The new Mollywood film Kotha Loka Chapter 1, starring young heroine Kalyani Priyadarshan in a key role, has created history by surpassing Mohanlal’s Empuraan at the box office. Released on 28 August, the movie has been a runaway success, earning steadily for four consecutive weeks and delighting audiences across Kerala and beyond.
Made on a budget of ₹30 crore, the film has so far grossed an impressive ₹267 crore, with Kerala alone contributing ₹100 crore. This achievement makes Kotha Loka Chapter 1 the second Malayalam film ever to reach such heights. While Thudarum had earlier set long-run records with ₹119 crore, this new film is now on track to establish its own legacy.
The film’s success has also taken the wind out of Mollywood superstar Mohanlal’s sails. His film Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, had earned ₹265.5 crore and held the record for the highest-grossing Malayalam film. With Kotha Loka Chapter 1 surpassing that mark, Empuraan has been pushed to second place, while Manjumell Boys remains third with ₹243 crore.
Directed by Dominic Arun and produced under Dulquer Salman’s banner Wayfarer Films, the film features strong performances from Naslen and Chandu Salim Kumar. Tamil choreographer Sandy plays the villain, while Dulquer Salman and Tovino Thomas make special appearances.
Even before its release, the film had generated significant buzz among audiences. From the first show, it received an overwhelming response, impressing viewers with its fresh story, engaging characters, and high-quality production. Its appeal has extended beyond Malayalam-speaking audiences, with Telugu viewers also showing strong appreciation.
Critics and fans alike have praised the film’s storytelling and performances, noting that it brings a new experience to the screen while staying rooted in relatable emotions. The combination of a talented cast, skilled direction, and Dulquer Salman’s production support has helped the film achieve record-breaking collections.
Kotha Loka Chapter 1 continues to dominate the Mollywood box office, setting new standards and proving itself as one of the industry’s all-time hits.
