When it comes to the world of cinema, India stands proudly on the global stage. With its vibrant storytelling, mesmerizing dance sequences, and larger-than-life emotions, Indian movies have captured the hearts of audiences both at home and abroad. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the 15 highest-grossing Indian movies to date, encompassing the glitz and glamour of Bollywood and the explosive success of South Indian cinema.
1. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Let’s kick off our list with the magnum opus that took the world by storm. “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” directed by S.S. Rajamouli, shattered records left and right. With a grand narrative, breathtaking visuals, and a stellar cast featuring Prabhas and Rana Daggubati, this South Indian extravaganza redefined box office success, amassing a worldwide collection of over 1.5 billion USD.
2. Dangal (2016)
“Dangal,” directed by Nitesh Tiwari, struck a chord with audiences globally. Inspired by the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, portrayed brilliantly by Aamir Khan, this sports drama tugged at our heartstrings. Breaking barriers and earning over 330 million USD worldwide, “Dangal” proved that compelling storytelling knows no boundaries.
3. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Salman Khan’s “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” showcased the power of emotional connections and touched hearts across the globe. Directed by Kabir Khan, this cross-border tale captured the essence of love, compassion, and humanity. Its worldwide collections exceeded 320 million USD, further cementing Salman Khan’s status as the reigning ‘Bhai’ of Bollywood.
4. Secret Superstar (2017)
“Secret Superstar,” helmed by Advait Chandan, resonated with audiences by celebrating the dreams and aspirations of young talent. Zaira Wasim’s portrayal of a young girl pursuing her passion for music, with Aamir Khan in a supporting role, left a lasting impact. Garnering over 220 million USD globally, this film stood as a testament to the power of determination and self-belief.
5. PK (2015)
Aamir Khan strikes again with “PK,” a thought-provoking satire directed by Rajkumar Hirani. This social comedy dared to question religious dogmas and superstitions while keeping the audience thoroughly entertained. With worldwide earnings surpassing 180 million USD, “PK” proved that a film can entertain, educate, and make us ponder our beliefs.
6. Sanju (2018)
“Sanju,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, delved into the controversial life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, portrayed brilliantly by Ranbir Kapoor. This biographical drama unfolded with emotional depth, depicting the highs and lows of fame and personal struggles. Its global collections crossed the 175 million USD mark, resonating with audiences worldwide.
7. Padmavat (2018)
The controversy couldn’t stop “Padmavat” from making its mark. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this historical drama captivated audiences with its opulent sets, powerful performances, and gripping storyline. Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh led the cast, which earned over 140 million USD worldwide, solidifying its position among the highest-grossing Indian movies.
8. Sultan (2018)
In the realm of sports dramas, “Sultan” emerged as a heavyweight contender. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, this Salman Khan starrer took the boxing ring by storm. With its adrenaline-pumping action sequences and a heartfelt love story, “Sultan” became a box office phenomenon, raking in over 120 million USD worldwide.
9. War (2019)
“War,” directed by Siddharth Anand, showcased the action-packed face-off between two of Bollywood’s most dashing actors, Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. This high-octane thriller pushed the boundaries of stunts and visual effects, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Grossing over 310 million USD worldwide, “War” proved that action speaks louder than words.
10. Kabir Singh (2019)
“Kabir Singh,” directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, became a talking point with its controversial yet captivating storyline. Shahid Kapoor delivered a powerhouse performance as the flawed yet intense titular character. This romantic drama struck a chord with the younger generation, earning over 260 million USD worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films.
11. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
“Uri: The Surgical Strike,” directed by Aditya Dhar, depicted the audacious real-life military operation carried out by the Indian Army. Vicky Kaushal’s compelling performance and the film’s patriotic fervour struck a chord with audiences, resulting in a phenomenal worldwide collection of over 100 million USD.
12. 2.0 (2018)
Science fiction meets superstar charisma in “2.0,” directed by S. Shankar. Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar’s face-off enthralled audiences as they battled in a world dominated by technology. With its mind-boggling visual effects and unique storyline, “2.0” garnered over 120 million USD worldwide, cementing its place among the highest-grossing Indian films.
13. Simmba (2018)
Directed by Rohit Shetty, “Simmba” brought together the powerhouse combination of Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan. This action-packed cop drama, with its mix of adrenaline-pumping sequences and heartfelt emotions, struck a chord with audiences. The film’s global earnings surpassed 110 million USD, establishing it as a blockbuster hit.
14. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
“Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior,” directed by Om Raut, unfolded the heroic tale of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, portrayed by Ajay Devgn. With its spectacular battle sequences and powerful performances, this historical drama made its mark at the box office, grossing over 330 million USD worldwide.
15. Bahubali: The Beginning (2015)
Before the conclusion, there was the beginning. S.S. Rajamouli’s epic saga, “Bahubali: The Beginning,” laid the foundation for the awe-inspiring world of Baahubali. With its grand visuals, captivating storyline, and unforgettable characters, this South Indian extravaganza captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, amassing over 120 million USD globally.
Conclusion:
The Indian film industry has come a long way, transcending borders and captivating audiences around the world. From the magnum opus “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” to the thought-provoking “PK” and the emotionally charged “Dangal,” these highest-grossing Indian movies have left an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape.
Whether it’s the glitz and glamour of Bollywood or the explosive success of South Indian cinema, these films have proven that language and cultural barriers can be effortlessly overcome when compelling storytelling and exceptional performances come together. With their record-breaking box office collections, these movies have not only entertained audiences but also showcased the immense talent and creativity within the Indian film industry.
From larger-than-life spectacles to intimate and thought-provoking narratives, these highest-grossing Indian movies have offered a diverse range of genres and themes. They have showcased the power of storytelling to connect with people on an emotional level, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
The star cast of these movies has played a significant role in their success. From the iconic performances of actors like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan to the rising talents of Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Vicky Kaushal, these movies have boasted stellar ensemble casts that have brought their characters to life with passion and conviction.
Furthermore, the technical brilliance displayed in these films has contributed to their commercial success. The breathtaking visuals, innovative special effects, and captivating cinematography have transported audiences into fantastical worlds and heightened the cinematic experience. The skilful direction of acclaimed filmmakers like S.S. Rajamouli, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Rajkumar Hirani has brought their unique visions to fruition, captivating viewers and leaving a lasting impact.
It’s worth noting that the success of these movies extends far beyond the borders of India. They have garnered international recognition, proving that great cinema knows no boundaries. The universal themes explored in these films, such as love, family, patriotism, and self-discovery, have resonated with audiences from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
The remarkable box office collections of these highest-grossing Indian movies speak volumes about the global appeal of Indian cinema. They have not only shattered records but also opened doors for greater visibility and recognition for Indian films in international markets. As the Indian film industry continues to evolve and produce groundbreaking content, it’s clear that the influence and impact of these movies will only grow stronger.
In conclusion, the 15 highest-grossing Indian movies to date have showcased the immense talent, creativity, and cultural richness of Indian cinema. From the grandeur of Bollywood to the magnificence of South Indian cinema, these films have entertained and captivated audiences worldwide. With their compelling stories, exceptional performances, and technical brilliance, these movies have etched their names in the annals of global cinema, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of moviegoers. As we eagerly await the next wave of cinematic brilliance, one thing is certain: Indian cinema will continue to shine on the world stage, enchanting audiences with its magic and artistry.
Love,
Team LadyInRoseGold
