In a surprising turn at the Indian box office, the Malayalam horror film Dies Irae has emerged as a dominant force, surpassing Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma in weekday collections. As of Tuesday, Dies Irae earned approximately ₹2.5 crore, while Thamma managed around ₹2 crore, according to a Times of India report. The cumulative domestic collection of Dies Irae now stands at an impressive ₹22 crore, marking a significant milestone for a regional-language release.
Malayalam Cinema’s Winning Streak Continues
Malayalam cinema has been witnessing a resurgence in recent years, and Dies Irae appears to be its latest triumph. The psychological-horror thriller, led by Pranav Mohanlal, has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and chilling score.
The film’s title, derived from the Latin phrase meaning “Day of Wrath,” hints at its deep religious and philosophical undertones — something that resonates strongly with fans of cerebral horror. The movie’s success underlines the growing appetite for genre experimentation in Indian cinema, especially among younger audiences seeking fresh narratives beyond formulaic Bollywood fare.
Industry experts note that Dies Irae’s success mirrors the pattern seen with recent Malayalam blockbusters like Manjummel Boys and 2018: Everyone Is a Hero, both of which broke regional barriers to find national acclaim.
“The performance of Dies Irae underscores a clear shift in audience preferences. Viewers are willing to explore content-driven films, regardless of language,” said a trade analyst to The Hindu.
Thamma Struggles Despite Star Power
In contrast, Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma — a social drama infused with light comedy — has had a slower-than-expected start. Despite strong marketing and the actor’s proven box-office appeal, the film has failed to maintain momentum post-opening weekend.
Industry trackers suggest that Thamma’s limited weekday growth can be attributed to mixed reviews and competition from multiple regional releases. While Khurrana’s performance has been widely praised, critics have noted that the storyline lacks the edge audiences now expect from socially-driven Bollywood narratives.
The Hindi film’s total domestic earnings currently hover around ₹18 crore, trailing behind Dies Irae despite a wider release and higher screen count.
Horror Finds a Home in Indian Theatres
The success of Dies Irae is not an isolated case but part of a larger trend — the rise of the horror genre in India. Recent hits like Tumbbad, Chhorii, and Bhoot Police have shown that audiences are increasingly open to eerie, psychological narratives rooted in folklore or existential dread.
Malayalam filmmakers, in particular, have mastered the art of subtle horror, blending realism with tension rather than relying on jump scares. Directed by Vinay Govind, Dies Irae weaves together themes of guilt, religion, and morality, offering a layered narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
The film’s success in non-Malayalam-speaking markets, such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai, further highlights its crossover appeal. Subtitled screenings and strong word-of-mouth buzz have significantly boosted its earnings.
Box Office Trends: Regional Cinema’s National Impact
The box-office battle between Dies Irae and Thamma reflects the changing landscape of Indian cinema. With OTT exposure and increasing cross-regional collaborations, audiences are embracing stories from across India more than ever.
According to trade portals like Koimoi and Pinkvilla, regional films that prioritize authenticity over formulaic storytelling are drawing urban multiplex audiences, once the stronghold of Hindi cinema.
“Regional films are no longer confined to state boundaries. Their emotional honesty and cinematic experimentation appeal to pan-Indian viewers,” said film critic Rajeev Masand during a recent panel discussion.
This trend signals a democratization of the Indian box office — one where strong content, rather than language or budget, determines success.
Audience Reception and Social Media Buzz
On social media, Dies Irae has become a trending topic, with fans praising Pranav Mohanlal’s intense performance and Vinay Govind’s direction. Hashtags like #DiesIraeMovie and #MalayalamHorror have generated over 200,000 mentions on X (formerly Twitter) within 48 hours of the latest box-office report.
Meanwhile, Thamma’s promotional team has been ramping up digital campaigns, releasing behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions in hopes of boosting mid-week ticket sales.
What Lies Ahead
With weekend collections approaching, trade analysts predict Dies Irae could cross ₹30 crore within days — a record for a Malayalam-language horror film. If the momentum continues, it might even secure limited international screenings across the UAE and Singapore, two key markets for Malayalam cinema.
Thamma, on the other hand, will rely on strong word-of-mouth to sustain its run. Ayushmann Khurrana’s next few days at the box office will be crucial in determining whether the film can recover ground or continue trailing behind its southern rival.
A Wake-Up Call for Bollywood
The box-office face-off between Dies Irae and Thamma is a reminder that Indian audiences now prioritize storytelling over star power. The triumph of Dies Irae reaffirms the creative vitality of regional cinema and sets a new benchmark for horror films nationwide.
As one critic aptly put it — “If Bollywood is the heart of Indian cinema, then regional films like Dies Irae are its beating pulse.”
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