Megastar Mammootty is basking in the phenomenal success of his latest cinematic offering, the crime thriller 'Kalamkaval'. The film, which finally released in theatres after much anticipation, has not only captivated audiences but also set the cash registers ringing with an impressive box office performance in its opening weekend.
Box Office on Fire: Rs 10.25 Crore in 48 Hours
According to data from industry tracker Sacnilk, 'Kalamkaval' has registered exceptional growth at the domestic box office. The film opened with a solid collection of Rs 5 crore on its first day. It then witnessed a healthy jump, earning an estimated Rs 5.25 crore on its second day, marking an increase of Rs 25 lakh. This remarkable two-day run has propelled the film's total net collection to an impressive Rs 10.25 crore.
The audience turnout showed a significant upward trend throughout Saturday. The occupancy rates climbed steadily from 30.01% in the morning shows to 44.02% in the afternoon. The numbers peaked during the prime time, with evening shows recording 56.73% occupancy and night shows reaching a high of 66.53%.
Mammootty's Gratitude and a Chilling Antagonist
Overwhelmed by the massive positive response from fans and critics alike, Mammootty took to Twitter to express his heartfelt gratitude. The legendary actor, whose portrayal of a sinister antagonist has become the major talking point of the film, shared his feelings with his followers.
In his tweet, Mammootty wrote, “Last 2 days have been nothing short of overwhelming. I am truly blown away by the love ‘#Kalamkaval’ has been receiving since its release. Thank you for your trust in my choices.” His message clearly indicates how the actor has been moved by the audience's embrace of his performance and the film.
Film's Core and Critical Reception
'Kalamkaval' is set against the backdrop of a Kerala police investigation in the early 2000s. While Mammootty's menacing villain role steals the spotlight, the film also features a powerful performance by Vinayakan as Officer Jayakrishnan. The supporting cast includes Gibin Gopinath, Gayatri Arun, Rajisha Vijayan, and Shruti Ramachandran.
Critics have noted that the film is elevated by its lead actors and its atmospheric setting. ETimes, in its review, awarded the movie 3 stars out of 5. The review stated, "'Kalamkaval' is a film elevated by its lead actors and its atmospheric world, even if the storytelling occasionally falters. It remains a watch for Mammootty’s enigmatic presence and the unsettling psychological duel at its core."
The combination of a gripping narrative, strong performances, and Mammootty's towering screen presence has clearly struck a chord with moviegoers, making 'Kalamkaval' one of the notable successes in the actor's recent filmography.
