At first, 2024 can be seen as the golden year of Malayalam cinema. Films like Manjummel Boys and Premalu opened new avenues of commercial reach for Malayalam cinema. Aadujeevitham, ARM and Aavesham made big bucks with it, and films like Kishkinda Kaandam, and Sookshmadarshini rounded off a seemingly good year for Malayalam cinema. However, the Kerala Film Producers’ Association has painted a slightly different picture.
In a statement, the organization stated that out of 199 Malayalam films that will be released in 2024, only 26 films can be considered a success. With the total cost of production reaching Rs 1000 crore, the statement revealed that only Rs 300 crore was earned. The producers believe that this amount of almost R700 that has not returned is due to the increase in the cost of producing films, especially the salary of the actors.
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Manjummel Boys, Aavesham, Premalu, Aadujeevitham and ARM are the only entrants to the Rs 100 crore club, with the Soubin Shahir-based film raking in around Rs 242 crore. Other successful films include Kishkinda Kaandam, Guruvayur Ambalanadayil and Varshangalkku Sesham entering the Rs 50 crore club.
It was also a year of re-releases with many films, including Manichitrathazhu and Valiyettan, hitting the big screens again. However, even though Mohanlal may have had a disappointing end in 2024 with his directorial debut, Barrozonly Devadoothan and Manichitrathazhu were successful at the box-office in its re-release.
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The Kerala Film Producers’ Association has reiterated the need to bring audiences back to theatres, and if the trends of 2024 are anything to go by, then audiences will be flocking to theaters for content, not prominent actors. The success of small films means that keeping production costs in check will be good for the industry. In fact, it is said that 200 films a year is not something that can work in the long run in this industry that does not have neighboring industrial markets.
With the Producers Guild being tight-lipped about what needs to be done in Malayalam cinema for a better 2025, maybe the tide will turn for the better.
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