There was a time when box office numbers did not matter a lot, as films became cult classics over the years. But the situation has changed now. Actors are either praised, or they become a subject of criticism if they can’t deliver big numbers along with strong content at the same time.
2025 witnessed a lot of competition between two different genres and many solo arrivals. Some of them failed, and others won the hearts of the audience.
Moreover, the 300-crore club is taking over, and it is a figure that every filmmaker is trying to hit without missing. Unfortunately, a few titles managed to enter this year, proving for another time, that random stories and themes are not going to work anymore. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Chhaava
With the failure of Bad Newz, everyone believed that Vicky Kaushal’s time was over. But one Friday was enough to change everything. Also, no one can forget the intimidating screen presence of Akshaye Khanna.
Despite a historical film being released on Valentine’s Day, Chhaava left the trade experts in shock by taking a double-digit opening, and the rest was history. Audiences cried in the final moments, and the lead actor’s never-before-seen intensity made them rethink their opinion.
It grossed Rs. 300 crores in ten days and is currently the top Indian film with Rs. 600 crores gross lifetime collected only in India.
2. Saiyaara
Mohit Suri is a name that fits perfectly in the list of romance and thriller experts. He knows how to attract the masses without elevation scenes and a hero taking down hundreds of bad guys alone. This time, people questioned if two debut actors, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, would manage to pull huge crowds with Saiyaara.
But the situation turned out to be opposite right from the time when people witnessed the glimpses in the form of a trailer and music videos. Compared to Chhaava, Saiyaara accumulated Rs. 300 crores in a week, and the lifetime gross collection in India is Rs. 400 crores.
The youth were able to connect with the storytelling, the lead pair’s chemistry received praise, and the public took the memories back home while coming out of the theatres.
3. Coolie
The combination of a blockbuster director and a big superstar can create something that will not be forgotten in the future. The same thing happened when Lokesh Kangaraj and Rajinikanth came together for Coolie.
People rushed to get their tickets, even in the early morning shows, and gave a big welcome to Rajinikanth on screen. While the crowds did not stop entering theatres, the response was mixed for multiple reasons. The presence of a pan-India star cast also did not help much.
Despite leaving a certain section of the public disappointed, the action-drama collected almost Rs. 320 crores gross in India. The number was good but not outstanding as per expectations.
Sequels and prequels have always been a big risk. Rishab Shetty undoubtedly had to think and rethink before preparing a good story after the success of Kantara three years ago. The budget was increased, more time was taken in the making, and the results have been phenomenal.
Just like the previous part, Kantara: Chapter 1’s climax is now creating an example for other big filmmakers. Some are even questioning whether there is any other actor who can bring a better film or concept like this.
As usual, holiday releases can be beneficial for the box office. Kantara: Chapter 1 has already silenced everyone with an opening day number of Rs. 70 crores, despite arriving on Thursday. The highest gross collections came on Sunday with Rs. 72 crores alongside Rs. 51 crores on Friday and Rs. 64 crores on Saturday.
The final number remains at Rs. 332 crores. People have not stopped booking tickets, and the lifetime collection could be Rs. 500 crores in India alone.
New records have been created. But the question is, who will break them now? There is no answer for now. As mentioned earlier, the situation is different today. The audience is craving for good content, which is one of the major reasons why big films like War 2 and Housefull 5 failed to connect.
We are heading towards a new year. Two big titles, Thamma and Dhurandhar, are the only hope left for the film industry right now to add a big blockbuster to the list of 2025. It will be interesting to see whether these two films will take over the next two spots after Kantara: Chapter 1.
