Vilayath Buddha Continues Box Office Struggle
The highly anticipated Malayalam film 'Vilayath Buddha' starring Prithviraj Sukumaran has encountered another significant setback in its theatrical run. According to latest reports from Sacnilk website, the film's seventh-day collections have dropped further to an estimated Rs 20 lakhs, indicating a concerning trend for the production.
During its first week in theaters, the film has managed to accumulate approximately Rs 4.60 crore India net, a figure that falls below expectations for a project featuring such a prominent star. The underwhelming performance comes despite initial buzz and anticipation surrounding the film's release.
Occupancy Rates Paint Grim Picture
The situation became particularly evident on Thursday, November 27, 2025, when the film recorded an overall Malayalam occupancy of just 10.14%. The breakdown of show timings reveals a consistent pattern of low audience turnout throughout the day.
Morning shows registered only 8.42% occupancy, while afternoon performances dipped slightly lower to 8.23%. The evening shows showed some improvement at 12.09%, with night performances maintaining similar numbers at 11.83%.
Online Controversy Overshadows Box Office Performance
While ticket sales remain disappointing, discussions surrounding Vilayath Buddha have intensified across digital platforms. The film has become the center of heated exchanges on social media, with polarized reactions dividing audiences and critics alike.
The controversy escalated when the project and its cast became targets of organized cyberattacks. This digital hostility prompted a powerful response from Prithviraj Sukumaran's mother and senior actress Mallika Sukumaran, who took to Facebook to express her strong reaction to the online hate.
In her candid post, Mallika Sukumaran criticized individuals who attack anonymously for profit while projecting self-righteousness online. She specifically called out "so-called heroic warriors who make money without even flinching, who lock their profiles after putting money in their pockets and displaying photos of Krishna, some woman, or an innocent child."
Amid the growing negativity, she expressed admiration for those who publicly supported co-star Shammi Thilakan, stating her respect for "those personalities who reacted in support of Shammy."
Film's Creative Team and Cast
Vilayath Buddha is directed by Jayan Nambiar and features a strong ensemble cast including Shammi Thilakan, Priyamvada Krishnan, Rajashree, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Anu Mohan. The film opened to mixed word-of-mouth, which appears to have significantly impacted its box office performance despite the talented lineup.
The combination of polarized audience reactions, targeted cyberattacks, and declining collections presents a challenging scenario for the film's long-term prospects in theaters. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if the film can stage a recovery in its subsequent weeks or if the initial trend continues.
