December 30, 2024: 2024 India Cinema Round up: It has been a landscape of diverse triumphs and unexpected setbacks. From the undeniable success of South Indian films to the stark failures in Bollywood, this year has showcased the evolving tastes of audiences, emerging stars, and the relentless challenges of the industry. While for the south Kalki 2898AD, Pushpa 2 and Amaran led the challenge, Stree 2 revived hopes for Bollywood.
Let’s dive into the highs and lows of 2024 Indian cinema, a year that proved both exhilarating and humbling.
South Indian Cinema Shines Bright – Pushpa 2, Kalki 2898 AD, HanuMan Elevated Regional Prowess
South Indian cinema has truly been the standout of 2024, as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam industries delivered some of the most exciting cinematic experiences. Films like Pushpa 2: The Rule, Kalki 2898 AD, The GOAT, and Amaran not only made waves at the box office but also garnered significant critical acclaim. These films exemplified the increasing global appeal of South cinema, blending mass entertainment with fresh storytelling.
The success of Pushpa 2 proved that Allu Arjun’s star power, combined with Sukumar’s directorial genius, could push boundaries. With an expected worldwide gross of ₹1600 crore, it solidified its place as one of India’s biggest blockbusters of all time. Similarly, Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, made a powerful comeback for Prabhas, achieving a spectacular ₹1027 crore globally. These films demonstrated that South cinema isn’t just competing but leading the charge on a global scale.
Beyond the blockbusters, 2024 also saw smaller yet critically praised films from Tollywood and Kollywood. HanuMan, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Tillu Square, and Mathu Vadalara 2 garnered attention for their unique storytelling. Films like Double Engine, Ambajipeta Marriage Band, and Gaami showed that indie and thought-provoking narratives could make a meaningful impact, celebrating social issues with honesty and creativity.
Kollywood also had a diverse year with films like Lubber Pandhu, which cleverly tackled gully cricket rivalries, and Vaazhai, which sensitively explored childhood through the eyes of a 12-year-old. While Demonte Colony 2 proved that horror-comedy sequels could still resonate with audiences, Viduthalai Part 2 continued to shine with its powerful narrative.
Kannada cinema, often overlooked, had a notable year with films like Blink, Shakhahaari, and the critically praised Shivamma Yarehanchinala. These films pushed boundaries in genre and themes, proving that Kannada cinema has far more to offer than just commercial hits.
Malayalam cinema maintained its reputation for delivering rich, thought-provoking films. Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, which won at Grand Prix, captured the migrant experience, while Aattam won a National Film Award, proving that the Malayalam film industry continues to churn out both artistic and commercially viable films.
2024 Indian Cinema: The Disappointments: High Budgets, Low Returns
While the South continued its dominance, Bollywood faced a string of disappointments. Several high-budget films failed to make their mark, showcasing the harsh reality that star power alone can no longer guarantee box-office success.
One of the biggest letdowns was Indian 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 1996 blockbuster. Despite the return of superstar Kamal Haasan, the film failed to live up to expectations. Made on a ₹250 crore budget, Indian 2 earned only ₹148.33 crore globally, leaving fans and critics disappointed.
Similarly, Kanguva, starring Suriya and Bobby Deol, was expected to be a game-changer but fell flat at the box office, grossing just ₹106.25 crore against a ₹350 crore budget. The film’s failure proved that despite ambitious projects, the execution and storytelling were just as crucial.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, featuring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, was another highly anticipated film that turned out to be a massive disappointment. Made on a ₹350 crore budget, the film earned a meager ₹111.49 crore and became one of the biggest disasters of 2024.
Maidaan, Ajay Devgn’s much-hyped film on Indian football, also faltered. Despite the film’s strong potential, its delayed release and stiff competition led to its poor box-office run. Earning just ₹71 crore worldwide against a ₹250 crore budget, the film couldn’t make a mark.
Thangalaan, starring Vikram in multiple roles, failed to recover its budget of ₹100-150 crore, grossing only ₹68 crore. Despite impressive performances, the film suffered from historical inaccuracies and lackluster writing.
2024 Indian Cinema: A Year of Contrasts
2024 in Indian cinema has been a year of contrasts, where the rise of South Indian cinema and the fall of big-budget Bollywood films created a fascinating dynamic. While the South Indian film industries embraced both commercial and critical success, Bollywood is grappling with the consequences of relying too heavily on star power and high budgets without the substance to match. As we move into 2025, Indian cinema seems poised for transformation, with audiences demanding quality over quantity and films that resonate beyond just their budgets.
2024 India Cinema – Hits an Misses – While the year saw many films underperform, it was also a testament to the evolving nature of Indian cinema—one that’s no longer defined by geography or industry but by the stories it tells. As South cinema continues to break boundaries, Bollywood may need to rethink its approach to stay relevant in a rapidly changing cinematic landscape.