The South Indian film industry is bracing for one of its most intense box office clashes in recent history, as multiple high-profile releases are set to arrive between March 27 and March 30, 2025. With massive films like Veera Dheera Sooran and L2: Empuraan dropping on March 27, followed by Mad Square and Robinhood on March 28, the box office is gearing up for a fierce battle of numbers, fan power, and cinematic excellence. Adding to the frenzy is Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which is set to release on March 30. The overlap of these big-ticket releases is expected to create a major impact on box office collections, theatre occupancy, and audience preferences.
The South Indian Box Office War Begins
The Southern film industry—comprising Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema—has been dominating the Indian box office in recent years. With massive productions, grand storytelling, and superstar-led spectacles, South Indian films have been outperforming many Bollywood films in terms of content and revenue. March 27 onwards, however, will see some of the biggest South films locking horns at the box office, making it a spectacle for fans and trade.
1. Veera Dheera Sooran (March 27) – The Tamil Powerhouse
One of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year, Veera Dheera Sooran, stars Vikram in the titular role, alongside S. J. Suryah. The film promises an action-packed visual treat, featuring high-octane sequences and powerful performances. Expected to draw in large crowds, especially in Tamil Nadu, Veera Dheera Sooran has already built strong pre-release buzz. However, it will face stiff competition from another juggernaut releasing on the same day.
2. L2: Empuraan (March 27) – Malayalam Cinema’s Game Changer
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan, a sequel to the blockbuster Lucifer, is easily one of the most awaited Malayalam films of 2025. With Mohanlal reprising his iconic role, the film is expected to not only dominate the Kerala market but also make a dent in pan-Indian collections. The film has already crossed Rs 9 crore mark for Day 1and is now eying Thalapathy Vijay’s record of Rs 12 crore day 1 in Kerala for Leo: Bloody Sweet. Given the immense anticipation surrounding it, L2: Empuraan is likely to challenge even big Tamil and Telugu films, thanks to its growing fanbase beyond Kerala.
The March 28 Face-off: Mad Square vs. Robinhood
The very next day, two more big South releases will further intensify the competition.
3. Mad Square (March 28) -Coming of age Comedy
Telugu cinema has been on an unstoppable streak at the box office, and Mad Square is yet another high-energy film. It is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Kalyan Shankar, it serves as a sequel to the 2023 hit Mad. Featuring an ensemble cast including Narne Nithin, Sangeeth Sobhan, Ram Nitin, and Priyanka Jawalkar, Mad Square is expected to be a huge hit in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets, where Telugu films often set record-breaking numbers. However, its biggest challenge will be countering the wave created by L2: Empuraan, Veera Dheera Sooran and other Telugu release Robinhood.
4. Robinhood (March 28) – Heist Comedy
Mad Square will be clashing with Robinhood for Telugu audience’s attention. It is a heist action comedy starring Nithiin and Sreeleela in the lead roles, Originally slated for a theatrical release on December 25, 2024, coinciding with Christmas,
Bollywood’s Big Entry: Salman Khan’s Sikandar (March 30)
While South Indian films are battling it out, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan will enter the fray with Sikandar on March 30. Co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, Sikandar is expected to be a crowd-puller, especially in North India. However, in recent years, Bollywood has faced stiff competition from South Indian films, with pan-India films from the South performing better than many Hindi releases. Sikandar’s success will depend on whether it can break into the South Indian market or if it will be overshadowed by the ongoing battle between the regional giants.
Box Office Expectations
With so many big films releasing in a short span, box office predictions are becoming more complex.
L2: Empuraan and Veera Dheera Sooran will dominate their respective markets and are likely to register strong openings.
Mad Square and Robinhood have the potential to pull in Telugu audiences, but its collections might be affected if L2: Empuraan manages to sustain beyond Kerala.
Sikandar will see strong openings in North India, but its performance in South Indian markets remains a question mark.
Will South Indian Films Overshadow Bollywood Again?
The past few years have seen South Indian films outperforming many Bollywood movies at the box office. With films like Jawan, Pathaan, and Animal competing against the likes of KGF, RRR, and Pushpa, audiences have witnessed a massive shift in the power dynamics of Indian cinema. Given the strong storytelling and technical excellence of South Indian films, it is very likely that L2: Empuraan will challenge Sikandar, making it difficult for Salman Khan’s film to dominate as it would have a decade ago.At present Empuraan has limited showcasing in Hindi but if the film lives up to the hype then it’s show could also be increased as Anil Thadani – the man behind films like Kalki 2898 AD , Pushpa 2 in Hindi belt is distributing it in North India.
One thing is for sure—starting March 27, the Indian box office will witness an electrifying showdown that will go down in history as one of the most competitive release windows ever. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride at the cinemas!
