Indian Cinema's Global Success: Movies Crossing the 1000 Crore Mark

Indian cinema, often known as Bollywood, has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in the global box office. This article explores Indian films that have managed to cross the 1000 crore (1 billion Indian Rupees) mark, marking a massive achievement in terms of box office revenues.

Breaking Through the 1000 Crore Barrier

The films that have crossed this significant barrier have not only brought international recognition but also established their place in the global market. As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, there were four Indian movies that had achieved this remarkable feat, with more set to join their ranks.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)

Box Office: 1810 Crores - Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action film was a blockbuster success, grossing over 1810 crore worldwide. The film, produced in Telugu and Tamil, starred Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and Tamannaah. The storyline revolves around the protagonist's search for the identity of his ancestral lineage, combining elements of romance, action, and historical intrigue.

2.0 (2018)

Box Office: 1500 Crores - Directed by S. Shankar, this science fiction action film starred Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, alongside Amy Jackson. Despite a later release compared to previous entries in this list, 2.0 managed to gross over 1500 crore in theaters. The film's blend of science fiction and action attracted a wide audience, further cementing Indian cinema's place in the global market.

PK (2014)

Box Office: 832 Crores - Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Sushant Singh Rajput, PK is a satirical comedy-drama that grossed over 800 crore. The film sought to comment on societal and religious issues, making it a critical success as well as a commercial blockbuster. PK's influence on Indian cinema is still felt today, highlighting the importance of thoughtful and engaging storytelling.

Dangal (2016)

Box Office: 2100 Crores - Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal is a biographical sports drama that grossed over 2100 crore. Starring Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film tells the story of Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita Kumari. Dangal's success has been attributed to its authentic storytelling, strong performances, and the fascination with the powerful Indian diaspora in the global market.

Additional High-Earning Movies

Beyond the initial list, other notable films that have crossed the 1000 crore mark include:

Sanju (2018) - 586 Crores

Box Office: 586 Crores - Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this biographical drama starred R. Madhavan as the life of the famous Indian actor, Sanjay Dutt. The film was a critical and commercial success, reflecting the widespread interest in Indian celebrity biographies.

Padmaavat (2018) - 585 Crores

Box Office: 585 Crores - Another biographical drama, Padmaavat grossed over 585 crore. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film starred Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. The film's luxurious and high production value helped in achieving this impressive box office collection.

Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) - 558 Crores

Box Office: 558 Crores - Directed by Amit Sharma, Tiger Zinda Hai starred Ajay Devgn and Katrina Kaif. The film's thrilling narrative and star appeal helped it to achieve over 558 crore at the box office.

Besides these, other notable films include:

Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) - 969 Crores

Box Office: 969 Crores - Directed by Shoo Suresh, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a heartwarming story about a Muslim boy from Pakistan and a stranded Hindu couple from India. The film's emotional appeal and universal themes helped it to achieve over 969 crore at the box office.

War (2019) - 475 Crores

Box Office: 475 Crores - Directed by Nikka Tauiwa, War is a political thriller that grossed over 475 crore. The film starred Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra, adding to its appeal.

Kabir Singh (2019) - 376 Crores

Box Office: 376 Crores - Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Kabir Singh is a thriller that grossed over 376 crore. The film starred Sidharth Malhotra and Kapil Sharma and was well-received by audiences and critics.

Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) - 341 Crores

Box Office: 341 Crores - Directed by Aditya Dhar, Uri: The Surgical Strike is a biography of the Indian Army goalkeeper, BS Abhyankar, who helped in the surgical strike operations. The film grossed over 341 crore, reflecting the interest in Indian patriotic films.

These films have not only showcased the quality of Indian cinema but also its ability to reach a global audience. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, the saying 'Blockbuster Bollywood' is likely to become even more commonplace in the future.

Note: Box office figures are subject to change as they can fluctuate with time and regional differences.