A Psychological Thriller Shaking the Box Office
What happens when a talented young actor, a visionary filmmaker, and an eerie psychological storyline collide? You get ‘Dies Irae’, a Malayalam masterpiece that has become the talk of the town. On its fourth day, the ‘Dies Irae’ box office collections have crossed the remarkable ₹20 crore mark, cementing it as one of the biggest regional hits of 2025.
The movie’s success is not just about the numbers; it’s about the emotional depth, psychological intensity, and the brilliance of Rahul Sadasivan’s direction. With Pranav Mohanlal at the forefront, this film has proven that content-driven horror can captivate both critics and the masses.
‘Dies Irae’ Box Office Collections Day 4: Breaking Records Across India
The buzz around ‘Dies Irae’ is electric — and rightly so. According to early estimates, the movie earned an impressive ₹3.25 crore on Monday, taking its total domestic net collection to ₹20 crore within just four days.
This milestone is significant because it has surpassed the four-day total of Sadasivan’s previous success, ‘Bramayugam’, which had collected ₹12.75 crore in the same period. That’s a 57% higher collection in comparison — an achievement that underscores the audience’s growing fascination with dark, psychological storytelling.
| Day | Earnings (Estimated) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday) | ₹6.5 crore | Excellent Opening |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | ₹5.8 crore | Strong Hold |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | ₹4.45 crore | Positive Growth |
| Day 4 (Monday) | ₹3.25 crore | Steady Decline but Strong |
| Total (4 Days) | ₹20 crore | Blockbuster Run |
Occupancy Report: ‘Dies Irae’ Maintains Strong Footfalls on Day 4
Even on its first Monday — typically a test for any movie — ‘Dies Irae’ held remarkably well. According to Sacnilk.com, the movie recorded an overall 33.29% Malayalam occupancy on November 3, 2025.
Morning shows started moderately at 17.4%, but footfalls increased significantly during the evening and night, reaching 36.10% and 47.65% respectively.
This consistency shows the film’s strong word of mouth, which is now its biggest asset.
Regional performance highlights:
- Kochi: 41% average occupancy
- Thiruvananthapuram: 38%
- Calicut: 36%
- Thrissur: 35%
Clearly, the psychological horror has struck a chord with both urban multiplex audiences and single-screen fans alike.
Rahul Sadasivan’s Vision and Direction: A Master at Work
When we talk about modern Malayalam cinema, Rahul Sadasivan stands out for his artistic courage and narrative depth. Having previously helmed ‘Bhoothakaalam’ and ‘Bramayugam’, Sadasivan has perfected the art of blending psychological tension with supernatural undertones.
In ‘Dies Irae’, he crafts a story that’s equal parts haunting and humane. The characters are deeply flawed yet relatable, and the psychological unraveling of the protagonist Rohan (played by Pranav Mohanlal) is both terrifying and moving.
“In a horror film, writing emotion may often feel forced, but here, it works beautifully,” reads a review by ETimes.
This attention to detail and emotional honesty sets ‘Dies Irae’ apart from formulaic horror films.
Pranav Mohanlal’s Career-Best Performance
If there’s one thing that’s unanimous among fans and critics, it’s that Pranav Mohanlal has delivered his finest performance to date. The young actor, son of legendary superstar Mohanlal, portrays Rohan with controlled intensity and understated grace.
His ability to communicate trauma, confusion, and empathy without overt dramatics is commendable. It’s no wonder audiences have been calling ‘Dies Irae’ a career-defining moment for him.
Supporting Cast: The Unsung Heroes Behind the Screen
While Pranav shines in the spotlight, the supporting cast deserves equal praise. Arun Ajikumar, Jaya Kurup, Manohari Joy, and Gibin Gopinath contribute emotional weight and depth to the film.
Each actor seems perfectly molded into their roles, giving the story a collective strength that enhances the chilling experience.
Together, they elevate ‘Dies Irae’ beyond being just a psychological horror — they make it an ensemble drama about fear, guilt, and redemption.
‘Dies Irae’ vs. ‘Bramayugam’: The Box Office Face-Off
It’s impossible to discuss ‘Dies Irae’ without comparing it to ‘Bramayugam’, another Rahul Sadasivan creation that featured the legendary Mammootty.
While ‘Bramayugam’ set a high bar earlier this year, ‘Dies Irae’ has leapfrogged past its box office numbers.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Film | 4-Day Collection (India) | Lead Actor | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bramayugam | ₹12.75 crore | Mammootty | Rahul Sadasivan |
| Dies Irae | ₹20 crore | Pranav Mohanlal | Rahul Sadasivan |
Clearly, Dies Irae has set a new benchmark for Malayalam psychological thrillers in 2025.
The Storyline: When Fear Becomes the Mind’s Reflection
The plot of ‘Dies Irae’ dives deep into the concept of shared delusion — a fascinating psychological phenomenon often found in close-knit families.
The protagonist Rohan, struggling with inner guilt and inherited trauma, embarks on a journey where the line between reality and hallucination blurs.
This narrative, paired with Rahul Sadasivan’s eerie direction, makes ‘Dies Irae’ not just a horror film but an emotional rollercoaster exploring the human psyche.
Critical Reception: Applause from All Corners
Critics have showered ‘Dies Irae’ with praise for its cinematography, sound design, and layered storytelling.
Renowned film critic Baradwaj Rangan described it as “a psychological horror that doesn’t rely on jump scares but rather on quiet unease and emotional disturbance.”
Even on Rotten Tomatoes, early audience reviews have rated it over 90% positive, making it one of the most acclaimed Malayalam films of 2025.
Audience Reactions: Social Media Buzz and Fan Craze
From Twitter to Reddit, ‘Dies Irae’ is everywhere. Fans have been flooding social media with reactions like:
“This movie haunts you long after you leave the theater.”
“Pranav Mohanlal just proved he’s not living in his father’s shadow anymore.”
Hashtags like #DiesIraeMovie, #PranavMohanlal, and #RahulSadasivan have been trending on X (formerly Twitter) since its release weekend.
Box Office Performance Across Territories
While Kerala remains the stronghold for ‘Dies Irae’, the film has also performed well in major metro cities with Malayalam-speaking audiences like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai.
It has even seen good collections in UAE and GCC countries, where Malayalam cinema traditionally enjoys a loyal fan base.
| Region | 4-Day Gross |
|---|---|
| Kerala | ₹15.2 crore |
| Rest of India | ₹3.8 crore |
| Overseas | ₹4.5 crore |
| Worldwide Total | ₹23.5 crore (approx.) |
Cinematography and Visual Storytelling
Shot by Shehnad Jalal, the cinematography plays a huge role in evoking psychological dread.
Every frame is meticulously designed to reflect Rohan’s descent into madness — dimly lit corridors, eerie shadows, and recurring motifs like the buffalo foreshadow the climax.
The Symbolism: More Than Just a Horror Film
The title “Dies Irae” (Latin for Day of Wrath) symbolizes judgment, guilt, and redemption — all recurring themes in the film.
The script intertwines religion, mythology, and mental health, creating a layered narrative that encourages interpretation.
Viewers have pointed out that the film’s haunting background score subtly references the Gregorian chant “Dies Irae”, a musical motif used for centuries to represent death and fear.
Music and Sound Design: The Heartbeat of Horror
Composed by Ajay Menon, the film’s sound design is spine-chilling yet elegant.
Instead of loud jump scares, it uses ambient noise, silence, and minimalistic music to evoke unease — much like The Shining or Hereditary.
This choice proves that subtlety, when done right, can terrify more than spectacle.
‘Dies Irae’ Box Office Collections Day 4: Audience Word of Mouth Drives Growth
Word of mouth remains Dies Irae’s biggest weapon. With audiences recommending it to friends and family, the movie has managed to hold its ground through the crucial first weekday.
Many theaters have already extended screenings for another week, ensuring the film’s steady climb beyond ₹25 crore soon.
Director’s Statement: Rahul Sadasivan on Crafting ‘Dies Irae’
In an interview with The Hindu, Sadasivan shared:
“My goal was never to scare for the sake of it. I wanted viewers to feel the characters’ pain and question their own perceptions of reality.”
That ethos is evident throughout the movie, proving why he’s one of the most exciting voices in Indian cinema today.
Industry Response: A New Chapter for Malayalam Horror
With Dies Irae’s success, Malayalam cinema seems poised for a renaissance in horror filmmaking.
Unlike conventional ghost stories, modern Malayalam horror films — like Bhoothakaalam, Churuli, and now Dies Irae — explore the psychological and emotional dimensions of fear.
International Reception: A Step Toward Global Recognition
Film festivals in Toronto, Busan, and Rotterdam have already expressed interest in showcasing Dies Irae.
This international attention marks a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema, showing its capability to tell universally resonant stories.
Projected Lifetime Earnings: Can ‘Dies Irae’ Hit ₹50 Crore?
Given its current momentum, analysts predict that Dies Irae could cross ₹50 crore globally if its strong word of mouth continues.
That would make it one of Pranav Mohanlal’s highest-grossing films and possibly the most profitable psychological thriller in the Malayalam industry’s history.
FAQs About ‘Dies Irae’ Box Office Collections Day 4
1. How much did ‘Dies Irae’ earn on Day 4?
It earned approximately ₹3.25 crore on its fourth day, taking the total to ₹20 crore in India.
2. Who directed ‘Dies Irae’?
The film is directed by Rahul Sadasivan, known for Bramayugam and Bhoothakaalam.
3. What genre is ‘Dies Irae’?
It’s a psychological horror thriller exploring guilt, fear, and shared delusions.
4. How does ‘Dies Irae’ compare to ‘Bramayugam’?
In just four days, Dies Irae surpassed Bramayugam’s total by over ₹7 crore.
5. Where can I watch ‘Dies Irae’?
Currently, it’s running in theaters across India and overseas; an OTT release is expected later this year.
6. What does ‘Dies Irae’ mean?
The title is Latin for “Day of Wrath,” symbolizing the film’s themes of judgment and psychological torment.
Conclusion: ‘Dies Irae’ Marks a Defining Moment in Malayalam Cinema
To wrap it up, ‘Dies Irae’ isn’t just a box office hit — it’s a cinematic revelation. From its ₹20 crore milestone in four days to its powerful storytelling and critical acclaim, the film proves that audiences crave more than jump scares; they want substance, symbolism, and soul.
With Pranav Mohanlal’s breakout performance and Rahul Sadasivan’s masterful direction, ‘Dies Irae’ has redefined Malayalam horror and set a gold standard for psychological thrillers in Indian cinema.
If the current momentum continues, there’s no doubt this film will go down in history as one of 2025’s most memorable blockbusters.
