December 21, 2024: Pushpa 2 has Topped the Charts as the most watched single viewer movie of the year, while small-budget films have outshined many big films at the box office according to the BookMyShow’s Box Office 2024 year-end report. The report revealed the most significant entertainment trends and top-performing films and live events of the year. With a focus on both domestic and international cinema, the report showcases the diverse tastes and viewing habits of audiences throughout the year.
Box Office 2024 Round Up: Pushpa 2 Sets New Records in Indian Cinema
One of the most remarkable highlights of the year has been the overwhelming success of Pushpa 2: The Rule. This high-octane Telugu sequel, directed by Sukumar, has surpassed all expectations, emerging as the most-watched film of 2024. Starring Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film quickly became a cultural phenomenon, amassing a staggering 10.8 lakh solo viewers. The film’s success is a testament to its widespread appeal, crossing language barriers with releases in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam.
Breaking records across the board, Pushpa 2 not only set the benchmark for highest-ever opening day ticket sales by an Indian film with 31 lakh tickets sold but also became the third Indian film to cross ₹1500 crore at the box office. It edged out major competitors like Stree 2, Singham Again, and Devara Part 1 to claim the top spot in the most-watched Indian films list.
A Surge in Classic Film Re-Releases
One of the most interesting trends of the year has been the resurgence of old films re-released in theatres. According to the BookMyShow report, iconic films like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Tumbbad, Rockstar, and Laila Majnu were met with a wave of nostalgia, turning theatres into “time machines” for fans revisiting beloved classics. These re-releases offered a unique cinematic experience for audiences, proving that the appeal of timeless classics remains strong, even in the age of big-budget blockbusters.
Hollywood Franchises Continue to Dominate
On the global stage, Hollywood also had a major presence. Franchise films like Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune: Part Two, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire set the box office ablaze with their larger-than-life storytelling and high-octane action sequences. These films, along with the excitement surrounding the latest installments of popular franchises, cemented Hollywood’s continuing dominance in global cinema. BookMyShow’s report highlights how these franchise films continue to draw massive crowds, reflecting a growing demand for visually spectacular and action-packed narratives.
Small-Budget Films Capture Audience Hearts
While big-budget spectacles dominated the global box office, small-budget films also managed to make a significant impact in 2024. Aavesham, Laapaata Ladies, and Merry Christmas are prime examples of how authentic storytelling continues to resonate with audiences. Despite their modest production costs, these films were able to forge a deep emotional connection with viewers, proving that narrative-driven cinema can thrive in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement
2024 also saw a boom in audience engagement on BookMyShow, especially in the months leading up to major film releases. November 1 proved to be a standout day for the platform, with 2.3 million tickets sold in just 24 hours, setting a new single-day sales record. This surge in ticket sales points to the growing excitement and anticipation surrounding live events and movie releases, as audiences look for unique entertainment experiences both in cinemas and at live venues.
Final Thoughts: A Year of Diverse Entertainment
The year-end report by BookMyShow paints a picture of an entertainment landscape that is as diverse as ever. From record-breaking box-office successes like Pushpa 2 to the revival of classic films and the continued dominance of Hollywood blockbusters, 2024 has been a year where different genres and narratives coexisted, offering something for every kind of viewer. As the year winds down, it’s clear that both mainstream and niche films, as well as unique re-releases, continue to shape India’s entertainment consumption.
Looking ahead to 2025, the industry is poised for even more innovation, with audiences ever more eager for new experiences, both old and new.