Indian cinema soared to new heights in 2024, delivering record-breaking blockbusters across multiple languages and industries. From gripping Telugu epics to thrilling Bollywood spectacles and groundbreaking Tamil dramas, these films redefined success at the box office. Let’s look at last year’s biggest hits and explore the diverse narratives that captivated audiences.

2024’s Top 10 Highest-earning Indian Movies 

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Pushpa 2: The Rule | Telugu | Rs. 1,719.5 crore

The action-packed drama helmed by Sukumar shattered records with its unparalleled earnings in India and beyond. Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, this cinematic spectacle marked a milestone as the first Hindi-dubbed release to cross Rs. 100 crore in its third week. This achievement is equivalent to BDT 141.4 crore (Rs 1 = BDT 1.41). 

Produced under the banners of Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, the film's staggering budget of Rs. 400 to 500 crore (BDT 565.6 crore to 707 crore) paid off as it became the second most successful production in Indian cinema. Released on December 5, 2024, it clinched the title of the highest-ever day-one collection while amassing over Rs. 1,163 crore (BDT 1644 crore) domestically and Rs. 556 crore (BDT 786 crore) internationally.

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Kalki 2898 AD | Telugu | Rs. 1,042-1,200 crore

Blending mythological grandeur with futuristic elements, Nag Ashwin's epic achieved remarkable success as the biggest opener of 2024. With a stellar cast featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone, this Vyjayanthi Movies production pushed boundaries with its Rs. 600 crore (BDT 848.4 crore) budget.

Distributed by leading names like Annapurna Studios and AA Films, the film redefined cinematic scale. Its domestic earnings soared past Rs. 767 crore (BDT 1,084.5 crore), while its international appeal brought in Rs. 275 crore (BDT 388.8 crore). Released on June 27, 2024, it also ranked among the top three Indian movies for first-day grosses.

Stree 2 | Hindi | Rs. 874.58 crore

The comedy-horror gem, crafted under Amar Kaushik’s vision, achieved unparalleled success with a release on August 15, 2024, through PVR Inox Pictures and Pen Marudhar. Backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, it outperformed expectations with a modest budget of Rs. 50-120 crore (BDT 70.7 to 169.7 crore). Its domestic triumph, exceeding Rs. 739.40 crore (BDT 1,045.5 crore), was complemented by Rs. 134.30 crore (BDT 189.9 crore) from international markets.

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Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao headlined this blockbuster, which redefined Hindi cinema’s box office records for the year.

The Greatest of All Time | Tamil | Rs. 440-457.12 crore

Vijay's riveting action thriller, presented by AGS Entertainment, dominated the Tamil box office following its debut on September 5, 2024. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the production leveraged a budget of Rs. 380-400 crore (BDT 537 to 565.6 crore) to deliver Rs. 298 crore (BDT 421.4 crore) domestically and Rs. 158 crore (BDT 223 crore) internationally.

Credit for these worldwide distributions goes to Romeo Pictures, Sree Gokulam Movies, Mythri Movie Makers, Zee Studios, Ahimsa Entertainment, Hamsini Entertainment, and Hamsini Entertainment.

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Devara: Part 1 | Telugu | Rs. 403.83-521 crore

The gripping action drama, led by N. T. Rama Rao Jr., made its mark as the third highest-grossing Telugu film of the year, following Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD. Released on September 27, 2024, it showcased Koratala Siva's directorial finesse, backed by Yuvasudha Arts and N. T. R. Arts with a significant budget of Rs. 200-300 crore (BDT 282.8 to 424.2 crore). With Rs. 208 crore (BDT 294 crore) earned domestically and an additional Rs. 200 crore (BDT 282.8 crore) internationally, its widespread appeal was undeniable.

The movie boasts global distributions by Dharma Productions, AA Films, Sithara Entertainments, KVN Productions, SS Karthikeya, Prathyangira Cinemas, Hamsini Entertainment, Sri Lakshmi Movies, and Wayfarer Films.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 | Hindi | Rs. 423.85 crore

This comedy-horror sequel, directed by Anees Bazmee, enthralled audiences upon its release on November 1, 2024. the production by T-Series Films and Cine1 Studios capitalized on a Rs. 150 crore (BDT 212.1 crore) budget.

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Featuring a stellar cast, including Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Triptii Dimri, and Kartik Aaryan, this latest installment of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise thrives with AA Films as its distributor. Earning Rs. 334.67 crore (BDT 473 crore) domestically and Rs. 89.18 crore (BDT 126.1 crore) globally, it became the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.

Singham Again | Hindi | Rs. 389.64 crore

Rohit Shetty’s action-packed saga brought together a stellar cast, including Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff. Arriving in cinemas on November 1, 2024, the movie was a product of powerhouse collaboration by Reliance Entertainment, Jio Studios, Rohit Shetty Picturez, Devgn Films, and Cinergy. 

Boasting a substantial budget of Rs. 350-375 crore (BDT 494.9 to 530 crore), the action movie garnered Rs. 316.45 crore (BDT 447.5 crore) domestically and Rs. 73.19 crore (BDT 103.5 crore) internationally.

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Fighter | Hindi | Rs. 344.46 crore

Siddharth Anand’s high-stakes action thriller, led by Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone, struck gold after its January 25, 2024 release. With a Rs 250 crore (BDT 353.5 crore) budget, the film is brought to fruition by Marflix Pictures in collaboration with Viacom18 Studios, who also got the distribution rights.

Crossing Rs. 244.70 crore (BDT 346 crore) domestically and Rs. 99.76 crore (BDT 141.1 crore) internationally, it became a benchmark in its genre.

Amaran | Tamil | Rs. 335 crore

Releasing theatrically on October 31, 2024, Amaran delivered a compelling mix of biographical storytelling and action-packed war sequences. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the cinematic experience was powered by the dynamic duo Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi.

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With a budget of Rs. 70-200 crore (BDT 98.98 to 282.8 crore), Raaj Kamal Films International and Sony Pictures Films India produced the movie. It achieved wide distribution through Sreshth Movies, Red Giant Movies, Pen Marudhar Entertainment, and Home Screen Entertainment. The box office performance was equally remarkable, grossing Rs. 219 crore (BDT 309.7 crore) domestically and Rs. 116 crore (BDT 164 crore) internationally.

Hanu-Man | Telugu | Rs. 301-350 crore

Marking its grand theatrical debut on January 12, 2024, Prasanth Varma's Hanu-Man emerged as a genre-defining superhero epic. Featuring Teja Sajja in the lead, the Rs. 40 crore (BDT 56.6 crore) production of Primeshow Entertainment became Tollywood’s biggest Sankranthi success in 92 years.

Distributors such as Mythri Movie Makers, RKD Studios, AA Films, and Sakthi Film Factory ensured its expansive reach. Domestically, it amassed Rs. 230 crore (BDT 325 crore), complemented by an additional Rs. 70 crore (BDT 98.98 crore) from overseas markets.

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Wrapping Up

Indian cinema's highest earners of 2024 showcase its widespread influence and the rich variety of storytelling spanning different languages and regions.

‘Pushpa 2’ and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ proudly stand in the exclusive 1000-crore club, setting unparalleled benchmarks. ‘Devara’ and ‘Hanu-Man’ added immense weight to the Telugu line-up. Led by ‘Stree 2’, Bollywood films such as ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, ‘Singham Again’, and ‘Fighter’ hold their ground, matching the Telugu films' prominence on this list. ‘The Greatest of All Time’ and ‘Amaran’ represent Tamil cinema’s presence as the only duo on this elite list. 

Overall, 2024 was a landmark year for Indian films, uniting distinct regional industries under one glorious box-office narrative.

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