Most Watched Indian Films of All Time on Television

Everyone likes to enjoy a film on the big screen. But certain circumstances happen where we cannot visit the theatre. In that case, OTT has been the common medium for any cinema lover in India.

However, the situation was different a few years ago. People were dependent on satellite television in those days. There was a different kind of excitement when the World TV Premiere of a big film was announced. In that case, people hardly cared whether the film was a hit or a flop at the box office.

This trend has not ended yet. Anyone unable to purchase a subscription to a streaming platform has continued their habit of watching on television by paying an affordable amount for the connection used at their house. Here is the list of those popular titles.

1) Sholay

Ramesh Sippy’s cult action film is popular among everyone. The dialogues and the characters have become an important part of every comedy show. During the production phase, maybe the director never expected to have such a huge fan base. Of course, it had the biggest superstars of that decade as leads.

2) Hum Aapke Hai Koun

This one proved that critical reviews don’t matter if the content is up to the mark. It initially faced backlash for resembling a wedding cassette. But the public responded by purchasing more tickets. People still don’t refuse to sit for four hours in front of their TVs and continue enjoying the music and family moments.

3) DDLJ

Just like the characters of Sholay, Raj and Simran’s love story became an inspiration for so many people. It has continued its run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir, pulling a lot of audiences every day. Usually on Sundays, people prefer to see a new film on TV. But they also like watching DDLJ at the same time.

4) Baahubali

It is hard to keep audiences glued to the screen for more than two hours. But S.S. Rajamouli did it with the best visual effects, action, and an entertaining story. The Hindi dubbing is also so perfect that the punch lines are said by the common public on different occasions.

5) 3 Idiots

Another cult classic. Viewers were specifically impressed with how Rajkumar Hirani blended comedy into a storyline that aimed to send a message to parents and their children. It was a lesson that dreams are more important than scoring good marks. It became so popular that people remember every scene.

6) Karan Arjun

Rakesh Roshan brought this action entertainer at a time when masala films were the only priority. The theme was based on reincarnation. Two characters born to the same woman die and are reborn to provide the injustice done to their mother. The engaging screenplay is the reason why it continues to have more viewership on television.

7) Sooryavansham

Originally a flop, it has become a part of the meme culture. The reason is its repeat runs on Sony Max. The channel has preferred to play this film even on Sundays when people search for something new to watch. But no doubt that the characters have become popular among the public.

8) PK

Rajkumar Hirani tried to send another message through an alien. Some accepted it, and others criticized. It has even become a topic to troll Aamir Khan on certain occasions. But the increased viewership on the small screen has proved that entertainment eventually matters in the end.

9) Don No. 1

Compared to Prabhas, Nagarjuna has formed a big fan base among television audiences. The reason is his Telugu films that are dubbed in Hindi. This one is on top of that list. The basic concept and the superstar’s screen presence with the punchlines have specifically contributed to its popularity.

10) Gadar

Despite arriving with Lagaan, Anil Sharma’s film developed a different kind of following over the years. The roar of Sunny Deol was one of the reasons. Then there is the iconic handpump scene, followed by so many memorable moments that remain a topic of discussion among the public.

11) Meri Jung

Another entertainer of Nagarjuna that have received more views on television for its massy moments and emotions. The emotions have also touched the hearts, despite being dubbed in another language. Just like any other classic Hindi film, this one has the possibility of becoming a cult at one point.

12) Welcome

Anees Bazmee proved with this film that he is an expert in comedy. He gave the best punchlines to Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar that are used in every meme nowadays. It will be correct to say that Akshay Kumar is not the one who made this popular among the public.

13) Baghban

The reactions towards this film have been different. Some have even criticized it for portraying the children of an old couple as extremely negative. However, the music and a few other moments have got a separate fan base, including Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini’s phone conversation, followed by a song.

14) Hum Saath Saath Hain

Sooraj Barjatya’s film has been popular among viewers for its central theme, that focused on a joint family. A clean entertainer without any vulgarity, the film has managed to draw audiences to the small screens during the holidays. The music also continues to be an important part of different occasions.

15) Vivah

This one came at a time when Shahid Kapoor had the image of a chocolate boy. Amrita Rao’s beauty has continued to attract the young generation. Moreover, the adorable love story has been another one of the positive aspects. It left a different kind of impact during a period when action and glamour slowly started becoming popular.

16) Chennai Express

Rohit Shetty preferred to follow a different format this time. He initially displayed the soft side of a superstar, which turned intense as the film reached the climax. The music remains a chartbuster, becoming a common choice at parties.

As mentioned, the popularity of television has not been the same as it used to be in the old days. However, the film industry has continued to deliver more blockbusters in the last few years. Let’s wait and see who will be the next to take the spot in the above-mentioned list.