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Identity, the much-anticipated action thriller starring Tovino Thomas and Trisha Krishnan, opened to theaters on January 4, 2025. Directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan, the duo behind the successful forensic thriller Forensic, Identity promised to bring edge-of-the-seat excitement to Malayalam cinema. As the film enters its second day at the box office, its performance is being closely watched by both industry experts and fans.
With Tovino Thomas leading the charge and Trisha Krishnan making her Malayalam film debut, Identity is expected to make waves. However, the question remains – can the movie sustain its initial momentum and turn into a box office hit?
Box Office Breakdown: Day 1 to Day 2
Identity had a respectable opening, grossing ₹1.8 crore in India on Day 1. The film performed particularly well in Kerala, accounting for ₹1.65 crore of the total earnings, while Tamil Nadu contributed ₹0.15 crore.
The Day 2 collections are estimated to touch ₹2.5 crore, reflecting a growth of approximately 38.89%. Positive word of mouth and weekend momentum are likely contributors to this surge.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the box office numbers:
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 [1st Thursday] | ₹1.8 Cr | – |
| Day 2 [1st Friday] | ₹2.5 Cr estimated | +38.89% |
Total India Net Collection (up to Day 2): ₹4.3 crore
Identity 2025 Movie Hit or Flop
Determining if Identity is a hit or flop depends on multiple factors, including its overall budget, box office collection, and audience reception.
The estimated production budget of Identity is ₹50 crore, which includes costs for elaborate action sequences, CGI effects, and the film’s star-studded cast. By Day 2, the movie had recovered approximately 8.6% of its production budget, indicating a long road ahead for profitability.
For Identity to be considered a box office hit, it needs to cross at least ₹75 crore globally. Early predictions suggest that the film could gross ₹10 crore by the end of its opening weekend, provided the positive trend continues.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The initial response to Identity has been a mixed bag. While critics have appreciated the film’s sleek cinematography and gripping action sequences, some reviews have pointed out flaws in the screenplay and pacing.
The Indian Express praised the performances of Tovino Thomas and Trisha Krishnan but noted that while the film is “visually appealing,” it may lack the emotional depth needed to sustain audience engagement.
Meanwhile, OTTplay described the film as «setting the bar high,» lauding the twists and action-packed sequences but acknowledging that Identity has its fair share of flaws.
Audience feedback has been largely positive, with viewers appreciating the performances and the chemistry between Tovino and Trisha. The action sequences and engaging plot twists have been highlights for many.
Challenges at the Box Office
Despite a promising start, Identity faces significant competition at the box office. Unni Mukundan’s Marco continues to perform strongly, with collections surpassing ₹43 crore in two weeks. Additionally, big-ticket releases in Bollywood and Tamil cinema could divert attention away from Identity.
Key factors that could impact the film’s box office run include:
Show Reductions: If the film does not sustain strong occupancy through the weekend, theaters may reduce the number of shows, affecting further collections.
Competition: Ongoing successful releases like Pushpa 2: The Rule and Mufasa: The Lion King pose challenges, particularly in Tamil Nadu and across multiplex screens.
Word of Mouth: Positive reviews from audiences will be crucial to maintaining momentum.
Worldwide Box Office and Predictions
As of Day 2, Identity’s worldwide gross is estimated to be around ₹5.8 crore. While the film performed well in Kerala, its international reception has been moderate.
International markets such as the UAE, North America, and the UK have seen limited but consistent footfall, contributing around ₹1.5 crore to the overall gross. If the film can sustain this level of interest, it could achieve ₹15-20 crore globally by the end of the first week.
Future Prospects and OTT Potential
With theatrical collections facing hurdles, Identity is banking on its OTT release to ensure long-term profitability. Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are reportedly in talks for digital rights, with estimates suggesting a deal worth ₹20 crore.
The combination of theatrical revenue, OTT rights, and satellite broadcasting could help Identity inch closer to breaking even.
Conclusion
Identity has started on a positive note, but the journey to box office success remains challenging. While the film’s star power and gripping action sequences have drawn audiences, sustaining this momentum through the coming weeks will be crucial.
Ultimately, whether Identity is declared a hit or flop will depend on its performance over the next 10 days. For now, the film stands as a testament to Malayalam cinema’s growing ambition and ability to produce high-quality thrillers that resonate with audiences nationwide.
