MUMBAI: Diwali brought more than just lights and festivities this year—it ignited the Indian box office with a dazzling display of cinematic magic.
According to Ormax Media's The India Box Office Report: November 2024 the month turned into a blockbuster bonanza, with the box office cash registers ringing up a jaw-dropping Rs 914 crore in gross collections. In a nation where movies are worshipped and stars are idolised, two powerhouse releases—”Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” and “Singham Again”—emerged as the true torchbearers of unity and entertainment, raking in Rs 664 crore and capturing a whopping 73 per cent of the month’s collections.
Despite a year marked by a 4 per cent dip compared to 2023, the silver screen proved its resilience, delivering joy, drama, and record-breaking numbers like never before. The numbers don’t just speak—they roar!
The Hindi film industry delivered a commanding performance in November. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” emerged as the highest-grossing film of the month, amassing Rs 15 crore more than “Singham Again”. Both films now rank among the year’s top Hindi theatrical releases, trailing only “Stree 2” in total collections.
While “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” capitalised on nostalgia and engaging storytelling, “Singham Again” thrived on its action-packed narrative and star power. Together, they bolstered Hindi cinema’s contribution to the cumulative box office for January to November 2024, which stands at Rs 9,862 crore.
In contrast, non-Hindi films struggled to make a significant impact. The Tamil film “Kanguva”, despite a promising start, faltered due to poor audience reception, barely crossing the Rs 50 crore mark. Hollywood, regional Indian films, and dubbed releases collectively failed to breach the Rs 100 crore benchmark for November.
Hindi’s market share climbed to 38 per cent in 2024 from 34 per cent earlier this year, signaling a recovery. However, it remains below the 44 per cent dominance recorded in 2023, highlighting room for growth. With “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” & “Singham Again” being the latest additions, “Kalki 2898 AD” saw 45 per cent of its box office collection coming from its hindi version, further underscoring the language’s significant contribution to the year’s cinematic landscape.
The cumulative gross box office collections for 2024 have already surpassed the Rs 10,000 crore threshold, thanks to the enduring appeal of major releases like “Pushpa 2: The Rule”. Industry insiders are optimistic about December’s high-profile films, including “Baby John” (Hindi) and “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Hollywood). With the right audience response, 2024 could challenge the record Rs 12,226 crore gross achieved in 2023.
The industry’s resilience amidst a 4 per cent decline is commendable, yet the reliance on a handful of blockbusters underscores vulnerabilities in market diversification. For regional and non-Hindi films, capturing broader audience segments will be crucial.
As December’s releases roll in, the Indian box office’s final figures for 2024 remain a subject of keen anticipation. The industry’s ability to adapt and innovate will determine whether it can reclaim the highs of previous years or chart new territory in its post-pandemic resurgence.
Key takeaways:
1. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” leads November 2024 with record-breaking collections.
2. Hindi films dominate, contributing 73 per cent of monthly revenue.
3. Regional and Hollywood films underperform, highlighting disparities.
4. The annual box office’s success hinges on December’s releases.
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