The Indian film industry continues to push the boundaries of cinema, with 2024 proving to be an exceptional year for box office collections. A host of blockbuster movies have graced the screens, with some achieving staggering box office successes and shaping the cinematic landscape not just in India but globally. From larger-than-life visual spectacles to narratives that touch on the most intricate human emotions, these films have managed to resonate with diverse audiences.
As we review the highest-grossing Indian films of 2024, one thing becomes evident: Indian cinema is no longer confined to domestic markets. The global appeal of Indian films, particularly in countries with large Indian diasporas and beyond, continues to grow exponentially. Let’s take a closer look at the top-performing Indian movies of the year, analysing their commercial success, critical reception, and impact on the industry.
Kalki 2898-AD: A Mythological Epic of Grand Proportions
Topping the list with a remarkable worldwide gross of ₹1052.5 crore, Kalki 2898-AD stands as one of the most significant cinematic offerings in 2024. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this Telugu-language mythological drama reimagines the arrival of Lord Vishnu’s final avatar in a dystopian future. Starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film seamlessly blends mythology with science fiction, creating a unique narrative rarely seen in Indian cinema.
With a budget of ₹550 crore, Kalki 2898-AD was a massive gamble that paid off, earning both commercial and critical acclaim. The film’s visual effects, storytelling, and star-studded cast drew in audiences not just in India but across the globe. Its worldwide share of ₹532.4 crore speaks to its universal appeal. The film’s success also marks a shift towards high-concept cinema, proving that audiences are eager for stories that challenge the conventional.
Stree 2: A Perfect Blend of Horror and Comedy
Another standout success this year was Stree 2, which managed to gross an impressive ₹858.4 crore worldwide. Directed by Amar Kaushik, this Hindi horror-comedy sequel continued the story of Vicky (played by Rajkummar Rao) and his attempts to save the town of Chanderi from supernatural threats. This time, a headless entity terrorises the town, raising the stakes for Vicky and his friends.
Stree 2 retained the charm of its predecessor, blending humour with moments of genuine terror. The film resonated strongly with audiences in India, where it became an “All Time Blockbuster” and grossed ₹605.8 crore domestically. Its success reaffirms the popularity of horror-comedy in Indian cinema, a genre that appeals to a broad demographic by balancing scares with laughs.
The Greatest of All Time: A Hit Among Action Fans
Although not as commercially dominant as some of the other films, The Greatest of All Time, directed by Venkat Prabhu, still made a significant impact, grossing ₹460.3 crore worldwide. Starring Tamil superstar Joseph Vijay as Gandhi, a hostage negotiator and spy, the film offers an action-packed narrative filled with espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes missions.
While it may not have garnered universal critical acclaim – reflected in its somewhat mixed audience score of 5.9 – The Greatest of All Time managed to perform respectably at the box office, particularly within Tamil-speaking regions. Its hit status can largely be attributed to Vijay’s immense popularity, as well as the film’s explosive action sequences.
Devara Part 1: The Awaited Blockbuster in the Making
As Devara Part 1 continues to run in theatres, early box office reports suggest that this Telugu action saga is on its way to becoming a major hit. Directed by Koratala Siva and starring N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Devara Part 1 transports audiences to the coastal lands, where the titular hero fights for justice. The film’s emotionally charged narrative and stunning visual execution have already grossed ₹437.5 crore worldwide.
With a budget of ₹250 crore, Devara Part 1 is a testament to the growing trend of high-budget action films in Indian cinema. Given its current trajectory, the film is expected to be a strong contender for end-of-year box office charts, with a verdict on its success still pending.
Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, brought something unique to the table in 2024 – aerial combat. Directed by Siddharth Anand, this Hindi-language film explored the lives of elite fighter pilots as they face external threats and their own personal demons. The film’s thrilling dogfights and intense character dynamics set it apart from the usual action fare, allowing it to gross ₹355.4 crore worldwide.
Although it did not reach blockbuster status, Fighter was appreciated for its ambitious storytelling and high production values. With a domestic net collection of ₹212.5 crore, it was rated as “Above Average” at the box office, demonstrating that while innovative concepts are welcome, execution remains key.
Hanu Man: A Blockbuster Born Out of Folklore
In a surprising twist, Hanu Man, a Telugu-language film rooted in Indian mythology, proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year. Directed by Prasanth Varma, the story follows a protagonist who gains the powers of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, and uses them to defend his home, Anjanadri. Hanu Man grossed ₹296.5 crore worldwide, far exceeding its modest ₹40 crore budget.
The film’s success can be attributed to its nostalgic connection to folklore, resonating with a wide audience base. The blockbuster hit proved that Indian audiences are still deeply connected to mythological stories, particularly when they are presented with a contemporary twist.
Manjummel Boys: An All-Time Blockbuster in Malayalam Cinema
Manjummel Boys achieved what few Malayalam films have managed in recent years – it became an “All Time Blockbuster” with a global gross of ₹241.2 crore. Directed by Chidambaram, the film follows a group of friends who embark on a perilous rescue mission to save one of their own from Guna Caves, a terrifying location from which no one has ever returned.
With its engrossing storyline and strong performances, Manjummel Boys struck a chord with audiences both in Kerala and beyond. The film’s domestic net collection of ₹134.1 crore solidifies its position as a major hit in the Malayalam film industry, showcasing the potential for regional cinema to achieve significant box office success.
Vettaiyan: Awaiting Verdict on a High-Stakes Crime Thriller
Another notable release in 2024, Vettaiyan, starring Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, has garnered attention for its intense narrative. This Tamil-language crime thriller directed by T.J. Gnanavel centres around a maverick police officer confronting a surge of lawlessness with ruthless force. The film has so far grossed ₹235.4 crore worldwide, with its box office verdict still pending.
Rajinikanth’s undeniable star power, combined with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, drew audiences to the theatres, and while the film is still running, it appears poised for further box office success. Its potent blend of action and drama makes it one of the most highly anticipated films in the Tamil cinema circuit this year.
Shaitaan: A Supernatural Thriller That Delivers
In the realm of supernatural thrillers, Shaitaan stood out as a unique entry in 2024. Directed by Vikas Bahl, this Hindi-language film about a family tormented by a sinister intruder grossed ₹212.2 crore worldwide. Starring Ajay Devgn, Madhavan, and Jyotika, Shaitaan captivated audiences with its eerie atmosphere and intense performances, becoming a “Super Hit” at the box office.
Guntur Karam: An Emotional Drama with Modest Success
Finally, Guntur Karam, a Telugu drama directed by Trivikram Srinivas, managed to earn ₹184.2 crore globally. Despite its emotional depth and compelling performances, particularly from Mahesh Babu and Sreeleela, the film only achieved “Average” box office status. However, its touching narrative of family and identity left a lasting impression on those who watched it.
These highest-grossing Indian films of 2024 showcase the immense diversity and creativity within Indian cinema. From mythological epics to emotional dramas, each of these films has carved its own place in the box office history of this monumental year. As Indian cinema continues to expand its global footprint, it is clear that these stories, deeply rooted in culture yet pushing boundaries, will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
