The first half of 2024 has set the stage for an exciting year in cinema, with various films making significant impact at the box office. Some movies arrived with grand expectations and budgets, while others captivated audiences with engaging narratives and strong performances. From Hrithik Roshan’s action-packed ‘Fighter’ to Yami Gautam Dhar’s socially relevant ‘Article 370’, the year so far has offered a mix of spectacular visuals, thrilling plots, and heartfelt stories. Here’s a closer look at how these films have fared and what they brought to the audience.
The year commenced with a bang as the highly anticipated ‘Fighter’, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, hit the theaters. Directed by Siddharth Anand, who co-wrote the story with Ramon Chibb, ‘Fighter’ is envisioned as the inaugural part of an aerial action franchise. Produced by Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures, the film brought in a mix of reviews but solid box office numbers. In India, it amassed Rs 211.50 crore nett, while its worldwide gross totaled an impressive Rs 337.2 crore, making it the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 and the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year so far. The film’s high-octane action sequences and the star power of its lead actors contributed significantly to its box office success, despite the mixed critical feedback.
Next on the list is ‘Shaitaan’, a supernatural horror film that brought together a powerhouse of talent including Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, and Jyothika. Directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Devgn Films, Jio Studios, and Panorama Studios, ‘Shaitaan’ is a remake of the 2023 Gujarati film ‘Vash’. It amassed Rs 211 crore worldwide, ranking it as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 and the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. Moreover, it has the distinction of being the highest-grossing Indian horror film of all time. The film’s intriguing storyline, combined with strong performances and effective horror elements, allowed it to capture the audience’s imagination and dominate the horror genre’s box office records.
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Ajay Devgn, an actor known for his versatility, also starred in another significant release of the year – ‘Maidaan’. However, despite receiving positive reviews from critics for its compelling narrative and strong performances, ‘Maidaan’ struggled to create significant impact at the box office, collecting Rs 67 crore worldwide. The film, which focuses on the golden era of Indian football, may have faced challenges in attracting a broader audience, yet it remains a critical success for its heartfelt storytelling and earnest performances.
Among the sleeper hits of 2024, Yami Gautam Dhar’s ‘Article 370’ stands out. Turning the focus onto complex socio-political issues, the film managed to resonate with the audience and critics alike. ‘Article 370’ collected Rs 74.17 crore, making it a considerable success compared to its modest expectations. The film stands ninth among the highest-grossing female-led films, showcasing Yami Gautam Dhar’s growing popularity and the audience’s appetite for powerful, socially relevant stories. Directed adeptly with a focus on critical contemporary issues, ‘Article 370’ became not just a commercial success but also a talking point for its impactful narrative.
The first half of 2024 demonstrated a varied landscape for Bollywood, where both high-budget blockbusters and unexpected sleeper hits made their mark. Films like ‘Fighter’ and ‘Shaitaan’ underline the continuing appeal of star-studded, big-budget spectacles, while movies like ‘Article 370’ reveal an audience that is equally appreciative of well-crafted, thought-provoking cinema. These successes indicate a robust and dynamic industry, responsive to diverse stories and genres.
As we look forward to the second half of 2024, the anticipation continues to build. Many more films with intriguing premises and stellar casts are lined up for release. This period will likely bring its own set of surprises and record-breaking performances, keeping cinema lovers eagerly waiting for the next big hit. Only time will tell what other gems the remaining months of the year hold for fans and their favorite stars alike.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor and report on the latest happenings in the film industry, and here’s hoping for an equally thrilling second half of 2024.
