From ‘L2: Empuraan’ to ‘Aadu 3,’ Malayalam Films Find Success Mantra In Sequels

This year, Mollywood has had a bumper season, as evidenced by the popularity and box office successes of its film sequels. While “Vaazha II” just surpassed ₹128 crore (net), “Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam," a 2026 Vishu winner, continues to draw large crowds to theatres well into its third week.

Here is a list of Malayalam film sequels that did better business than those that came before.

L2: Empuraan (2025)
Sequel To: Lucifer (2019)
During its March 2025 theatrical run, this film raised an uproar due to its political overtones, yet made ₹106.77cr, surpassing its original’s ₹65.21cr haul.
WHY IT WORKED: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas and Manju Warrier reunited for this second instalment following the enormous success of the 2019 film "Lucifer".
Sequel Streaming On: JioHotstar
 

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Aadu 2 (2017) & Aadu 3: One Last Ride - Part 1 (2026)
Sequels To: Aadu
Despite the original's disastrous theatrical performance, the sequels attracted a huge fan following. While "Aadu 2" was the second-highest-grossing Mollywood movie of 2017, the third instalment became Malayalam’s first box office hit this year, garnering over Rs 100 crore within the first week of theatrical release.
WHY IT WORKED:  Vijay Babu, Saiju Kurup and Jayasurya's winning performances.
Sequel Streaming On: "Aadu 2" (YouTube) and "Aadu 3" (ZEE5)

Ravanaprabhu (2001)
Sequel To: Devaasuram (1993) 
In 2001's highest-grossing Malayalam film, Mohanlal plays both the lead characters, Mangalassery Neelakandan and his son, M N Karthikeyan.
WHY IT WORKED: Napoleon, Revathi, Vasundhara Das's supporting acts alongside Mohanlal.
Sequel Streaming On: Prime Video  

Drishyam 2 (2021)
Sequel To: Drishyam (2013)
This Mohanlal-starrer, which debuted directly on OTT, is the follow-up to the popular thriller "Drishyam." The film is centered on George Kutty, who is attempting to keep his family safe from their past actions. This Jeethu Joseph-directed thriller was remade in Hindi and Telugu as well.
WHY IT WORKED: Fans and critics alike praised Mohanlal's performance as well as the solid script.
Sequel Streaming On: Prime Video

Punyalan Private Limited
Sequel To: Punyalan Agarbathis
Jayasurya stars in this political satire, helmed by Ranjith Sankar, about a young businessman who, after losing his first venture to debt, finds a second endeavor, but must navigate the intricacies of a power system. 
WHY IT WORKED: Jayasurya’s light-hearted performance and the use of Thrissur slang.
Sequel Streaming On: Sun NXT.