Great start for Mollywood in 2017

Last year, our industry witnessed some big blockbusters, terrific performances, ‘Pulimurugan’, and even the uninvited cinema strike. The strike towards the fag end of the year spoilt the party for the industry who had set an eye on the Christmas season to cash in big. Liberty Basheer and co. ensured there was no release during the holidays. Finally, it took some filmy heroics and efforts from Dileep to bring curtains to the strike and the Exhibitors Federation.

This year, first Malayalam release was Dr Biju’s Kaadu Pookunna Neram on January 6. The movie that has won several accolades in international film festivals was released in limited screens. That same weekend, two other movies Kaviyude Osyathu and Godsay hit screens, but could not make a mark in the box office.

First major release of the year was on January 19. Dulquer Salmaan’s Jomonte Suvisheshangal directed by veteran Sathyan Anthikad had a great opening in the box office. Dulquer’s youth fan base and Sathyan Anthikad’s popularity among the family audience has done wonders in the box office. The movie raked in Rs 2.71 crores on the opening day.

Mohanlal’s Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol was released on the next day on January 20. Directed by Vellimoonga fame Jibu Jacob, MVT was released amid good hype. Upon release, critics and common audience praised the movie unanimously. Families took a particular liking for the movie thronging the theatres in large numbers. Opening day numbers for the movie amounted up to Rs 2.62 crores.

Both Jomonte Suvisheshangal and Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol recently crossed the 30 crore mark. While the former took 26 days to enter the club, MVT took only 21 days to reach the milestone.

Jayasurya’s Fukri directed by Siddique was released on February 3. Clichéd storyline and outdated treatment did no good for the movie, as theatres witnessed a steady dip in the audience count in the first weekend itself.

Prithviraj’s highly anticipated horror thriller, Ezra was released on February 10. The movie had massive expectations majorly due to the impressive promo teasers. Publicised as the first authentic horror thriller recent years in Mollywood, Ezra could lived up to the expectations. Theatres are witnessing unprecedented rush for a Prithviraj movie. Ezra became the biggest opener for Prithviraj with collections of 2.61 crores. According to reports from trade sources, the movie has already crossed the 10 crore mark and will most probably end up as the highest grossing Prithviraj starrer.

This is a perfect start for Mollywood in 2017. Three of the four major releases have already minted big bucks at the box office. Some highly anticipated movies are lined up for next month. Oru Mexican Aparatha, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Angamaly Diaries and Mammootty’s The Great Father will hit screens in March.

Exciting days ahead for Mollywood.