The Kerala Story is a Bollywood movie, released on 5 May 2023 starring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani. This drama film caught everyone’s eye right from the start with its bold theme and strong word-of-mouth buzz. It opened to decent crowds in theatres across India, pulling in around 8 crore on day one, which was impressive for a film without big stars or massive hype. As days went by, collections grew thanks to positive talks among viewers, especially in northern states where it struck a chord. By the end of the first weekend, it had crossed 35 crore in India, showing how small films can surprise at the box office when the story connects.
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Worldwide, the movie started steady but picked up speed through organic promotion and discussions on social media. It didn’t have a huge overseas push, yet it managed to earn about 16 crore from international markets in the opening phase. What made it stand out was its steady hold even on weekdays, unlike many films that drop after the weekend. This evergreen appeal came from its real-life inspired plot that sparked debates, helping it cross 300 crore globally in lifetime earnings. Films like this prove that content can win over star power, making it a benchmark for low-budget successes in Indian cinema.
The Kerala Story 2023 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Kerala Story |
| Directed by | Sudipto Sen |
| Written by | Suryapal Singh, Sudipto Sen, Vipul Amrutlal Shah |
| Produced by | Vipul Amrutlal Shah |
| Actor | Not applicable (female-led) |
| Actress | Adah Sharma |
| Other Cast | Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, Siddhi Idnani, Devadarshini, Vijay Krishna, Pranay Pachauri, Pranav Misshra, Pranali Ghogare |
| Cinematography | Prasantanu Mohapatra |
| Edited by | Sanjay Sharma |
| Music by | Viresh Sreevalsa, Bishakh Jyoti |
| Production Companies | Sunshine Pictures |
| Distributed by | Not specified |
| Release Date | 5 May 2023 |
| Running Time | 138 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Film Industry | Bollywood |
| Genre | Drama |
| Censor Rating | A |
The Kerala Story Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5 May 2023 | ₹8.03 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | 6 May 2023 | ₹11.00 | +36.99% |
| Day 3 | 7 May 2023 | ₹16.40 | +49.09% |
| Day 4 | 8 May 2023 | ₹10.07 | -38.60% |
| Day 5 | 9 May 2023 | ₹11.14 | +10.63% |
| Day 6 | 10 May 2023 | ₹12.00 | +7.72% |
| Day 7 | 11 May 2023 | ₹12.50 | +4.17% |
| Day 8 | 12 May 2023 | ₹12.35 | -1.20% |
| Day 9 | 13 May 2023 | ₹19.50 | +57.89% |
| Day 10 | 14 May 2023 | ₹23.75 | +21.79% |
| Day 11 | 15 May 2023 | ₹10.30 | -56.63% |
| Day 12 | 16 May 2023 | ₹9.65 | -6.31% |
| Day 13 | 17 May 2023 | ₹7.90 | -18.13% |
| Day 14 | 18 May 2023 | ₹6.40 | -18.99% |
| Day 15 | 19 May 2023 | ₹6.60 | +3.13% |
| Day 16 | 20 May 2023 | ₹9.15 | +38.64% |
| Day 17 | 21 May 2023 | ₹11.50 | +25.68% |
| Day 18 | 22 May 2023 | ₹4.50 | -60.87% |
| Day 19 | 23 May 2023 | ₹3.50 | -22.22% |
| Day 20 | 24 May 2023 | ₹3.20 | -8.57% |
| Day 21 | 25 May 2023 | ₹3.10 | -3.13% |
| Day 22 | 26 May 2023 | ₹2.50 | -19.35% |
| Day 23 | 27 May 2023 | ₹4.50 | +80.00% |
| Day 24 | 28 May 2023 | ₹5.25 | +16.67% |
| Day 25 | 29 May 2023 | ₹2.15 | -59.05% |
| Day 26 | 30 May 2023 | ₹2.05 | -4.65% |
| Day 27 | 31 May 2023 | ₹1.85 | -9.76% |
| Day 28 | 1 June 2023 | ₹1.75 | -5.41% |
| Day 29 | 2 June 2023 | ₹2.15 | +22.86% |
| Day 30 | 3 June 2023 | ₹3.40 | +58.14% |
| Day 31 | 4 June 2023 | ₹3.60 | +5.88% |
| Day 32 | 5 June 2023 | ₹0.75 | -79.17% |
| Day 33 | 6 June 2023 | ₹0.76 | +1.33% |
| Day 34 | 7 June 2023 | ₹0.75 | -1.32% |
| Day 35 | 8 June 2023 | ₹0.70 | -6.67% |
| Day 36 | 9 June 2023 | ₹0.40 | -42.86% |
| Day 37 | 10 June 2023 | ₹0.40 | 0.00% |
| Day 38 | 11 June 2023 | ₹0.50 | +25.00% |
| Day 39 | 12 June 2023 | ₹0.20 | -60.00% |
| Day 40 | 13 June 2023 | ₹0.20 | 0.00% |
| Day 41 | 14 June 2023 | ₹0.15 | -25.00% |
| Day 42 | 15 June 2023 | ₹0.10 | -33.33% |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹242.20 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹288.04 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹303.97 crore | – |
The Kerala Story is a Hit or Flop
The Kerala Story is an all-time blockbuster at the box office.
What is the budget of The Kerala Story
The Kerala Story was made on a budget of ₹15-20 crore.
The Kerala Story OTT release date
- OTT Platform: Zee5
- OTT Date: 16 February 2024
Our Review
The Kerala Story stands out as a bold drama that dives into tough topics like faith, choices and hidden dangers in everyday life. Directed by Sudipto Sen, it follows the journey of young women from Kerala who face tricky situations leading to big life changes. Adah Sharma shines as the lead, bringing real emotion to her role as someone caught in a web of influence. The film keeps you hooked with its tight storytelling, mixing suspense with heartfelt moments that make you think long after it’s over.
Even without fancy effects or big songs, it relies on strong dialogues and real-feel scenes to drive the point home. Box office wise, it started slow but built up to cross 300 crore worldwide, proving small films can make big waves when the story hits hard. Looking ahead, it could inspire more films on social issues, but its success shows audiences want content that sparks talks, not just entertainment.
Comparing it to other dramas like Article 15 or Section 375, The Kerala Story takes a more direct approach to real events, focusing on personal stories over big twists. While Article 15 looked at caste issues with a cop angle, this one zooms in on women’s struggles in a changing world. Its box office run was like Gadar 2, starting with buzz and holding strong through word-of-mouth, unlike flops that fade quick. Till now, it has earned over 300 crore globally, way above its low budget, making it a profit king.
Future wise, it might cross more milestones on OTT, where debates could keep it trending. Films like this remind us that cinema can highlight hidden truths, much like Uri did for action or Andhadhun for thrillers, but here it’s about quiet battles that affect many lives.
In a deeper look, The Kerala Story explores how trust and friendships can turn into traps, much like real stories we hear in news. It avoids over-the-top drama, sticking to grounded scenes that feel close to home. Adah’s performance rivals Kangana in Queen for showing strength in tough spots, while the supporting cast adds layers to the tale. Box office data shows it did best in north India, similar to Tanu Weds Manu, where regional appeal boosted numbers.
With lifetime earnings beating many star-led films, it sets a bar for content-driven hits. Predictions say it will stay relevant, like Taare Zameen Par, as talks on its themes continue. Overall, it’s a win for films that make you question and discuss, proving box office gold comes from heart, not just hype.
Top 15 Opening day movie of Bollywood 2023
- Jawan ₹65.50 crore
- Pathaan ₹55 crore
- Animal ₹54.75 crore
- Tiger 3 ₹44.50 crore
- Gadar 2 ₹40.10 crore
- Adipurush ₹37.25 crore
- Dunki ₹29.00 crore
- Salaar ₹15.60 crore
- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani ₹11.10 crore
- OMG 2 ₹10.26 crore
- Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar ₹10.34 crore
- Satyaprem Ki Katha ₹9.25 crore
- Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan ₹15.81 crore
- Fukrey 3 ₹8.82 crore
- The Kerala Story ₹8.03 crore
Top 15 Opening day movie of Bollywood 2022
- KGF Chapter 2 ₹53.95 crore
- Brahmastra ₹32.00 crore
- RRR ₹20.07 crore
- Drishyam 2 ₹15.38 crore
- Ram Setu ₹15.25 crore
- Vikram Vedha ₹10.58 crore
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 ₹14.11 crore
- Samrat Prithviraj ₹10.70 crore
- Laal Singh Chaddha ₹11.70 crore
- Gangubhai Kathiawadi ₹10.50 crore
- Shamshera ₹10.25 crore
- Thank God ₹8.10 crore
- JugJugg Jeeyo ₹9.28 crore
- Raksha Bandhan ₹8.20 crore
- Bachchhan Paandey ₹13.25 crore
Top 10 Opening day movie of Adah Sharma
- The Kerala Story ₹8.03 crore
- Commando 2 ₹5.15 crore
- Commando 3 ₹4.74 crore
- 1920 ₹1.00 crore
- Hasee Toh Phasee ₹0.50 crore
- Bypass Road ₹0.18 crore
- Phhir ₹0.10 crore
- Heart Attack ₹0.05 crore
- Hum Hai Raahi Car Ke ₹0.02 crore
- Son of Satyamurthy ₹0.01 crore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of The Kerala Story?
The film follows the journey of young women from Kerala who face manipulation and life-altering choices, inspired by real events.
Is The Kerala Story based on true events?
Yes, the makers claim it’s based on true stories of women from Kerala, though some parts are dramatised for the screen.
Why is The Kerala Story controversial?
It sparked debates due to its sensitive theme on conversion and radicalisation, with some calling it propaganda while others see it as highlighting real issues.
What is the box office collection of The Kerala Story?
The film earned ₹303.97 crore worldwide, making it a massive hit against its low budget.
When was The Kerala Story released on OTT?
It premiered on Zee5 on 16 February 2024, available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in Indian Rupees (INR) and represented in crores, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Indian Standard Time (IST) (UTC +5:30).
