Top 10 Highest-Grossing Indian Movies 2024

In the exciting Land of Indian cinema, the last decade witnessed a spectacular array of films that enthralled audiences and shattered box office records. From the magnificence of epic sagas to the charm of romantic tales, the highest-grossing Indian movies left a permanent mark on the national and global film Industry.

This article takes you through the highest-grossing Indian movies, exploring the narratives that captured imaginations, the stars that shone brightest, and the cinematic milestones achieved.

Highest-Grossing Indian Movies

Here is the list of highest-grossing Indian movies that came up to entertain us in the last decade:

1. Dangal - Rs. 2024 crores

• Star Cast: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Zaira Wasim, Sanya Malhotra, Aparshakti Khurana
• Director: Nitesh Tiwari

Released in 2016, Dangal is a biographical sports drama film. The movie stars an amateur wrestler in the field of pehlwani, who takes on the remarkable endeavour of training his daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, ultimately propelling them to become the first female wrestlers from India to attain world-class status. Notably, Dangal is the highest-grossing Indian film, ranking as the 28th highest-grossing non-English film and securing the 19th position among the highest-grossing sports films globally. With a production budget of Rs. 70 crores, the film achieved a remarkable global gross of Rs. 2024 crores. This exceptional Financial Performance positioned Dangal among the top 20 highest-grossing films in the nation.

2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion - Rs. 1,737.68 crores – Rs. 1,810.60 crores

• Star Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannah, Ramya Krishnan, Nassar, Sathyaraj, Subbaraju
• Director: S.S. Rajamouli

Bahubali 2: The Conclusion, a monumental Telugu-language action epic, debuted on the cinematic stage in 2017. As the second instalment within the Bahubali franchise, this cinematic marvel seamlessly follows the footsteps of its predecessor, Bahubali: The Beginning. Produced with a substantial estimated budget of Rs. 250 crores, the movie earned its distinction as the most expensive Indian film of its era. It amassed a staggering worldwide gross ranging between Rs. 1,737.68 crores – Rs. 1,810.60 crores. The film managed to accrue approximately Rs. 789 crores within six days of its global unveiling. Within ten days, it became the first Indian film to transcend the Rs. 1,000 crores mark in global box office Earnings. As a testament to its impact, Bahubali 2: The Conclusion etched its name in history, selling an astounding 10 crores (100 million) of tickets during its box office reign.

3. RRR - Rs. 1,316 crores

• Star Cast: N.T Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran
• Director: S.S Rajamouli

RRR, a superb Indian epic action drama, was meticulously produced with a substantial budget of Rs. 550 crores. RRR etched its mark in the annals of box office triumph after its release. It roared to life with an astounding Rs. 240 crores global box office collection on its opening day, securing the title of the highest opening-day earnings achieved by an Indian film. Swiftly seizing the throne in its home turf of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it amassed a commendable Rs. 415 crores, signifying its status as the region's highest-grossing film. Beyond regional boundaries, RRR extended its influence on a global scale, amassing an impressive worldwide gross of Rs. 1,316 crores.

4. K.G.F: Chapter 2 - Rs. 1,200 crores – Rs. 1,250 crores

• Star Cast: Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Srinidhi Shetty, Achyuth Kumar, Prakash Raj
• Director: Prashanth Neel

K.G.F: Chapter 2 emerges as a period action film produced as the second chapter of a two-part saga. This instalment seamlessly continues the narrative journey initiated by its predecessor, the 2018 film "K.G.F: Chapter 1." K.G.F: Chapter 2 was brought to life with a substantial investment of Rs. 100 crores, making it the most financially ambitious venture within Kannada cinema. The financial milestones achieved by K.G.F: Chapter 2 resonate powerfully. Its global earnings, estimated to Range between Rs. 1,200 crores – Rs. 1,250 crores, stand as a testament to its far-reaching appeal.

5. Pathaan - Rs. 1,050.3 crores

• Star Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana
• Director: Siddharth Anand

Pathaan is an enthralling action thriller that demanded a substantial investment, with an estimated production budget of Rs. 225 crores, further supplemented by an additional expenditure of Rs. 15 crores allocated to print and advertising costs. The film collected an astounding worldwide gross of Rs. 1,050.3 crores. This financial feat positioned "Pathaan" as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of all time, the fifth-highest-grossing Indian film in history, and the seventeenth highest-grossing film of 2023. A remarkable distinction achieved by "Pathaan" is its distinction as the first Hindi film to achieve a worldwide gross of Rs. 1,000 crores without a release in China.

6. Secret Superstar - Rs. 858 crores

• Star Cast: Zaira Wasim, Aamir Khan, Meher Vij, Raj Arjun, Farrukh Jaffar
• Director: Advait Chandan

Secret Superstar is a poignant musical drama delicately weaves a narrative tapestry of emotions and aspirations. The movie explores vital social themes within its narrative, delving into subjects such as feminism, gender equality, and domestic violence. In the eyes of critics, the film received a warm embrace of approval, resonating with its storytelling depth and thematic relevance. The financial achievements of Secret Superstar add another layer to its success story. Despite a modest budget of Rs. 15 crores, the film shattered records by grossing an astounding Rs. 858 crores worldwide, yielding a staggering Return on Investment of over 5,720%.

It ascends to the throne as the highest-grossing Indian film showcasing a female protagonist, the top-grossing Hindi film of 2017, the seventh-highest-grossing Indian film globally, and the second-highest-grossing Indian film overseas. On an international front, its triumphs continue with its recognition as the fifth highest-grossing foreign film in China in 2018 and the second highest-grossing non-English foreign film in the Chinese Market, following only the iconic Dangal.

7. PK - Rs. 769.89 crores

• Star Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput, Boman Irani, Sanjay Dutt, Saurabh Shukla
• Director: Rajkumar Hirani

PK, a captivating blend of science fiction, satire, comedy, and drama, unfolds as a distinctive cinematic creation. The movie garnered a chorus of positive reviews, with acclaim showered upon Aamir Khan's performance and the film's humorous undertones. On the financial front, PK carved a trail of historic accomplishments. Produced with an investment of Rs. 122 crores, the film defied expectations by becoming the first Indian cinematic production to collect a sum exceeding Rs. 700 crores globally. By the culmination of its cinematic journey, PK boasted a worldwide gross of Rs. 769.89 crores, positioning it as the 8th highest-grossing Indian film ever and the 9th highest-grossing film within India's borders.

8. Bajrangi Bhaijaan - Rs. 969 crores

• Star Cast: Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Meher Vij, Om Puri
• Director: Kabir Khan

Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a captivating comedy-drama film that intertwines heartwarming narratives and laughter-inducing moments. It was produced with a budget ranging from Rs. 75 crores to Rs. 90 crores. Upon its release, the film basked in a sea of critical acclaim, with reviewers showering praise for its captivating storyline, impactful dialogues, booming music, stunning cinematography, adept direction, and standout performances from the ensemble cast.

In addition to its artistic accolades, the film triumphed commercially, amassing a staggering worldwide gross of Rs. 969 crores. This financial feat has etched Bajrangi Bhaijaan in the record books, securing its position as the 6th highest-grossing Indian film and the 3rd highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time.

9. Sultan - Rs. 623.33 crores

• Star Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Randeep Hooda, Amit Sadh
• Director: Ali Abbas Zafar

Sultan is a compelling sports drama that weaves a tapestry of emotions and athleticism. Critics embraced the movie openly, Offering positive feedback for its thematic depth and portrayal. With a worldwide gross of Rs. 623.33 crores, Sultan etches its name onto the pages of history as the 10th highest-grossing Indian film ever. The movie isn't merely a sports drama; it's a narrative journey that delves into the intricacies of both athletic prowess and the human spirit. Its ability to strike chords on artistic and commercial fronts speaks to its enduring impact on Indian cinema.

10. Sanju - Rs. 586.85 crores

• Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Manisha Koirala, Vicky Kaushal, Dia Mirza, Anushka Sharma, Karishma Tanna, Jim Sarbh, Sonam Kapoor, Boman Irani
• Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Sanju is a biographical film that offers an intimate portrait of the life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt. While some critics had positive things to say about the movie, lauding Rajkumar Hirani's direction, the melodic tapestry of music, the skilfully woven screenplay, the captivating cinematography, and the stellar performances that graced the screen, some critics voiced reservations about the film's alleged attempt to embellish the image of its protagonist, prompting debates around authenticity.

The financial landscape witnessed the unfolding of Sanju as a cinematic force to reckon with. It swiftly etched its name in the record books by registering the highest opening figures for any film released in India in 2018. On the third day of its release, it continued to astound, establishing the record for the highest single-day collection ever recorded for a Hindi film within India. With its global gross soaring beyond Rs. 586.85 crores, this movie emerges as the crowning jewel of Bollywood for 2018.

Conclusion

These films, which have achieved unparalleled success at the box office, stand as evidence of the power of storytelling, craftsmanship, and the emotional connection they establish with audiences. From epic historical dramas to modern-day blockbusters, these cinematic triumphs underline the global impact of the Indian movie industry. They have transcended borders, sparking conversations on an international stage and drawing audiences from various corners of the world into their captivating narratives. Behind every highest-grossing movie lies a collaborative effort of talented actors, visionary directors, dedicated crew members, and the relentless support of cinephiles.

The highest-grossing Indian movies are more than just financial milestones; they are cultural phenomena that mirror the ever-evolving dynamics of storytelling and the profound impact of cinema on society. These films continue to inspire, entertain, and unite people.