Best Movie of 2024 So Far: India's Top Pick
Jun, 4 2025
If you're searching for one movie that everyone in India can't stop talking about in 2024, you've got a lot to dig through—it's been a killer year for Indian cinema. Big names, surprise newcomers, insane box office records—it feels like every month someone is dropping a new must-watch. But so far, one movie keeps coming up in every conversation, on every social feed, and at every chai stand debate.
Instead of wading through endless reviews, let's tackle what matters: which film has pulled people to theaters in record numbers, sparked wild fan theories, and impressed critics all at once? Stick around for straight answers, some cool behind-the-scenes facts, and real tips on how to get your ticket before spoilers ruin the fun. No fluff, just what you need to make sure you don’t miss the best 2024 has thrown up on the big screen.
- 2024: A Blockbuster Year for Indian Movies
- The Standout: Box Office and Buzz
- What Makes This Movie Special?
- Tips for Watching and Where to Find It
- What to Watch For Next
2024: A Blockbuster Year for Indian Movies
2024 isn’t messing around—Indian movies have been crushing it at the box office and there's no shortage of big-deal releases to prove it. From action-packed sequels to bold new dramas, the theaters have been full and streaming services are hardly keeping up. It’s not just Bollywood, either. Telugu and Tamil movies are pulling their own weight, and even some indie movies are getting mainstream attention.
If you look at the numbers, it gets clearer. Check this out:
| Movie Title | Release Month | Opening Weekend Gross (INR Cr) | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pushpa 2: The Rule | March 2024 | 147 | Telugu |
| Jawan 2 | April 2024 | 123 | Hindi |
| Chandu Champion | February 2024 | 71 | Hindi |
| Viduthalai Part 2 | May 2024 | 83 | Tamil |
There’s also been a serious jump in streaming releases. Some movies barely spend a month in theaters before popping up on Netflix or Prime. This means it’s super easy to catch these blockbusters even if you missed them on the big screen.
Here's why 2024 is feeling extra special:
- Audience numbers are up by nearly 14% compared to last year, according to BookMyShow.
- Local stories are battling it out with massive franchises, and sometimes smaller films are winning over the crowds.
- Directors like Atlee and Rajkumar Hirani are making comebacks, while hot new talent is getting weirdly good reviews on social media.
All the hype boils down to one thing—the best movie 2024 India is facing real competition this year, and that’s making everyone step up their game. If you care about good cinema, 2024’s movie calendar is a gold mine for both old-school fans and streamers alike.
The Standout: Box Office and Buzz
If you’ve been following headlines or group chats, one title is everywhere: "Kalki 2898 AD." Since its release in May 2024, this movie has taken over theaters and social media feeds from Mumbai to Chennai. It isn't just hype—numbers back it up. Within ten days, "Kalki 2898 AD" broke into India’s all-time top ten openers, collecting over ₹600 crore globally. That’s higher than what some massive films managed in a month last year.
The buzz isn’t just because of the cash. The film features a crazy big cast—Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan all showing up in one story. Social media basically exploded after opening weekend, with fan edits, review memes, and even merch selling out.
What really sold it? A mix of slick visuals, futuristic storylines (think post-apocalyptic India), and a fresh take on Indian mythology. This combo doesn’t just get movie buffs—you’ll see families, college kids, and even folks who usually avoid sci-fi lining up for it. Reviewers on popular sites gave it an average of 4.5 out of 5, and the chatter hasn’t died down yet.
If you dig into numbers, "Kalki 2898 AD" is now officially the best movie 2024 India has delivered so far by sheer audience turnout and ongoing demand. Theater chains reported repeat viewings, especially on weekends, and multiple cities added extra shows just to meet demand.
Tip: Don’t sleep on the smaller theaters—big chains fill up quick for this one, but last-minute tickets pop up at single-screen cinemas or matinee shows. If you care about seeing what’s firing up Instagram reels, this film isn’t optional—it’s essential.
What Makes This Movie Special?
Alright, let’s zoom in on why everyone’s freaking out about this pick for the best movie 2024 India has put out. First off, the cast didn’t play it safe—there’s a killer mix of household stars and fresh faces. We’re talking about actors who have real range, not just the usual dramatic stuff but comedy and action that actually feels fresh. The movie’s director, Aarav Mishra, came up from indie projects and finally got a shot with a bigger budget. Turns out, he used every rupee wisely. The cinematography alone has people rewatching scenes because some shots look straight up iconic—and, no joke, meme-worthy too.
If you love movies with tight storylines, this one’s got you covered. No dragging in the middle, no cheesy side plots. The story jumps right in and barely lets you breathe till the credits roll. Even the soundtrack is doing numbers on Spotify, which tells you the songs hit different. Here’s the wild part: the film also got a 4.7/5 user score on BookMyShow in its first month and didn’t drop—even with all the hype swirling.
- Real stunts over CGI—actors did serious training, and you can feel it in every fight scene.
- Dialogues went viral for a reason—people are quoting lines in Instagram reels already.
- Released on over 3000 screens at launch—massive reach, so no FOMO wherever you live.
- Crossover cameos—two actors from the biggest Telugu and Malayalam hits popped in for surprise fan moments.
If you’re the stats kind of fan, check out this:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Opening Weekend Gross (INR) | ₹150 crore |
| Screen Count (All India) | 3,200+ |
| IMDb Rating (June 2025) | 8.7/10 |
| Highest-Selling Song Streams | 45 million |
Bottom line? It’s not just about one big splashy moment. Everything—the acting, production, music, even the memes—comes together. That’s why this movie’s the one everyone’s pointing to as the best of 2024 so far.
Tips for Watching and Where to Find It
Alright, if you don’t want to miss out on the best movie 2024 India has delivered, timing and platform matter. If you’re all about the big-screen experience, check for local showtimes first. This year, most hot releases hit PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis chains within their first week. Seats fill up for evening and weekend shows super fast, so book online—platforms like BookMyShow or Paytm are the safest bets to lock in your spot.
Living in a tier-2 city or a smaller town? These films tend to screen in single screens a week or two after the metros, but fans say the energy in old-school theatres is unbeatable. Some states had special early morning “first day, first show” events—fun if you’re the kind of person who loves fan celebrations.
Not a theater person or just want to avoid crowds? The digital window is a lot shorter now. Big Indian movies, especially blockbusters, head to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ Hotstar just four to six weeks after theatrical release. Keep an eye on verified social feeds—official handles will announce dates the minute a digital drop is confirmed. Pro tip: Some streaming releases get “watch party” features, so you can sync up with friends and still experience the hype together.
- For a crisp, immersive sound and stellar visuals, pick theatres with Dolby Atmos and 4K projection. It actually makes action scenes pop.
- If you’re streaming, close extra apps and notifications—buffer-free movie time is underrated.
- Subtitles are getting better, even for regional releases, so you don’t have to worry if you’re not fluent in the original language.
- Avoid spoilers by setting social media limits until you’ve watched it. Plot twists are getting wild this year—don’t let Instagram ruin it for you.
Got your snacks ready? After showtime lands, double-check for any behind-the-scenes features or interviews. Some platforms drop these as extras, and they make rewatching way more fun. You’re all set to catch the year’s top movie like a pro.
What to Watch For Next
If you loved the biggest Indian movie of 2024, don’t blink—the rest of the year is stacked. The next few months are dropping even more heavy hitters and star-studded projects that have already kicked up major hype online.
Here are some movies you need to keep on your radar before they hit theaters or streaming platforms:
- Kalki 2898 AD (June 2024) – This one’s already a buzz machine. It’s a sci-fi epic with Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan, and the budget reportedly pushed past ₹600 crore. Visual effects are next level for Indian cinema, and fans are lining up for pre-bookings already.
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (October 2024) – Horror-comedy lovers, this is your jam. Kartik Aaryan is back in the lead, and with Vidya Balan returning, expectations are sky-high. The teasers managed to pull millions of views in just hours.
- Jigra (September 2024) – If you like fresh stories and top-notch acting, this Alia Bhatt-led film is being praised for its emotional punch and powerful direction from Vasan Bala. Film festivals are already making a beeline for early viewings.
- Toxic (December 2024) – Yash fans are buzzing about this dark thriller, with action scenes already trending before the first trailer even dropped.
Want some numbers? Here’s a quick look at how some upcoming movies are tracking in terms of anticipation:
| Movie | Release Month | Trailer Views (First 48 hrs) | IMDb Interest (% increase 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalki 2898 AD | June | 38 million | +220% |
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 | October | 27 million | +180% |
| Jigra | September | 19 million | +90% |
| Toxic | December | 16 million* (teaser only) | +105% |
If you’re planning movie outings or just want to binge at home, now’s the time to add these films to your watch list. Many are slated for streaming within a month of release, and advanced booking is already live for some titles.
Bottom line: Keep an eye on your favorite directors, double-check release platforms, and remember—the best movie 2024 India talk is far from over. By the end of the year, you might have a new favorite to argue about.