The Indian film industry in 2024 demonstrated its prowess with a mix of grand-scale productions, regional hits, and innovative storytelling that resonated with audiences globally. As a cinema analyst, I’ve compiled a review of the top 25 Indian movies that made waves at the box office this year, along with insights into the trends they reflected.
1. Kalki 2898 AD
Director: Nag Ashwin
Starring: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan
Box Office Collection: ₹1,200 crore
A futuristic epic combining mythology with sci-fi elements, this pan-Indian project stunned viewers with its visuals and performances, becoming the year’s highest grosser.
2. Pushpa 2: The Rule
Director: Sukumar
Starring: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna
Box Office Collection: ₹1,050 crore
The sequel to the 2021 blockbuster, Pushpa: The Rise, delivered on its hype with gripping storytelling and Allu Arjun’s iconic performance.
3. Jawan
Director: Atlee
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi
Box Office Collection: ₹890 crore
SRK’s Jawan dominated both domestic and international markets with its action-packed narrative and strong social themes.
4. Devara: Part 1
Director: Koratala Siva
Starring: Jr. NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan
Box Office Collection: ₹700 crore
Jr. NTR’s intense performance and gripping storytelling elevated Devara to monumental success.
5. Fighter
Director: Siddharth Anand
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone
Box Office Collection: ₹675 crore
India’s first aerial action drama set new standards in VFX and action choreography.
6. Hanuman (Telugu)
Director: Prasanth Varma
Box Office Collection: ₹600 crore
This modern mythological adaptation captivated audiences with its visuals and storytelling.
7. Premalu (Tamil)
Director: Mani Ratnam
Box Office Collection: ₹550 crore
Mani Ratnam’s romantic saga explored deep human emotions and relationships.
8. Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Box Office Collection: ₹520 crore
A quirky tale of adventure and friendship, this film became a cultural phenomenon in Kerala
9. Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone
Box Office Collection: ₹500 crore
Rohit Shetty’s cop universe expanded with Singham Again, delivering adrenaline-pumping action and drama.
10. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Director: Anees Bazmee
Starring: Kartik Aaryan
Box Office Collection: ₹450 crore
The horror-comedy formula continued to entertain, with Kartik Aaryan reprising his beloved role.
11. Article 370 (Hindi)
Director: Vivek Agnihotri
Box Office Collection: ₹425 crore
This political drama struck a chord with its poignant storytelling.
12. Aavesham (Telugu)
Director: Maruthi Dasari
Box Office Collection: ₹400 crore
A gripping thriller that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
13. Laapata Ladies
Director: Kiran Rao
Box Office Collection: ₹390 crore
This whimsical comedy resonated with urban and rural audiences alike.
14. Welcome to the Jungle
Director: Farhad Samji
Box Office Collection: ₹375 crore
A comedic adventure, this ensemble film featured top Bollywood stars in a unique setting.
Impact of Streaming Platforms
With increased integration of OTT platforms, several films achieved dual success via theatrical releases and subsequent digital premieres. Movies like Kalki 2898 AD and Jawan became top performers on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, further boosting their profitability.
2024 was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Indian film industry. From the dominance of franchise films to the rise of regional cinema, the year showcased the diverse tastes of Indian audiences. Box office hits weren’t merely about star power; impactful storytelling, innovative visuals, and cultural resonance played pivotal roles in shaping these successes.
As the year ends, the industry’s growing global influence and its ability to blend tradition with modernity continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences worldwide. Here’s to more cinematic brilliance in the years to come!