Christmas saw the release of multiple films across languages. In Kerala, however, all eyes have been on Sarvam Maya, starring Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese and directed by Akhil Sathyan, and the Mohanlal starrer Vrusshabha. The Nivin Pauly-Aju Varghese starrer opened in theatres on Christmas Day to a collection of 3.35 crore from theatres in India, according to data from the industry tracker Sacnilk. On the other hand, the tracker's data shows that Vrusshabha, directed by Nanda Kishore, grossed 70 lakh from theatres in India and 90 lakh at the global box office on its opening day. The Mohanlal film grossed 10 lakh in Telugu states.
When it comes to critical appreciation, too, Sarvam Maya leads Vrusshabha by some distance, with most of the reviewers giving positive opinion about the Nivin film and the majority of them panning the one starring Mohanlal.
The general consensus among audiences is that it has been another disappointing Christmas for Mohanlal. In the preceding years, with the exception of 2023's Neru, his December releases did not perform as well as expected at the box office, whether it be Odiyan (2018), Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021) or Barroz 3D (2024). The last time Mohanlal had a superhit in the Christmas season was way back in 2013, with Drishyam.
On the other hand, critics have generally been of the opinion that Sarvam Maya brings back the charming version of vintage Nivin Pauly. As of writing this, the film has earned 4.53 crore from theatres in India, according to Sacnilk. The Christmas season has also seen the release of Haal, starring Shane Nigam and directed by Veeraa, the multistarrer Aghosham, and Unni Mukundan's long-delayed film Mindiyum Paranjum. The Shane Nigam starrer has opened to a collection of 12 lakh from theatres in India.
