Three of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars — Mohanlal, Mammootty and Dileep — are set to test their box office power this December, marking one of the most closely watched months for Mollywood in recent years. With each actor coming off dramatically different phases in their careers, industry observers are keen to see who will end the year on a high.
Mohanlal’s strong 2025 comeback continues
After facing a disappointing 2024, Mohanlal bounced back emphatically this year. Every film he headlined in 2025 not only performed exceptionally well in theatres but also enjoyed strong traction on OTT platforms afterwards. His renewed box office pull has reinstated him as one of Mollywood’s most reliable performers.
Trade experts note that Mohanlal’s diverse line-up, spanning action, drama and thrillers, helped reconnect him with varied audience groups. His December release aims to extend this winning streak and solidify his commercial resurgence.
Mammootty faces a challenging year
While Mammootty maintained a steady run through 2024, 2025 has proved far more turbulent. Both his theatrical releases this year underperformed and have not yet made it to OTT platforms — an unusual situation for an actor who normally witnesses quick digital turnarounds.
Adding to concerns were his recent health issues, which kept him away from active promotions and appearances. With a new film arriving in December, fans and trade analysts are hoping for a reset, though expectations remain cautious.
Dileep’s shifting box office power
Once a dominant crowd-puller, especially in the pre-OTT era, Dileep enjoyed a level of mass appeal that could draw audiences even when Mohanlal and Mammootty struggled. His comedies and family entertainers often recorded strong footfalls, making him a dependable theatrical star.
But the industry has changed. The rise of OTT, evolving audience preferences and a string of underperforming films have considerably reduced his box office power. Many of his older films remain unavailable online, and even several titles from recent years have not made it to OTT platforms. Still, producers continue to back him, believing he retains enough commercial value — a belief reinforced by the fact that his latest two films finally secured OTT releases.
With his new film set to hit theatres in December, Dileep hopes to make a convincing comeback at a time when Mollywood is crowded with big releases.
A high-stakes December for Mollywood
With all three stars releasing films in the same month, December 2025 is poised to become an exciting period for Malayalam cinema. Each actor has something to prove — Mohanlal aims to maintain his regained dominance, Mammootty seeks stability after setbacks, and Dileep looks to reclaim even a portion of the mass appeal he once enjoyed.
The festive season, combined with curiosity surrounding these contrasting career phases, ensures that Mollywood is bracing for a compelling box office race. Whether this clash will redefine trajectories or reinforce current trends remains to be seen, but what is certain is that industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on the numbers.