Nikhila Vimal’s new sci‑fi comedy collected 68 lakh on its first day, clinching the state’s number‑one box‑office position despite modest pre‑release chatter.
Koimoi reported that Dhoomakethu, the latest Malayalam outing starring Nikhila Vimal, pulled in 68 lakh on its opening day and secured the top spot at Kerala’s box‑office. The figure may look modest against Bollywood blockbusters, but for a regional film with limited pre‑release buzz it’s a respectable entry.
The film, directed by Sudhi Maddison, leans into a time‑loop premise: Vimal’s character Kyttan wakes on his wedding morning only to relive the same day after a nightmare of his own death. As the loop tightens, a masked attacker appears, forcing Kyttan to crack the mystery and break free. The concept, fresh for Malayalam audiences, has drawn curiosity and earned the movie a blend of positive and mixed reviews.
Vimal’s recent box‑office track record hasn’t been stellar, making this opening noteworthy. Koimoi noted that Dhoomakethu has entered the top five of Vimal’s post‑COVID day‑one earnings, trailing only behind Por Thozil in that list. While the opening was “slow,” the outlet suggested the film could gain momentum over the weekend as word‑of‑mouth spreads.
Industry observers point out that a strong opening in Kerala often translates into healthy overseas numbers for Malayalam films, especially in the Gulf where the diaspora follows local releases closely. If Dhoomakethu’s weekend performance mirrors its day‑one start, it could comfortably clear the half‑crore mark domestically and add a respectable overseas tally.
The cast, besides Vimal, includes Sajin Gopu, Sidharth Bharathan and Shine Tom Chacko, each bringing a slice of comic timing that complements the sci‑fi backdrop. Their chemistry, coupled with Maddison’s direction, appears to be resonating with early viewers, according to audience snippets on social platforms.
For a film that entered theatres with “limited buzz,” the 68 lakh debut signals that the time‑loop hook is working. It also gives Vimal a much‑needed lift after a series of under‑performing releases. The next few days will be crucial: a weekend surge could push the movie into the coveted one‑crore club, while a flat trajectory might relegate it to a modest footnote in the year’s Malayalam slate.
Regardless of the final tally, Dhoomakethu’s start shows how inventive storytelling can still draw crowds in a market dominated by star power. As the weekend approaches, fans and skeptics alike will be watching to see whether the film’s loop can break into a bigger box‑office cycle.
What’s next? The film continues its run across Kerala’s multiplexes and single‑screen theatres. Trade analysts will be updating figures on Monday, giving a clearer picture of whether the weekend will deliver the boost Koimoi predicts.
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