If there’s one thing that defines Indian cinema in 2024, it’s a delightful mix of big dreams and bigger screens. From jaw-dropping spectacles to inspiring real-life stories, this year has been a cinematic rollercoaster. While content-rich originals found their audience, sequels and franchises sprinted ahead, becoming the undeniable kings of the box office.
Big Budgets, Bigger Spectacles
This year saw filmmakers break the mold with high-budget extravaganzas that combined stellar storytelling and groundbreaking visuals. Kalki 2898 AD, a futuristic sci-fi epic with an all-star cast, didn’t just redefine the genre in India but also raked in an eye-popping ₹1,200 crores worldwide. Equally mesmerizing was Jr. NTR’s Devara, an intense action-drama that gripped audiences and earned an impressive ₹1,000 crores globally.
But the magic didn’t stop there. HanuMan, a superhero tale rooted in mythology, enthralled fans, while The Greatest of All added its own charm to the year’s cinematic treasure chest. These films proved once again that Indian cinema can stand shoulder to shoulder with global giants when it comes to delivering awe-inspiring blockbusters.
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Tarun Adarsh shared,”This year truly belongs to franchises, sequels, and seasons, as most of the box office success has come from them. Look at films like Pushpa 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Stree 2, and Singham Again—they have performed exceptionally well. It’s a great time for such films. At the same time, good content has found its audience because people want to watch entertaining films, which is why these kinds of movies are thriving.This year also brought some pleasant surprises with films like Laapataa Ladies, Munjya, and Article 370, which performed well despite not being sequels. Good content always resonates with viewers. Although the year began without major blockbusters or a strong start, it is definitely ending on a high note.”
Biopics That Inspired
2024 also brought a wave of biographical films that touched hearts and inspired minds. Srikanth, the story of badminton maestro Pullela Gopichand, and Chandu Champion, a tale of triumph and resilience, both crossed the ₹150-crore mark in domestic collections. Meanwhile, Main Atal Hoon paid a moving tribute to India’s beloved former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, earning ₹125 crores and critical acclaim.
Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan revisited the golden era of Indian football, scoring big with ₹175 crores and winning the hearts of sports lovers and moviegoers alike. These films reminded us that stories rooted in reality can be just as compelling as larger-than-life fantasies.
Small Films, Big Impact
Even in a year dominated by spectacles and sequels, content-driven films held their ground, proving that good storytelling never goes out of style. Laapata Ladies, a quirky satire on rural India, charmed audiences and collected ₹80 crores. Manjumaal Boys, a feel-good story of friendship and aspirations, grossed ₹50 crores, while 12th Fail, an emotional tale of perseverance, achieved a solid ₹100 crores.
Maharaja joined this illustrious list with its gripping narrative and earned ₹90 crores, showcasing that smaller films with strong content can punch above their weight at the box office.
Sequels Rule the Roost
But if there was one category that reigned supreme, it was sequels. Pushpa 2: The Rule not only smashed records but rewrote them, becoming the year’s highest-grossing film with a staggering ₹1,600 crores worldwide. The highly anticipated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 delighted fans of horror-comedy, pulling in ₹800 crores globally. Meanwhile, Stree 2 kept the laughs and scares coming, earning ₹700 crores and cementing its place as a beloved franchise.
These sequels didn’t just bank on nostalgia; they evolved their stories and characters, keeping audiences hooked. The trend of franchise filmmaking continues to grow in India, proving that audiences love returning to familiar yet refreshed worlds.
Raj Bansal has a different opinion on sequels and films that did well at the box office in 2024. He said, “When South Indian filmmakers approach sequels, they do so with a lot of dedication and seriousness. Take Baahubali or Pushpa 2, for example—they invest years into perfecting these projects. In contrast, Bollywood often resorts to sequels or franchises because they run out of fresh stories. Aside from Stree 2, Pushpa 2, and Kalki, 2024 has seen very few remarkable films. In fact, for Hindi cinema, 2024 has been a disappointing year. The only films that have done well at the box office are horror comedies, like Stree 2, Munjya, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. However, the success of ‘Stree 2’ largely rests on Varun Dhawan’s debut and Tamannaah Bhatia’s special item number.”
2024 may have started quietly, but it’s ending with fireworks. From futuristic epics to heartfelt biopics, from quirky indies to franchise blockbusters, this year had something for everyone. It’s a testament to the versatility and vibrancy of Indian cinema, where innovation and tradition coexist beautifully. As we look ahead, one thing’s for sure: Indian cinema’s best stories are yet to come.