Box Office Battle: ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ Dominates as ‘Khalifa’ Faces Headwinds
The landscape of the Malayalam box office is currently witnessing a stark contrast in fortunes between two major releases. While Prithviraj Sukumaran’s action-packed thriller Khalifa navigates a challenging second week, the Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju starrer Bethlehem Kudumba Unit continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum, racing toward the significant ₹150 crore worldwide milestone.
‘Khalifa’ Struggles to Gain Momentum
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Vysakh, Khalifa experienced a noticeable dip in its domestic collections on its second Friday. According to industry trackers at Sacnilk, the film garnered approximately ₹1.05 crore net in India on Day 9, representing a 20.5% decline from its Day 8 earnings of ₹1.32 crore.
The film, which concluded its first week with an India net total of ₹16.69 crore, currently stands at a domestic net collection of ₹17.74 crore. Data indicates that the movie was showcased across 613 screenings on Friday, recording an overall occupancy rate of 47%. Despite decent engagement during night shows, which peaked at 47.11% occupancy, the film has struggled to maintain the necessary growth to push it past its current hurdles.
On the global front, Khalifa has managed to secure a respectable overseas haul of ₹19 crore. When combined with its Indian gross of ₹20.55 crore, the film’s total worldwide box office collection has reached ₹39.55 crore, placing it just within striking distance of the ₹40 crore mark.
‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ Continues Winning Streak
In a clear display of audience resonance, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit continues to defy the typical second-week slump. On its eighth day of release, the film actually saw a growth of 7.4% compared to the previous day, raking in ₹9.40 crore net in India.
The film’s performance is underpinned by massive audience interest, reflected in an impressive 83% overall occupancy rate across 2,481 shows. With a robust first week behind it, the movie’s India net collection has now surged to ₹61.70 crore, with its domestic gross standing at a formidable ₹72 crore.
The film’s international appeal remains a primary driver for its success. With an additional ₹8 crore earned from overseas territories on Day 8 alone, its cumulative international gross has reached ₹75.50 crore. When added to its domestic performance, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has achieved a staggering worldwide gross of ₹147.50 crore, positioning it to cross the ₹150 crore threshold in the coming days.
As the box office competition intensifies, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit stands as a clear frontrunner, while all eyes remain on whether Khalifa can find a resurgence in the coming weekend.
Disclaimer: The box office numbers and data provided in this article are compiled from public and industry sources. All figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes. Totals may be subject to revision as official studio reports are finalized.
