Rahul Sadasivan’s horror thriller Dies Irae has shaken up the Malayalam film industry, securing the third-highest opening for any Malayalam film in 2025 while setting new records for adult-rated cinema. Starring Pranav Mohanlal, the film earned Rs 5.50 crore domestically on its first full day, after making Rs 1 crore from premieres on October 30, taking its worldwide opening total past Rs 10 crore.
The film’s debut also marks a major milestone for Malayalam horror, surpassing Marco to become the biggest-ever opening for an A-rated Malayalam film. In the 2025 Malayalam opening day rankings, Dies Irae now trails only L2: Empuraan (Rs 21 crore) and Thudarum (Rs 5.30 crore)
Critical Acclaim Fuels Box Office Surge
The film’s strong box office performance has been matched by widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers have hailed Dies Irae as “one of the finest horror thrillers in Indian cinema,” with many singling out Pranav Mohanlal’s performance as the best of his career.
One critic wrote: “Dies Irae is pure madness — Mollywood horror at its peak,” praising the film’s “relentless tension, stunning visuals, and soul-grabbing scares.”
The film’s technical brilliance has also drawn admiration, with cinematographer Shehnad Jalal and music composer Christo Xavier receiving widespread praise for their exceptional work.