A slow-burn Malayalam drama defies the odds — and becomes 2026's sixth biggest Mollywood hit
Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar has quietly cemented itself as the sixth highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2026, surpassing Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam in India after just 27 days. The Parvathy Thiruvothu-starrer, a procedural drama directed by Shahad and written by P. S. Subramanian and Vijesh Thottingal, had a slow start at the box office — so slow that early projections suggested it might fade quickly.
But instead of disappearing, it endured. Now in its fourth week, the film continues to screen in over 300 theatres across India, proof of sustained word of mouth and strong critical reception. On its 4th Wednesday, it earned ₹14 lakh net from 303 screens, with an occupancy rate of 11%.
That’s not a blockbuster weekend. But it’s not a collapse either. It’s persistence. The film’s total net collection now stands at ₹26.01 crore, equivalent to ₹30.69 crore gross, enough to eclipse Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam’s lifetime India net gross of ₹25.55 crore.
The comedy film, which was released earlier this year, had been considered a solid performer. Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar beat it in less than a month. The story centres on Aleena (Parvathy Thiruvothu), a woman who joins the police force through a compassionate appointment following her husband’s death. A routine detention turns volatile when she clashes with a hardened criminal, triggering a cover-up by four on-duty officers.
The film also features Matthew Thomas, Vijayaraghavan, and Sidharth Bharathan in pivotal roles. Shahad, known for Prakashan Parakkatte (2022) and Anuragam (2023), brings a grounded intensity to the narrative. The production is under the banner of 11 Icons Film Productions, backed by Arjun Selva. There’s no grand marketing blitz.
No star-studded premiere. Just quiet momentum. And yet, it’s holding. In a year where global cinema is shifting.
With films like the Gaza documentary topping Italy’s charts and Avengers: Endgame Encore briefly reclaiming the all-time box office crown, this Malayalam film’s longevity feels like a quiet rebellion against the usual rules. It didn’t need a viral moment. It didn’t need a big opening. It just needed to be good.
And keep playing. What happens next? The final tally will come soon. But for now, it’s still running.
On repeat. In towns where you’d never expect a drama like this to hold on.
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