The anticipation has reached its peak as Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty's latest film, Kalamkaval, is all set to hit theatres across India on December 5. The action drama is generating tremendous buzz, not just for its content but for the staggering commercial response it has already received during its advance booking phase.
Record-Breaking Advance Booking Sets the Stage
The box office numbers are speaking volumes even before the first show begins. According to data shared by Forum Kerala on Twitter, Kalamkaval has amassed a phenomenal Rs 2,03,84,724 in advance sales from Kerala alone. This impressive figure comes from 1,324 scheduled shows, with over 1,22,620 tickets already sold at an average occupancy rate of 30.72%. The advance collection crossing the Rs 2 crore mark strongly indicates a thunderous opening day and points towards a potentially houseful opening weekend for the film.
Mammootty's Heartfelt Note and Daring Role Revelation
A day before the release, Mammootty took to social media to share an excited note with his fans. He expressed that the film, marking the directorial debut of Jithin, was made with immense passion and effort by the entire team. The veteran actor eagerly awaited audience feedback after the film becomes available to the public.
Adding to the intrigue is the resurfacing of comments by journalist and parliamentarian John Brittas. In a recent interview, Brittas recalled a conversation where Mammootty revealed that his character in Kalamkaval is that of a villain, specifically "a major sexual predator." When questioned if such a dark role might upset his fanbase, Mammootty's reported response was, "What fans? Aren't we constantly doing experiments anyway?"
Brittas praised this fearless approach, stating that Mammootty's constant reinvention and experimentation at this stage of his illustrious career is remarkable. He emphasized that after achieving so much, pushing boundaries through new roles is perhaps the most meaningful path forward for the actor.
A Promising Debut and High Expectations
With director Jithin Stanislaus making his debut, Kalamkaval represents a significant project. The combination of a promising new director, a megastar embracing a radically different character, and the overwhelming advance booking response has created a perfect storm for its release. All eyes are now on the Kerala box office and beyond to see if the film's opening day performance matches the massive pre-release hype. The stage is undoubtedly set for a grand cinematic arrival this Tuesday.