Bazooka Vs Alappuzha Gymkhana Vs Empuraan: How Three Malayalam Films Fared At The Box Office

Bazooka Vs Alappuzha Gymkhana Vs Empuraan: The past few weeks have seen Malayalam cinema offer a diverse line-up of films, each attempting to leave its mark on the box office. Among the most talked-about releases are Empuraan, Bazooka, and Alappuzha Gymkhana. While all three films opened to varying levels of anticipation and audience expectations, their box office journeys have taken notably different paths.

Empuraan

Leading the race in terms of collections is Empuraan, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, the film hit theaters on March 27, 2025, enjoying a dominant run at the box office for nearly a month. With Mohanlal reprising his powerful role as Stephen Nedumbally, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, and Prithviraj himself, the film drew massive crowds across Kerala and beyond.

Empuraan had a strong theatrical window and benefited from extensive promotions, multi-format screenings, and the franchise's built-in popularity. According to film industry tracker A. B. George, the film grossed ₹86.05 crore from Kerala alone over its 25-day run.

However, as newer releases entered theaters in April, Empuraan gradually exited most screens. The film is now set to begin its streaming journey from April 24, 2025, on JioHotstar in Malayalam, as well as in dubbed Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada versions. Its digital release is expected to draw renewed attention and conversations among fans who may have missed the theatrical experience.

Alappuzha Gymkhana

Released on April 10, 2025, Alappuzha Gymkhana entered theatres as a modest sports drama but quickly became a word-of-mouth success. Directed by Khalid Rahman, the film centers around the lives and friendships forged through local boxing in Alappuzha. With a talented young cast led by Naslen, Lukman Avaran, and Ganapathi, the film resonated strongly with youth and family audiences alike. In just 11 days, the film managed to gross ₹30.71 crore in Kerala, according to A B George's latest box office estimate. Alappuzha Gymkhana continues to enjoy a strong theatrical run; the positive reviews and audience support have ensured it keeps drawing viewers to cinemas.

Bazooka

Released on the same day as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Bazooka entered the fray with high expectations, largely due to Mammootty's presence in the lead role. Directed by debutant Deeno Dennis, the action thriller promised a layered narrative with Mammootty playing a mysterious figure surrounded by multiple identities. The film also starred Gautham Vasudev Menon as a police officer, adding another familiar face to the cast.

Despite the stylish presentation, Bazooka was met with largely negative reviews upon release. Critics and audiences cited issues with the screenplay, pacing, and lack of emotional depth. While Mammootty's performance was appreciated by his loyal fanbase, the film struggled to create broader appeal.

So far, the film has collected ₹12.95 crore in 11 days, indicating a lukewarm performance. As competition tightens and audience interest fades, Bazooka may find it difficult to retain a presence in theatres in the coming days. However, it may still find a second life on OTT, where action thrillers often reach wider audiences.

The journey of these three films highlights how timing, audience connection, and strong storytelling continue to play an important role at the box office. Empuraan had the advantage of being part of a popular franchise and featured a star-studded cast, which helped it draw strong initial crowds when it hit theatres.

Alappuzha Gymkhana stood out with its engaging narrative that resonated especially with youth and family audiences. On the other hand, Bazooka, despite boasting a strong cast, struggled to leave a similar mark.

As Empuraan moves to OTT and the other two films continue their theatrical run - with Bazooka seeing a sharper decline - it's clear that good content, timing, and audience reception ultimately shape a film's success.