The Indian box office in 2025 has seen some remarkable surges and record-shattering releases. This year, we’ve witnessed historical epics, animated wonders, romantic dramas, and action blockbusters captivating audiences across the country. As someone who’s covered Indian entertainment for over 20 years, it’s exciting to see how diverse the year’s cinema palette has become.
Here’s a countdown of the top 10 highest-grossing films in India so far, through a fresh, storyteller’s lens:
1. Chhaava
A sweeping historical action epic led by Vicky Kaushal, Chhaava takes the crown in 2025—earning between ₹797 crore and ₹809 crore globally. Based on the life of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the film struck a chord with its powerful performances, grand scale, and A.R. Rahman’s compelling score.
2. Saiyaara
Directed by Mohit Suri, this romantic drama broke hearts and box office records—grossing over ₹500 crore globally and claiming the #2 spot for the year. Its hauntingly beautiful music even landed on Billboard’s Global Excl. U.S. chart.
3. L2: Empuraan
The Mohanlal starrer from Malayalam cinema proved its pan-India appeal by earning around ₹265–268 crore—quite a feat for a regional-language release.
4. Sitaare Zameen Par
Produced by Aamir Khan, this emotionally rich drama earned roughly ₹263–267 crore. Its heartfelt storytelling and universal themes made it a standout on the list.
5. Coolie
Rajinikanth’s action-packed pan-India project wowed audiences, collecting over ₹200 crore domestically. It remained ahead of Bollywood’s big launches like War 2.
6. War 2
The Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR spy thriller entered theatres with a bang—collecting around ₹250 crore and breaking opening-day and weekend records.
7. Housefull 5
Akshay Kumar’s comedy franchise continued its money-making streak with this installment earning around ₹238–289 crore.
8. Raid 2
This sequel to the hit crime drama earned between ₹235–243 crore, proving that compelling narratives continue to thrive in Indian cinema.
9. Mahavatar Narsimha
An animated Indian mythology marvel, this film surpassed ₹210 crore globally—now the highest-grossing Indian animated feature ever. Revered by families for its spiritual storytelling, it stands out in this list.
10. Sankranthiki Vasthunam
A Telugu-language release that earned approximately ₹258–300 crore—a massive success from a regional cinema perspective.
Why These Movies Stood Out
Numbers often tell the clearest story. In recent years:
- Diverse genres & languages: From historical period dramas and animated epics to romance and comedy, the list embraces all tastes and regions.
- Pan-India appeal: Films like Chhaava, Coolie, and Mahavatar Narsimha demonstrate the power of regional content to reach nationwide audiences.
- Strong storytelling: Whether through visuals, music, or emotional depth, these films connected with viewers beyond star power.
- Strategic releases: Independence Day, festival holidays, and smart marketing amplified theatrical footfalls.
Final Thoughts
2025 has redefined box office success, reminding us that Indian audiences crave more than just star-studded spectacles—they want stories that move them. From the mythic scale of Chhaava to the emotional undercurrents of Saiyaara, and the cultural resonance of Mahavatar Narsimha, the year’s top ten films are a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
