Most Malayalam films released in March recorded disappointing box office returns, with L2: Empuraan emerging as the only notable success, according to figures released by the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA) on Sunday.

The KFPA’s report considers only the producers’ share from Kerala theatres, excluding overseas collections, OTT revenues and exhibitors’ cuts. As per the data, L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, grossed Rs 24.65 crore in Kerala during its first five days. The film’s budget is recorded at Rs 175.66 crore, making it the most expensive Malayalam production to date. Posters recently released by the makers claim a worldwide collection of Rs 325 crore, including OTT sales.

In contrast, several smaller films struggled significantly. Maruvasham (budget: Rs 78 lakh) earned just Rs 60,000, while Aranyam (budget: Rs 85 lakh) collected Rs 22,000. Other low performers included Leech (Rs 45,000), Kaadakam (Rs 80,000), Rakshasy The Lady Killer (Rs 4 lakh) and Dasettante Cycle (Rs 8 lakh). Films still in theatres recorded partial collections, with Ouseppinte Osiyath (Rs 45 lakh), Pariwar (Rs 26 lakh), Vadakkan (Rs 20 lakh) and Abhilasham (Rs 15 lakh) among them.

The KFPA’s decision to release box office figures has caused unease within the industry, with some filmmakers arguing that incomplete data can create a misleading impression of a film’s overall performance.