Bollywood struggles while Telugu films dominate Box Office in 2024

Bollywood faced a challenging year in 2024 as formulaic narratives and action dramas failed to captivate audiences. Meanwhile, Telugu cinema soared with pan-Indian hits like Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD, redefining box office success.

Among Hindi films, only Stree 2, a horror-comedy, emerged as a major hit, earning ₹597 crore nett. In stark contrast, Pushpa 2, starring Allu Arjun, crossed ₹700 crore in Hindi markets alone, with a global gross exceeding ₹1,700 crore. The film’s pan-India appeal was amplified by innovative promotions, including Arjun’s trailer launch in Patna. Similarly, Kalki 2898 AD grossed ₹290 crore in Hindi, marking another Telugu triumph.

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Trade analysts lamented Bollywood’s underperformance compared to 2023, which boasted blockbusters like Pathaan, Jawan, Gadar 2, and Animal. Taran Adarsh reportedly noted, “This year, except for Stree 2 and Pushpa 2, Bollywood lacked major hits. The industry must create content for pan-India audiences.”

Disappointments included high-budget ventures like Hrithik Roshan’s Fighter (₹212 crore nett) and Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again (₹247 crore nett). Medium-budget films like Shaitaan (₹148 crore) and Crew (₹89 crore) performed decently, offering a glimmer of hope.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee described the phase as a creative churn, citing ticket prices as a barrier for mass audiences. As Telugu films redefine cinematic experiences, Bollywood looks to regroup for a stronger 2025.