In the wake of the Kerala Film Producers Association releasing a list detailing the commercial performance of Malayalam films in 2025, actor Nivin Pauly has voiced his criticism of the decision. Speaking at a press conference promoting his latest film, Sarvam Maya, Pauly questioned the necessity of making such information public.

"Every business has its ups and downs, profit and loss," Nivin Pauly stated. "There is no need to make a list like this public. Something like this has not been done before". He further expressed concern that such a practice could deter potential investors from backing Malayalam cinema, especially at a time when the industry is striving for progress.

The Kerala Film Producers Association's list has sparked debate among audiences and film industry professionals alike. The list categorizes only a select few films released this year as "superhits" and "hits," leading to questions about the criteria used for classification. Social media has been abuzz with discussions, with many questioning the exclusion of certain films from the "superhit" and "hit" categories, despite their apparent commercial success. For instance, some netizens have questioned why Eko is only labeled a "hit" despite generating more net profit compared to Empuraan, which is classified as a "superhit". The absence of Sumathi Valavu from either category has also been a point of contention.

Earlier, Anuraj Manohar, the filmmaker behind Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, also raised concerns about the list, questioning why his film was not included and asking about the association's selection criteria.

Nivin Pauly's remarks add to the growing chorus of disapproval surrounding the Kerala Film Producers Association's decision. His apprehension that the list could discourage investment highlights the potential negative consequences of publicly ranking films based on their commercial performance. While the association has yet to respond to the criticism, the ongoing debate underscores the need for greater transparency and clarity in how film performance is assessed and communicated within the Malayalam film industry.

Nivin Pauly, an established actor and producer in the Malayalam film industry, debuted as an actor in Vineeth Sreenivasan's Malarvaadi Arts Club in 2010. He is also known for producing films under his company Pauly Jr. Pictures.