The makers of the Saiju Kurup-starrer Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam announced on Monday that the film has crossed ₹25 crore at the global box office since its theatrical release on April 10. Its performance, largely on the strength of positive word-of-mouth, is particularly notable given the continued dominance of Vaazha 2, which has crossed ₹200 crore worldwide and continues to perform strongly in cinemas.
Directed by Krishnadas Murali, Mohiniyattam is the sequel to the 2024 comedy-drama Bharathanatyam. While the first instalment gained wider appreciation after its streaming debut, the second part has connected with audiences directly in theatres. The second instalment also holds the distinction of being Saiju’s 150th film, which follows Sashidharan (Saiju) and his family as they try to escape the fresh troubles Bharathan Nair (Saikumar) had created before his death, while also struggling with a few people who remain unconvinced and continue to suspect them.
Unlike the light-hearted tone of the first part, Mohiniyattam takes a sharp pivot as a dark comedy thriller, a shift that appears to have resonated with viewers. Strong audience response has helped the sequel sustain momentum despite competition from bigger releases such as Tovino Thomas's Pallichattambi and Kunchacko Boban's Oru Durooha Saahacharyathil.