Vilayath Buddha Disappoints Fans, Could Prithviraj’s Malayalam Base Be at Risk?

The year 2025 has started on a challenging note for actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. Following a string of successes last year, he is now confronted with consecutive setbacks at the box office. While L2: Empuraan managed to do reasonably well, his latest release Vilayath Buddha is shaping up to be one of his biggest commercial disappointments.

Sources reveal that Vilayath Buddha had a production budget of roughly 40 crores, but its global earnings have barely reached 6 crores. Poor word of mouth has kept audiences away, and cinemas are finding it hard to draw even modest crowds.

Adapted from Sachy’s novel, the film explores the clash of egos between two men. Fans anticipated a gripping and intense experience, especially given Prithviraj’s previous successes in similar roles. However, the film’s execution has failed to meet expectations.

Viewers complain that the screenplay lacks momentum and energy, with many labeling it among the weakest releases of the year. Several moviegoers left disappointed, having hoped for a performance that matched Prithviraj’s reputation for portraying strong, layered characters.

In the aftermath, Malayalam cinema enthusiasts have expressed concern over his recent project choices. Critics point out his growing focus on pan-India ventures, including his association with Rajamouli’s Varanasi, warning that such moves could affect his stronghold in the Malayalam film industry.

Social media is now flooded with criticism and memes targeting the actor. Fans are eager to see how Prithviraj responds. The performance of his upcoming film Khalifa is expected to be crucial in determining whether he can bounce back and reaffirm that a single box office failure doesn’t define his career.