actor return to Malayalam after the blockbuster Kurup, which had done business of over Rs 100 crore. The upcoming, which is also produced by Dulquer, boasts of huge production value, cast of actors across industries and a story that would appeal to the ‘mass’ audience who were responsible for making films such as Vikram and KGF: Chapter 2 the biggest hits in India last year.

Also read: Arvind Kashyap on King of Kotha climax fight: As massy, as intense as you can imagine 

Barroz

Mohanlal’s directorial debut has a simple formula that could help it mint millions in the box office. It’s a 3D children’s fantasy, which if it works would drive family audiences to the theatres – multiplying the revenue at least thrice. To top it off, the makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the movie meets international standards in terms of visuals and VFX. The film also has cast and crew from outside Kerala as well as abroad, further improving its chances of working well in various languages.

Also read: Barroz OTT, overseas rights picked by this global player? Mohanlal’s directorial to get a grand release this year 

Ram

Director Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal’s films from the Drishyam franchise have proved to be money-spinners at the box office as well as on the OTT platforms. This was also the reason Ram, which is an action thriller with Mohanlal playing a globe-trotting hero, was planned on a massive scale and made as a duology shot in the UK, Tunisia and Morocco. The film has action scenes choreographed by international stunt directors and promises to progress at a frenetic pace. The plan to release it in two parts could also prove to be viable for its makers, provided that first instalment has enough to keep the audience riveted. And from Jeethu’s filmography, that is pretty much guaranteed.

Also read: Exclusive! Mohanlal’s Ram had to be a duology as it wasn’t practical to make a 5-hour-long film: Jeethu Joseph 

Malaikottai Vaaliban

This could arguably be the most hyped Lijo Jose Pellissery film, thanks to his collaboration with Mohanlal. Lijo is by no means a director who follows the conventional terrain, and so when he directs a big-budget commercial film, audience can expect all sorts of surprises. The period film has Mohanlal reportedly essaying dual role, with one of them as a Sikh wrestler. The film, which will also be a pan-Indian release, has actors from Kannada, Marathi, Bengali and Tamil.

Also read: Malaikottai Vaaliban: Mohanlal to play a double role in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s period action entertainer? 

Ajayante Randam Moshanam

Post Minnal Murali, Thallumaala and 2018, Tovino Thomas is arguably one of the most dependable actors in Malayalam. Ajayante Randam Moshanam will have him push boundaries again – this time in a triple role in the period film set in the 1910s, 1950s and 1990s. With a mix of folk tales and entertainment, the film, helmed by Jithin Lal, and starring Telugu actress Kriti Shetty and Tamil star Aishwarya Rajesh promises action, romance and entertainment – and it’s getting a pan-Indian release in 3D.

Also read: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty’s Ajayante Randam Moshanam will be a 3D adventure film: Jithin Lal 

L2: Empuraan

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s third directorial with Mohanlal is also set to be one of the most expensive Malayalam movies ever produced, with a claimed budget of Rs 150 crore. The latest, we hear, is that producers of KGF and Kantara – Hombale Films – have also joined to back the movie and vision of the filmmaker-actor for the second instalment of the record-breaking Lucifer franchise. With locations in about seven countries and a star cast featuring actors across India and abroad, L2: Empuraan promises to be a strong contender for Mohanlal to reclaim his pole position at the box office records.

Also read: Empuraan: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran's movie to be made on a budget of Rs 150 crore? Here’s what we know