Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan and Thudarum together cross Rs 30 Crore mark in North America, setting a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema in 2025

Mohanlal continues to rewrite the box office playbook for Malayalam cinema overseas. In a record-breaking year, his two major 2025 releases — L2: Empuraan and Thudarum — have collectively grossed over Rs 30 crore in the North American market, a first for a Malayalam star and the industry.

Leading the charge is Empuraan directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. The film stormed through the North American box office, collecting a massive $2,707,540 (USD conversion: $2,358,412 / Rs 20.2 crore) from 449 locations. In the USA alone, the film netted $1,412,461, while Canada contributed an impressive $1,295,079. The Malayalam version dominated with $2,567,297, while the Telugu version added $140,243 — officially making Empuraan the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever in North America.

Meanwhile, Thudarum dircted by Tharun Moorthy , which was released in fewer locations (186 screens), held its own against bigger pan-India titles. The film earned $1,582,079 (USD conversion: $1,393,729 / Rs 11.94 crore) in North America. In the USA, Thudarum collected $883,000, while the Canadian box office brought in $699,079. Despite a tighter release, the film’s strong content and Mohanlal’s loyal overseas following ensured packed shows in several cities.

Together, Empuraan and Thudarum have amassed Rs 33.96 crore (approx. $3.75 million) in North America in 2025 — a phenomenal milestone for any Malayalam actor. This joint success also signals the growing appetite for Malayalam films overseas, especially in territories like Canada, where both films recorded remarkable footfalls.

Industry is calling this a historic achievement, with Empuraan shattering all previous Malayalam records and Thudarum comfortably adding to the star’s overseas tally. For Mohanlal, whose fan base spans generations, this dual success proves his enduring popularity and the increasing global reach of Malayalam cinema.

With Mohanlal’s next big release already in the works, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the superstar’s most dominant years at the global box office.