When compared to 2023 which gave hits like Gadar 2, Jawan, Pathan, Animal OMG 2 and many more, 2024 hasn’t been as exciting, as only few films were able to live up to the expectations and leave a lasting impression at the box office. However, the year saw a wide variety of films from horror comedies to sci-fi to action to romance and comedy . Here’s a look at the biggest hits of the year, each of which brought something unique to the table and garnered significant box office success. The trade is upbeat that by the end of the year two more names would be added to the list and those would be Allu Arjun‘s Pushpa 2- The Rule and Varun Dhawan‘s Baby John.
1. Stree 2- Rs 598 crore
Stree 2, directed by Amar Kaushik, emerged as the year’s biggest hit. This highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit Stree continues the adventures of the quirky residents of Chanderi as they confront supernatural forces. The film successfully combines horror with comedy, giving audiences plenty of laughs and scares. Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurrana, Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi delivered standout performances. The film’s storyline expanded on the mythology of Stree, bringing new twists that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
Talking about the success of Stree 2, Trade Expert Taran Adarsh says, “The success of the film can be attributed to many reasons, first and foremost the brand, next was the level of entertainment, thirdly the genre of horror-comedy when made well, does wonders, and the icing on the cake was 15th August release date, which gave it a real push and the contribution of the actors, director, producer and the music. So it was a very well cooked meal and the audience lapped it up.”
2. Kalki 2898 AD- Rs 293 crore
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Kalki 2898 AD, a mythological sci-fi action drama directed by Nag Ashwin, marked a collaboration between Hindi and Telugu cinema, featuring an ensemble cast led by Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan. Set in a dystopian future, the film explores themes of power, rebellion, and destiny. The stunning visuals, epic battle scenes, immersive world-building and inclusion of Hindi mythology, Mahabharat set Kalki 2898 AD apart, drawing audiences across language barriers. The film’s ambitious storyline and high production values resonated with viewers globally, making it a massive hit not just in India, but also in international markets like the United States and the Middle East.
“ Kalki 2898 AD is a superhit in Hindi and it was a visual spectacle. Prabhas who faced criticism for Radhe Shyam and Adipurush , has bounced back in a big way with this one and there is a second part to the film, so let’s wait for that,” added Taran Adarsh
3. Singham Again- Rs 220 crore
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Rohit Shetty returned with Singham Again, the latest installment in his popular Singham franchise. Starring Ajay Devgn as the fearless cop Bajirao Singham, the film delivered intense action sequences This time, Singham faces off against a powerful antagonist, played by Arjun Kapoor, bringing a fresh dynamic to the narrative. Known for its thrilling car chases, explosive stunts, and dramatic confrontations,
Singham Again
proved to be a major box-office draw, further cementing Devgn’s place as Bollywood’s quintessential action hero.The film was also the first in the Cop Universe wherein all characters created from Akshay Kumar to Ranveer Singh to Deepika Padukone to Tiger Shroff were seen together sharing screen space.
4. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 – Rs 216 crore
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Following the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, director Anees Bazmee brought back the spine-chilling charm with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Kartik Aaryan reprised his role as Rooh Baba and had the OG Manjulika Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit for company. Aaryan’s portrayal of the quirky yet fearless ghostbuster once again captivated audiences. The film’s clever blend of horror, humor, and suspense, along with its catchy soundtrack, made it a crowd favorite. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tapped into the audience’s love for horror-comedy, solidifying its place among the top hits of the year.
“If you look at the economics, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 or
Munjya
, can come on the second and third spot as both films have been with a tight budget. There was hardly any expense for Munjya, and the film made more than Rs 100 crore at the box office” stated Taran Adarsh.
5. Fighter -Rs 212 crore
Directed by Siddharth Anand, Fighter brought together Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in an action-packed aerial combat thriller, a first in Bollywood. The film, set against the backdrop of the Indian Air Force, showcased stunning aerial sequences and a patriotic narrative. Roshan’s portrayal of a skilled fighter pilot, coupled with Padukone’s powerful performance, struck a chord with audiences. Fighter delivered high-octane action combined with a compelling story, making it a massive box-office success and adding a fresh dimension to Bollywood’s action genre.
6. Shaitaan- Rs 148 crore
Shaitaan, directed by Vikas Bahl, pushed the boundaries of Bollywood cinema with its dark, gritty portrayal of crime and human nature. Starring Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Jyothika and Janki Bodiwala, the fillm is a Hindi remake of Gujarati film Vash. Shaitaan became a surprise box office hit, showcasing Bollywood’s ability to tackle mature themes and complex narratives with finesse.
7. Munjya- Rs 101 crore
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Director Aditya Sarpotdar’s Munjya brought a slice of rural India to the big screen, telling a heart warming story filled with cultural nuances and relatable characters. Starring newcomer Abhay Verma and Sharvari in lead roles, the film explores a regional folklore and blend it with the themes of family, love, and social change. Munjya proved that stories rooted in Indian culture and simplicity continue to resonate with viewers, making it one of the year’s biggest successes.
8. Teri Baato Mein Uljha Jiya- Rs 85 crore
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A romantic drama that tugged at the heartstrings, Teri Baato Mein Uljha Jiya directed by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Shah, follows a deeply emotional love story between a man and a robot and exploring the basis of man-woman relationship in the modern world. Both Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon were applauded for their complex portrayal, and the film’s music played a very important role in its success.
9. Crew- Rs 81 crore
Crew, directed by Rajesh Krishnan, was a trailblazing film that showcased the power of female-led narratives. The movie brought together powerhouse actresses Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon in a gripping story about friendship, resilience, and empowerment. Tackling themes of ambition and the struggles women face in the workforce,
Crew
struck a chord with audiences and opened up conversations around gender equality and women empowerment. With stellar performances and a thought-provoking storyline, Crew made a significant impact, proving to be both a commercial success and a cultural milestone.
10. Article 370- Rs 78 crore
Article 370, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, took on a socio-political narrative, examining the ramifications of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Yami Gautam delivered a powerful performance as a journalist investigating the ground realities of the region post-Article 370. The film addressed sensitive political and social issues, presenting a gripping narrative that resonated with audience interest in realistic portrayals of contemporary India. Article 370 struck a balance between commercial success and critical discourse, marking its place among the year’s top hits.
“ So all in all the year belongs to Horror -comedy which saw films like Stree 2, Munjya and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and supernatural horror Shaitaan and Tumbbad which was re-released this year, and all of them have done very good business” shared Taran Adarsh in conclusion.
