MOLLYWOOD KEEPS FINGERS CROSSED AS BIG RELEASES NEAR

Content and storytelling to play bigger role at box office than budget and actors' popularity, say industry experts

- ANNA JOSE @Kochi

"I offer a simple prayer to the Almighty. The film industry's wheel has to turn because of release, because of success. So, every film should run. And people should respect the film. And, even my film, I wish it should run."

This was what Mohanlal said at the trailer launch of Barroz, his directorial debut, in Mumbai early this week. As the December 25 release date of Barroz nears, the tension in the air is palpable. Made on a budget of over ₹100 crore—it is one of the most expensive Malayalam films to have been made—the success of Barroz, produced by Aashirvad Cinemas, will have a positive impact on a slew of big-budget films lined up for release in 2025.

Prithviraj's Empuraan, shot for ₹150 crore and slated for release in March 2025, is one of them. Mammootty-starrer Bazooka and Mahesh Narayanan's film, currently being shot in Sri Lanka and having Mohanlal, Mammootty, Kuchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil, are the other mega-budget films slated for release in 2025.