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The Indian box office: A record-breaking first half of 2024
The Indian box office has crossed INR50 billion ($600 million) in gross collections for the first half of 2024, marking a 3% increase from the same period last year, according to a report from Ormax Media. This milestone highlights the resilience and dynamism of the Indian film industry, which continues to captivate audiences with a diverse array of cinematic offerings.
Kalki 2898 AD: The sci-fi epic that ruled the box office
Sci-fi epic “Kalki 2898 AD” emerged as the undisputed champion of the period, dominating the local box office with a $92.3 million gross. This sum contributed 15% of the total box office, significantly bolstering June’s performance and pushing the month’s collections past $144 million. The film’s success can be attributed to its compelling narrative, stunning visual effects, and a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan. Watch the trailer.
Fighter and Hanu-Man: Action-packed contenders
Bollywood air force action film “Fighter” secured the second spot with $29 million locally. The film, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, captivated audiences with its high-octane action sequences and patriotic themes. Watch the trailer.
Close on its heels was “Hanu-Man,” the Telugu-language mythological superhero film, which grossed $28.7 million. This film, featuring Teja Sajja in the lead role, combined mythology with modern superhero elements, creating a unique cinematic experience. Watch the trailer.
Shaitaan and Manjummel Boys: Thrills and survival
Bollywood suspense thriller “Shaitaan” placed fourth locally with $21.3 million. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Radhika Apte, kept audiences on the edge of their seats with its gripping storyline and intense performances. Watch the trailer.
Following closely was the Malayalam-language survival drama “Manjummel Boys” with $20.3 million. This film, featuring Fahadh Faasil, depicted a harrowing tale of survival and resilience, resonating deeply with viewers. Watch the trailer.
Guntur Kaaram and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire: Action and international appeal
Telugu-language action drama “Guntur Kaaram” grossed $17 million, showcasing the star power of Mahesh Babu and the film’s engaging storyline. Watch the trailer.
The only Hollywood film in the top ten was “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” which placed seventh with $16.2 million. This film’s success underscores the enduring appeal of international blockbusters in the Indian market. Watch the trailer.
Munjya, The Goat Life, and Aavesham: Diverse narratives
Bollywood horror comedy “Munjya” grossed $14.4 million, blending scares with laughs in a unique cinematic experience. Watch the trailer.
Malayalam-language dramas “The Goat Life” and “Aavesham” grossed $12.4 million and $12 million respectively, reflecting the pan-Indian appeal of films from various language industries. Watch the trailer for The Goat Life and Aavesham.
Language dynamics in the Indian film industry
Language dynamics in the Indian film industry saw notable shifts during this period. Malayalam-language cinema made a remarkable leap, tripling its market share to 15% and already surpassing its entire 2023 gross within the first six months of 2024. Bollywood’s Hindi-language films, while still dominant, experienced a slight dip in market share, falling to 35% from 37% in the same period last year. The report attributes this to the absence of a breakout hit comparable to 2023’s “Pathaan.”
Telugu-language cinema remained steady with a 23% market share. Meanwhile, both Tamil-language and Hollywood releases each saw their market shares drop by five percentage points to 12% and 7% respectively compared to the previous year. Punjabi-language cinema increased its market share to 3%, buoyed by the success of “Jatt & Juliet 3” in June. Conversely, Kannada-language films saw a significant downturn, claiming just 1% of the market share in the first half of 2024.
Anticipating a strong second half
The report anticipates a strong second half of the year, with a slate of high-profile releases across multiple languages. Titles such as “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” “Stree 2,” “Singham Again,” “The Greatest of All Time,” and “Devara” are generating considerable buzz. If these films meet expectations, 2024’s overall box office performance could potentially match or exceed 2023’s record-breaking $1.4 billion total.
As we look forward to the upcoming releases, the Indian film industry continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse tastes and preferences of its audience. The first half of 2024 has set a promising tone, and the anticipation for what’s to come only adds to the excitement.
