Akshay, Mohanlal, and Unexpected Heroes of 2025

It’s halfway through 2025, and Indian cinema has delivered some notable films, and interestingly, many didn’t come from the biggest box office hits—or even Bollywood.

Several of the most critically acclaimed films came from various Indian film industries, each with their powerful, genre-defying stories that resonated deeply with the audiences despite the language barrier.

While blockbusters like Chhaava dominated the box office—grossing over ₹780 crore globally—critics argued it relied more on religious sentiment than storytelling, making it a lesser-known gem from across the country that left a lasting impact.

In contrast, films like Kesari Chapter 2 delivered a mature courtroom drama and, despite their underwhelming BO performance, were lauded for fearless storytelling and stellar performances by Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan.

From the Telugu film industry, Court: State vs. A Nobody had everybody hooked at its fierce depiction of systemic failure. While its commentary on class and justice resonated in urban centers, it had a limited reach among the masses.

Tamil cinema offered Tourist Family, which grossed about Rs 82.5 crore worldwide, a heartwarming dramedy following the immigration story of a small-town family. Even though it wasn’t a big-budget spectacle, it resonated deeply with diverse audiences.

Malayalam cinema’s finest, Mohanlal, takes center stage with Thudaram. Despite getting polarized reviews, it sustained success, even delaying OTT release plans. With a massive Rs 250+ crore collection, it proved star power can still dominate the box office, despite a streaming-heavy market.

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that good cinema exists beyond big numbers and Bollywood formulas. India’s regional industries continue to push the boundaries of storytelling—one powerful film at a time.