Romancham inches towards Rs 20 crore at Kerala box office, Malayalam superstars yet to make a dent

Even the producers of Romancham might not have expected the horror-comedy to turn into such a raging hit when they put out a plea on social media, urging the audience to watch the film in theatres. The movie, which hit theatres in Kerala on February 3, has already emerged as the second superhit in Malayalam this year.

The film, which has Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan and a bunch of relative newcomers as part of the cast, is helmed by debutant Jithu Madhavan. Almost two weeks since its release, the film has already collected Rs 18 crore from the Kerala box office and an additional Rs 8 crore from abroad and outside Kerala markets. The movie is expected to break the Rs 30 crore worldwide gross barrier by this weekend.

It's a heartening trend for filmmakers as well as theatre exhibitors in Kerala, with films such as Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, Malikappuram and now, Romancham, all of which didn’t have superstars in the lead, working at the box office. In fact, superstar-driven films this year that included Mammootty’s critically-acclaimed Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam and Christopher and Mohanlal’s Alone, failed to create any waves at the box office.

Also read: Romancham review: Soubin Shahir’s horror-comedy about troubles springing from a Ouija board has plenty of laughs 

Only Unni Mukundan’s Malikappuram, which grossed over Rs 40 crore in Kerala box office, managed to sustain its momentum. Even the upcoming Vishnu and Eid season might not see too many superstar-driven films releasing, unlike in the past.

Meanwhile, Romancham’s run in the theatres is expected to continue for a few more weeks. The next two weeks will see more feel-good entertainers releasing including Basil Joseph and Suraj Venjaramoodu’s Enkilum Chandrike, Mathew Thomas and Malavika Mohanan’s Christry, Arjun Ashokan and Mamitha Baiju’s Pranaya Vilasom, Lal and Anagha’s Dear Vappi, Anikha Surendran and Melvin’s Oh My Darling and Asif Ali and Mamta Mohandas’ Maheshum Maruthiyum, which is scheduled to hit theatres on February 24.