Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly and Mohanlal’s L2 Empuraan have generated significant buzz as highly anticipated releases in the Tamil and Malayalam film industries, respectively. Both films entered the market with strong expectations due to their star-studded casts and compelling storylines. The first-day box office collections serve as a crucial indicator of each film’s initial impact and audience reception.
Comparing these figures offers valuable insight into how the films performed in their respective regions, reflecting the loyalty of their fanbases and the effectiveness of their promotional strategies. This analysis highlights the competitive dynamics between two major South Indian cinematic powerhouses and sheds light on the evolving trends shaping the box office landscape. Here, we take a closer look at the opening day numbers for Good Bad Ugly and L2 Empuraan.
Good Bad Ugly: Ajith Kumar’s Mass Entertainer
Released on April 10, 2025, Good Bad Ugly opened with strong advance bookings, generating ₹18.90 crore before its theatrical debut. On opening day, the film grossed an impressive ₹35 crore in Tamil Nadu alone, while its global collections crossed the ₹50 crore mark. Ajith Kumar’s commanding screen presence, paired with high-energy action sequences, earned widespread praise, making the film a major treat for his loyal fanbase. The movie’s commercial success reaffirmed Ajith’s status as one of Tamil cinema’s top stars.
L2 Empuraan: Mohanlal’s Record-Breaking Premiere
Mohanlal’s L2 Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, premiered earlier on March 27, 2025, and immediately set a historic benchmark for Malayalam cinema. The film collected a staggering ₹67 crore worldwide on its first day, becoming the biggest opener in Mollywood history. Its gripping political action narrative and stellar performances resonated strongly with audiences across India and abroad. The massive opening solidified L2 Empuraan’s position as a major blockbuster and underscored Mohanlal’s enduring popularity.
Box Office Comparison: Numbers and Reach
While Good Bad Ugly excelled in Tamil Nadu and among Ajith Kumar’s fanbase, L2 Empuraan achieved a wider reach with its extensive worldwide collections. The Malayalam film’s ₹67 crore first-day gross significantly outpaced Good Bad Ugly’s ₹50 crore global debut. Despite this difference, both films succeeded remarkably within their target markets, emphasizing the dominance and drawing power of their respective stars in South Indian cinema.
Verdict: Different Audiences, Both Winners
Directly comparing Good Bad Ugly and L2 Empuraan is challenging due to their distinct genres and audiences. Although L2 Empuraan leads in terms of first-day global collections, Good Bad Ugly proved to be a strong contender within Tamil cinema. Both films underscore the immense star power of Ajith Kumar and Mohanlal, ensuring their continued reign at the box office and their influential positions in South Indian film industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were Good Bad Ugly and L2 Empuraan released?
Good Bad Ugly was released on April 10, 2025, while L2 Empuraan premiered earlier on March 27, 2025.
How much did Good Bad Ugly earn on its first day?
The film earned approximately ₹35 crore in Tamil Nadu alone, with global collections crossing ₹50 crore on its opening day.
What was the first-day worldwide collection for L2 Empuraan?
L2 Empuraan grossed around ₹67 crore worldwide on its first day, making it the biggest opener in Malayalam cinema history.
Which film performed better overall on the first day?
In terms of global collections, L2 Empuraan outperformed Good Bad Ugly with ₹67 crore compared to ₹50 crore. However, Good Bad Ugly showed exceptional performance in the Tamil market.
What genres do these films belong to?
Good Bad Ugly is a mass entertainer with high-energy action sequences, while L2 Empuraan is a political action drama.
Can these films be directly compared?
Since the films cater to different audiences and genres, direct comparison is difficult. Both films were successful within their respective markets.
Conclusion
The first-day box office battle between Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly and Mohanlal’s L2 Empuraan highlights the evolving landscape of South Indian cinema, where star power and compelling storytelling continue to drive massive audience interest. While L2 Empuraan set new records with its unprecedented worldwide collections, Good Bad Ugly delivered a powerful performance in the Tamil market, reinforcing Ajith Kumar’s enduring appeal.