Selecting one film as the standout of a given year is difficult, since multiple releases often merit the honour.
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede puts together a curated list of the 25 biggest hits in the first 25 years of the century.
Dangal (2016)
Box office collection: Rs 2,000 crore (20 billion)
A powerful sports biopic about female empowerment that connected across markets, especially China, thanks to a moving story and strong performances.
Dhurandhar (2025)
Box office collection: Rs 1259.44 crore and counting (Rs 12.59 billion)
Presented as a defining contemporary spy-action thriller, showcasing Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna with a strong background score and broad box office collection ambition.
Jawan (2023)
Box office collection: Rs 1,150 crore (Rs 11.5 billion)
A multi-genre, high-energy entertainer powered by Shah Rukh Khan's magnetic presence, stylish action and mass appeal.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Box office collection: Rs 970 crore (Rs 9.7 billion)
An emotionally driven road drama pairing Salman Khan's earnest lead with a universal humanist story that resonated strongly worldwide.
PK (2014)
Box office collection: Rs 790 crore (Rs 7.9 billion)
A daring satirical drama that used inventive writing and Aamir Khan's impactful performance to spark debate while achieving massive commercial success.
Sanju (2018)
Box office collection: Rs 586 crore (Rs 5.86 billion)
A star-driven biopic that showcased Ranbir Kapoor's transformative performance and strong production values to tell a controversial real life story with mainstream appeal.
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
Box office collection: Rs 565 crore (Rs 5.65 billion)
A high-octane spy sequel delivering slick action, star chemistry between Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and broad commercial entertainment.
Dhoom 3 (2013)
Box office collection: Rs 558 crore (Rs 5.58 billion)
The franchise's biggest spectacle yet, notable for grand scale, impressive stunts and Aamir Khan's turn as a compelling antagonist.
War (2019 )
Box office collection: Rs 475 crore (Rs 4.75 billion)
A visually stylish, stunt-heavy action spectacle pairing two action superstars that became a major commercial success.
3 Idiots (2009)
Box office collection: Rs 460 crore (Rs 4.6 billion)
This hugely popular coming-of-age comedy-drama fused sharp social commentary, wide youth appeal and heartfelt storytelling to become a cultural phenomenon.
Brahmastra (2022)
Box office collection: Rs 425 crore (Rs 4.25 billion)
An ambitious fantasy-action launch that stood out for its high production values, franchise intent and modern VFX in Indian mainstream cinema.
Animal (2024)
Box office collection: Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.5 billion)
A gritty, character-driven drama notable for its intense performances, uncompromising tone and visual impact.
Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Box office collection: Rs 325 crore (Rs 3.25 billion)
A slick, globe-trotting spy-romance that combined stylish action, big production values and commercial star chemistry.
Sooryavanshi (2020)
Box office collection: Rs 305 crore (Rs 3.05 billion)
As the first big theatrical release after COVID restrictions eased, it delivered full-throttle masala entertainment within the Rohit Shetty cop universe.
Dhoom 2 (2006)
Box office collection: Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion)
The film raised the franchise's bar with international locations, high-gloss production and blockbuster stunts anchored by the star power of Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
Box office collection: Rs 270 crore (Rs 2.7 billion)
A grand historical action drama that translated fierce performances and large-scale production into a crowd-pleasing period hit.
Dabangg (2010)
Box office collection: Rs 230 crore (Rs 2.3 billion)
A mass-appeal masala entertainer that relaunched Salman Khan as an action icon with an instantly memorable character and hit music.
Veer-Zaara (2004)
Box office collection: Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion)
Directed by Yash Chopra, this cross-border love story became a modern classic for its emotive storytelling and popular soundtrack, and reinforced his reputation for sweeping romantic melodrama.
Ghajini (2008)
Box office collection: Rs 137 crore (Rs 1.37 billion)
India's Memento-inspired action-thriller introduced Aamir Khan as an action hero, pairing intense set pieces with a catchy soundtrack.
Singham (2011)
Box office collection: Rs 120 crore (Rs 1.2 billion)
Rohit Shetty's high-voltage cop drama delivered crowd-pleasing action and Ajay Devgn's commanding presence set a template for commercial franchises.
Munna Bhai MBBS (2003)
Box office collection: Rs 110 crore (Rs 1.1 billion)
The Rajkumar Hirani-Sanjay Dutt collaboration redefined mainstream comedy with a heart, launched a successful franchise, and established Hirani's trademark blend of humour and social message.
Chak De! India (2007)
Box office collection: Rs 90 crore (Rs 900 million)
A stirring sports drama, it combined a strong script, powerful performances and patriotic emotion to redefine mainstream socially conscious cinema.
Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
Box office collection: Rs 90 crore (Rs 900 million)
This stylish, western-flavoured caper stood out for its urbane humour, memorable characters and slick mix of city-rural chemistry.
Lagaan (2001)
Box office collection: Rs 65 crore (Rs 650 million)
This Ashutosh Gowariker-Aamir Khan film was not only a commercial success but also earned international recognition by getting nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and bringing wider attention to Indian period-social dramas.
Awara Paagal Deewana (2002)
Box office collection: Rs 60 crore (Rs 600 million)
This Vikram Bhatt comedy has grown into a cult favorite for its broad, memorable characters and slapstick set-pieces, and it remains widely quoted and rewatched for its comic energy.
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
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