When the first installment of Pushpa released in 2021, its success in the Hindi-speaking regions of India set the stage for an epic sequel. Fans and industry insiders alike speculated whether Pushpa 2 could surpass the monumental success of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Now, the sequel has not only met expectations but also shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing film in India’s box office history. The Hindi belt played a crucial role in this achievement, as the film emerged as the top grosser in nearly every state within the region, with just a few exceptions.
With this milestone, Pushpa 2 joins an elite group of around 20 films that have held the title of the highest-grossing movie in Indian cinema’s history. This list chronicles the evolution of box office dominance over the decades. While earlier films, particularly before Mother India (1957), may also have claimed the title, there is little reliable box office data from that period. However, starting with Mother India, the documentation of India’s box office champions has become clearer and more consistent.
The earliest known record-holder, Kismet (1943), is credited as the first Indian film to achieve a net domestic gross of Rs. 1 crore. At the time, this figure encompassed regions that are now Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. From there, Indian cinema has experienced exponential growth, with each new box office champion reflecting a growing audience base and a more globalized appeal.
Below is a chronological list of India’s highest-grossing films, showcasing their release years and box office collections:
| Title | Year | Gross |
| Kismet | 1943 | – |
| Chandralekha | 1948 | – |
| Barsaat | 1949 | – |
| Aan | 1952 | – |
| Shree 420 | 1955 | – |
| Mother India | 1957 | Rs. 10.00 cr. |
| Mughal-e-Azam | 1960 | Rs. 15.00 cr. |
| Sholay | 1975 | Rs. 60.00 cr. |
| Hum Aapke Hain Koun | 1994 | Rs. 120.00 cr. |
| Gadar | 2001 | Rs. 140.00 cr. |
| Ghajini | 2008 | Rs. 160.00 cr. |
| 3 Idiots | 2009 | Rs. 273.00 cr. |
| Chennai Express | 2013 | Rs. 283.00 cr. |
| Dhoom 3 | 2013 | Rs. 363.00 cr. |
| PK | 2014 | Rs. 449.00 cr. |
| Baahubali: The Beginning | 2015 | Rs. 481.00 cr. |
| Dangal | 2016 | Rs. 511.00 cr. |
| Baahubali: The Conclusion | 2017 | Rs. 1,347.00 cr. |
| Pushpa: The Rule | 2024 | Rs. 1,352.00 cr. (32 days) |
It is important to note that box office collections before 2008 are approximate due to inconsistent data. Furthermore, numbers before 1990 are even less reliable, and figures from before Mother India are often avoided altogether due to the lack of verifiable records.
The success of Pushpa 2 underscores the ever-growing influence of Indian cinema, both domestically and internationally. Its unprecedented box office run highlights how regional films can resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries, uniting audiences through universal storytelling and larger-than-life characters.
As Indian cinema continues to expand its reach and evolve, each new record-breaker reflects the industry’s increasing ambition and ability to capture the imagination of diverse audiences. Pushpa 2’s remarkable achievement is yet another testament to the power of cinema as a cultural and economic force.