A Year of Blockbuster: Top 5 Indian Films of 2024 That Left a Lasting Impact
The year 2024 has been a landmark year for Indian cinema, with films from Bollywood, Tollywood, and other regional industries breaking box office records and setting new storytelling benchmarks. From gripping action dramas to visionary sci-fi spectacles, these films captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
Here, we present the Top 5 Indian Films of 2024 that not only dominated the box office but also pushed the creative boundaries of Indian cinema.
1. Pushpa 2: The Rule
– Language: Telugu
– Director: Sukumar
– Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,200+ crore
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise*, this film redefined the action genre in Indian cinema. Allu Arjun’s iconic portrayal of Pushpa Raj once again mesmerized audiences. This time, the stakes were higher, and the storyline was packed with intense action, emotional depth, and larger-than-life moments.
From its chartbuster songs to Allu Arjun’s electrifying “Pushpa Walk,” every aspect of the film became a cultural phenomenon. Sukumar’s direction, stunning cinematography, and high-octane action sequences contributed to its ₹1,200+ crore worldwide box office haul, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024.
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2. Kalki 2898 AD
– Language: Pan-India (Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam)
– Director: Nag Ashwin
– Cast: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan
Worldwide Gross: ₹370 crore
Touted as India’s most ambitious sci-fi film, Kalki 2898 AD (formerly known as Project K) is set in a futuristic world with a dystopian backdrop. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this film boasts an ensemble cast featuring superstars like Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan.
The film’s grand visual effects and futuristic storytelling set a new standard for sci-fi cinema in India. Its sci-fi-meets-mythology concept brought in critical acclaim and box-office success, raking in around ₹370 crore worldwide. The film’s visual effects and production design drew comparisons to Hollywood blockbusters, making it a milestone for Indian sci-fi cinema.
3. Stree 2
– Language: Hindi
– Director: Amar Kaushik
– Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana
Worldwide Gross: ₹874.58 crore
The sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy Stree, this film brought back the same mix of horror, comedy, and satire that made the original a cult classic. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film sees the return of Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, along with Pankaj Tripathi’s impeccable comedic timing, which became a major highlight of the movie.
This time, the stakes were higher as the town of Chanderi faced a more sinister supernatural threat, leading to hilarious yet spine-chilling moments. The film was a complete entertainer, making audiences laugh and scream in equal measure. With a worldwide collection of ₹874.58 crore, it became one of Bollywood’s biggest hits of the year.
4. Devara: Part 1
– Language: Telugu
– Director: Koratala Siva
– Cast: Jr. NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan
Worldwide Gross: ₹521 crore
Starring Jr. NTR, one of the most celebrated actors in the Telugu film industry, *Devara: Part 1* was a gripping action-drama that showcased raw intensity, emotional depth, and stellar action choreography. Saif Ali Khan played a menacing antagonist, while Janhvi Kapoor made her debut in Telugu cinema with this film.
Koratala Siva’s storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and intense action sequences made Devara a cinematic spectacle. The underwater fight sequences and emotionally charged scenes stood out as cinematic highlights. The film grossed ₹521 crore worldwide, establishing Jr. NTR as one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema.
5. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
– Language: Hindi
– Director: Anees Bazmee
– Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan and Tripti Dimri
Worldwide Gross: ₹417.51 crore
The third installment of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise saw the return of Kartik Aaryan in his role as a quirky, comical protagonist who finds himself entangled in another supernatural mystery. With Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan iconic presence and Anees Bazmee’s trademark humor, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 combined horror and comedy to offer an entertaining cinematic experience.
The film’s blend of psychological thrills, humor, and haunting music captured the audience’s attention, resulting in a ₹417.51 crore worldwide gross. Anees Bazmee’s unique direction, combined with Kartik Aaryan’s growing star power, made it one of Bollywood’s biggest successes of 2024.
Special Mentions
While the top 5 films stole the limelight, there were several other notable releases in 2024:
– Singham Again – Directed by Rohit Shetty, this action-packed cop film featuring Ajay Devgn and Deepika Padukone was a massive hit, grossing over ₹389 crore worldwide.
– Fighter – Featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, this high-octane action film became India’s first aerial action thriller, collecting over ₹344 crore worldwide.
– Shaitaan – A dark crime thriller starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, it was appreciated for its raw storytelling and compelling performances.
Conclusion
The year 2024 has been an extraordinary one for Indian cinema, as it witnessed the release of larger-than-life spectacles, heartwarming dramas, and edge-of-the-seat thrillers. From Pushpa 2’s mass action sequences to Kalki 2898 AD’s futuristic storytelling, each film contributed to the diverse cinematic landscape of India.
Pushpa 2, Kalki 2898 AD, Stree 2, Devara: Part 1, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 were undoubtedly the biggest Indian films of 2024, with each film excelling in its unique genre. With an exciting lineup for 2025, including projects like Salaar: Part 2, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Jawan 2, Indian cinema is set to scale new heights.
These films have not only set new benchmarks at the box office but have also raised the expectations of audiences, critics, and filmmakers alike. The fusion of innovation, spectacle, and emotional depth seen in 2024 has made it a golden year for Indian cinema.
