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Indian cinema has seen a meteoric rise in global box office collections, with many films breaking records and gaining international recognition. The films on this list represent the pinnacle of commercial success in Indian film history, each one having achieved unprecedented box office numbers while captivating audiences with their compelling narratives, star-studded casts, and exceptional production values. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing Indian films as of 2024, showcasing the diverse genres and styles that have made Indian cinema a powerhouse in the global entertainment industry.
1. Dangal (2016)
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal is a biographical sports drama based on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a wrestler who trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers. This film struck a chord with audiences worldwide, particularly in China, where it became a massive success. Dangal grossed an astonishing ₹2,070 crore globally, making it not only the highest-grossing Indian film but also one of the highest-grossing sports films of all time. The film’s heartwarming story, along with its exceptional performances, especially by Aamir Khan, resonated with viewers across cultures, making it a milestone in Indian cinema.
2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was a cinematic event that captivated audiences with its larger-than-life storytelling and visual effects. This epic historical drama is the second part of the Baahubali franchise and continues the saga of the Mahishmati kingdom. The film’s box office success was propelled by a massive fan following and its appeal across multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam.
3. Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 (2024)
The sequel to the highly successful Pushpa: The Rise, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 continues the story of the charismatic and ruthless smuggler, Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun. Directed by Sukumar, the film’s powerful performances, intense action, and mass appeal made it a box office sensation, grossing ₹1,571.9 crore globally. Pushpa: The Rule solidified Allu Arjun’s position as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema and continued to showcase the growing strength of South Indian films in the national and international markets.
4. RRR (2022)
Another masterpiece from S.S. Rajamouli, RRR is a historical action drama that imagines the lives of two revolutionary freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, portrayed by Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr., respectively. Set in the 1920s, RRR blends history with fiction, delivering stunning visuals, high-octane action, and emotional depth Its success further cemented Rajamouli’s reputation as one of the greatest filmmakers of modern Indian cinema.
5. KGF: Chapter 2 (2022)
Directed by Prashanth Neel, KGF: Chapter 2 continues the story of Rocky, the anti-hero who rises to power in the Kolar Gold Fields. With powerful performances by Yash, Sanjay Dutt, and Raveena Tondon, the film became a massive success, grossing ₹1,215 crore globally. KGF: Chapter 2 was a major milestone for Kannada cinema, proving that regional films could achieve pan-Indian and global success. The film’s gripping story, stunning visuals, and intense action sequences made it a must-watch for audiences across the globe.
6. Jawan (2023)
Starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Atlee, Jawan is an action-packed thriller that blends elements of social drama with high-stakes action. The film became a major hit, grossing ₹1,160 crore globally. Khan’s dual role, along with the film’s gripping plot and action sequences, made it a box office sensation, particularly in India and among Indian expatriates abroad. Jawan is seen as a part of Shah Rukh Khan’s resurgence in the industry after a period of relative quiet, and its success reaffirms his status as the King of Bollywood.
7. Pathaan (2023)
Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand, marked the return of Shah Rukh Khan to the big screen after a hiatus. The film, an action-packed spy thriller, also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. With its thrilling action sequences, glamorous locations, and catchy music, Pathaan became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films ever, grossing ₹1,050 crore worldwide. The film’s success can be attributed to Shah Rukh Khan’s star power, the film’s high production values, and the growing popularity of Bollywood films internationally.
8. Animal (2023)
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal is an intense action thriller featuring Ranbir Kapoor in a gritty role. The film’s dark tone and gripping narrative made it a success at the box office, grossing ₹917.82 crore globally. Animal appealed to a wide audience, especially due to its action sequences and Ranbir Kapoor’s powerful performance. The film’s commercial success added another feather to the cap of Bollywood’s recent box office hits.
9. Gadar 2 (2023)
A sequel to the 2001 blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 continues the story of Tara Singh, played by Sunny Deol. The film, set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, follows Tara Singh as he fights to protect his family. Despite being released over two decades after its predecessor, Gadar 2 resonated with audiences, grossing ₹691.08 crore globally. The film’s nostalgic appeal, along with Deol’s powerful performance, made it a massive success, particularly in North India.
10. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Directed by Kabir Khan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a heartwarming tale of a man who embarks on a journey to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family across the border. Starring Salman Khan in the lead role, the film became a massive hit, grossing ₹969 crore worldwide. Bajrangi Bhaijaan was praised for its emotional storytelling and Khan’s endearing performance, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time.
These films not only broke records at the box office but also left a lasting impact on global audiences. They represent a diverse range of genres, from historical epics to action thrillers, and showcase the rich storytelling traditions of Indian cinema. As Indian films continue to gain recognition on the global stage, these films stand as testament to the ever-expanding influence and success of the Indian film industry.
