The Indian film industry in 2024 witnessed a whirlwind of highs and lows. Blockbusters with high expectations faltered, while unexpected gems triumphed. Several films that failed at the box office found appreciation on OTT platforms, transcending borders. As we usher in 2025, it’s a fitting time to evaluate the cinematic landscape of the past year, which offered a mix of successes and setbacks across India’s film industries.
Bollywood faced another challenging year, continuing its post-COVID slump. Despite heavy investments in star-studded films, the industry struggled to connect with modern audiences. High-budget films like Bade Miyan Chotte Miyan, Singham Again, Sarfira, Khel Khel Mein, and Yudhra underperformed critically and commercially.
Among these, Singham Again garnered particular attention. Despite a cast featuring Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff, the film faltered due to a weak storyline. Its attempt to integrate elements of the Ramayana felt “forced and irritating,” according to viewers. Although it managed to break even, the overall reception was disappointing.
For Akshay Kumar, 2024 continued his rough patch. Out of five releases, three failed miserably, including the Hindi remake of Soorarai Pottru. His only relief came with a role in Singham Again and a cameo in the successful Stree 2.
Political narratives also made their way into Bollywood, with films like Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra, The Sabarmathi Report, and Swatantra Veer Savarkar. Critics accused these films of being government-appeasing ventures, and they failed to resonate with audiences, becoming box-office disasters.
On a brighter note, Stree 2 emerged as a blockbuster, rejuvenating Bollywood. Similarly, Kill, a thriller about an army man’s rampage on a train, captivated audiences nationwide. Other hits included Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Fighter, Shaitaan, Crew, and Chandu Champion.
Bollywood also found success in smaller, content-driven films. Titles like Laapataa Ladies, Maidaan, Amar Singh Chamkila, and Bhakshak gained traction post-OTT releases. This trend underscores the need for Bollywood to focus on relatable, human-centric storytelling that resonates with audiences.
In contrast, Tollywood showcased a seamless blend of Indian mythology and modern cinema. Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD emerged as a standout, weaving a post-apocalyptic narrative with mythological elements like the Mahabharata war. For Prabhas, it marked a triumphant comeback, further solidified by the success of Salaar in 2023. Kalki stood out as a thoroughly satisfying cinematic experience, featuring a stellar cast and visionary direction.
Other Telugu hits included Hanuman, a story of a young man endowed with mythological superpowers, and Devara Part 1 starring Jr NTR. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, featuring Nani and SJ Surya, also garnered attention both in theatres and on OTT platforms.
Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan made waves in the Telugu industry with Lucky Baskhar, a Rs 100 crore hit that eschewed typical cinematic tropes for a strong narrative. The film’s pan-Indian appeal was a testament to the power of storytelling.
Meanwhile, Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, continued its box-office dominance, particularly in North India. Despite receiving mixed reviews in Kerala, it reaffirmed Allu Arjun’s pan-Indian appeal. Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Karam also added to Tollywood’s success story.
However, not all was rosy. Ravi Teja’s Mr Bachchan, a lacklustre remake of Raid, faced harsh criticism for its outdated romance. Vijay Deverakonda’s Family Star alienated audiences with its problematic narrative twist. Sequels like Yathra 2 and films like Double iSmart failed to live up to expectations.
Kollywood, often seen as a cinematic powerhouse, had a mixed year. Major releases like Suriya’s Kanguva, Rajinikanth’s Lal Salaam, and Vijay’s The Greatest of All Time disappointed fans. Even Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated Indian 2 turned out to be a major box-office failure, despite its legacy.
Vikram’s Thangalaan earned critical praise but couldn’t translate it into commercial success. However, films like Maharaja and Amaran provided some relief, with Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan delivering stellar performances. Other successful titles included Captain Miller, Raayan, Aranmanai 4, Guardian, and Vaazhai.
Kollywood’s art-house offerings like Lubber Pandhu and Meiyazhagan gained acclaim, particularly after their OTT releases. Films such as Lover, Blue Star, and Kottukkaali also spurred meaningful discussions among viewers. Late in the year, Viduthalai Part 2 received a strong audience reception, sustaining Kollywood’s reputation for impactful storytelling.
Sandalwood, the Kannada film industry, faced a challenging year, failing to replicate past successes like KGF and Kantara. The release of Martin highlighted the industry’s struggles, as it fell short of the grandeur audiences expected. With weak scripts and repetitive themes, Sandalwood risked audience fatigue, especially with sequels like Martin 2 announced despite lukewarm reception to the original.
In stark contrast, Mollywood continued its golden streak. The Malayalam film industry, known for its nuanced storytelling, delivered consistent successes in 2024. Films like Premalu, Braramayugam, and Manjummel Boys captivated audiences. The year reached its peak with Rifle Club and Marco, the latter being hailed as one of the best Indian films of the year, even outshining Bollywood hits like Animal and Kill.
Mollywood’s diverse narratives and grounded storytelling silenced critics who had previously dismissed its modest approach. As the industry carved its niche in Indian cinema, it delivered a strong reminder of the power of relatable and heartfelt storytelling.
As 2024 ends, Indian cinema stands at a crossroads. Will Mollywood maintain its dominance? Can Bollywood reinvent itself to align with audience expectations? Only time will reveal the cinematic landscape of 2025.