Pranav Mohanlal’s chilling horror thriller Dies Irae just hit a rough patch on day 11, dipping below Rs 1 crore for the first time. Yet, this drop masks a bigger win, as the film surges into the top six Malayalam grossers of 2025. What’s behind this rollercoaster ride, and can it bounce back?
Day 11 Earnings Take a Hit
Dies Irae earned just Rs 0.65 crore net in India on its second Monday, marking a sharp fall from its strong start. This brings the total India net collection to Rs 35.40 crore after 11 days. Trade trackers like Sacnilk reported this figure, showing how weekday slumps often test even the hottest releases.
The movie opened big on October 31, pulling in crowds with its spooky vibes. Paid previews on October 30 added momentum, grossing around Rs 0.83 crore in Kerala alone. But now, with schools and offices back in full swing, attendance has thinned out.
Despite the dip, Dies Irae’s worldwide gross stands at an impressive Rs 71.5 crore. This keeps the film in solid territory, proving its appeal beyond just the opening buzz.
Climbing the 2025 Malayalam Charts
Dies Irae has quietly claimed the sixth spot among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2025. It trails behind blockbusters like Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, which leads with over Rs 300 crore worldwide. That family drama starring Kalyani Priyadarshan set a high bar as the only Malayalam movie to cross that massive milestone this year.
Superstar Mohanlal dominates the list with three entries: Thudarum, L2: Empuraan, and Hridayapoorvam. These hits showcase his enduring pull at the box office. Right above Dies Irae sits Alappuzha Gymkhana, led by young talent Naslen K Gafoor, which edged it out with stronger family appeal.
Here’s a quick look at the top six Malayalam grossers of 2025 so far:
- Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra: Over Rs 300 crore
- Thudarum: Strong family drama earnings
- L2: Empuraan: Action-packed sequel success
- Hridayapoorvam: Emotional hit
- Alappuzha Gymkhana: Youth-driven comedy
- Dies Irae: Rs 71.5 crore worldwide
This ranking highlights how horror thrillers like Dies Irae can compete in a year packed with diverse genres.
The film’s journey to this spot wasn’t easy. It started with a bang, crossing Rs 10 crore worldwide on day one, including previews. By day 4, it had beaten records for A-rated Malayalam openers, surpassing Mammootty’s Bramayugam with over Rs 20 crore in Kerala.
Behind the Scenes of Dies Irae’s Success
Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Dies Irae follows Rohan Shankar, played by Pranav Mohanlal, as he faces terrifying paranormal events after his ex-girlfriend’s suicide. The story dives into psychological horror, blending scares with emotional depth. Pranav, son of Mohanlal, delivers a standout performance in his first full horror role, earning praise for his intense portrayal.
The movie released with little promotion, relying on word-of-mouth from previews. Positive reviews poured in, calling it a spine-tingling experience with top-notch sound design and jump scares. This organic buzz helped it rack up Rs 5 crore gross in Kerala on day one alone.
Critics and fans agree: Dies Irae’s fresh take on horror has redefined the genre in Malayalam cinema. It beat out last year’s Marco as the biggest A-rated opener, showing audiences crave bold, mature stories.
Production-wise, the film benefited from a tight script and strong technical elements. Composer Christo Xavier’s eerie music amplified the tension, while the lack of big-star cameos kept the focus on the plot.
What’s Next for Dies Irae?
With no major releases this Friday, Dies Irae could see a weekend pickup. Theaters in Kerala report steady bookings, especially night shows, where horror fans thrive. Overseas markets have added to its tally, pushing the global figure higher.
However, competition looms. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Vilayath Buddha arrives on November 21, directed by Jayan Nambiar. That action-drama might draw crowds away if promotions ramp up. For now, Dies Irae holds its ground, potentially aiming for Rs 80 crore worldwide if trends hold.
Industry experts note that horror films often have legs, especially with repeat viewings from thrill-seekers. Data from past hits like Bramayugam shows weekday drops are common, but strong holds can lead to long runs.
In a year where Malayalam cinema has grossed billions collectively, Dies Irae stands out for its genre innovation. It proves that smart storytelling can turn modest budgets into box office gold.
Dies Irae’s run shows the power of bold choices in filmmaking, turning a simple horror tale into a 2025 standout that overcame a day 11 slump to claim a top spot. As audiences keep seeking fresh scares, this film’s success could inspire more thrillers ahead. What do you think about Dies Irae’s performance so far? Share your thoughts and spread the word with friends on social media.
