Gulte’s Mid-Year Box Office Report: Top Movies of 2024

As we reach the halfway mark of 2024, it’s time to reflect on some of the standout films that have captured audiences and critics alike. While this part of the year has been a little lacklustre for Telugu cinema, there have still been a couple of notable releases. The Telugu audience, however, also enjoyed a lot of cinema from neighbouring states this time around. Here is the top-rated, blockbuster movies that grabbed the audience’s attention in the first half of 2024, offering insights into the milestones achieved by Indian cinema so far this year. Here’s a closer look at these cinematic triumphs:-

1. Kalki 2898 AD

Genre: Sci-fi dystopian drama

Gulte’s Rating: 3.25/5

Box Office Verdict: Highest grosser of the year to date

Kalki 2898 AD is an exceptional release in more ways than one. The sci-fi mythological magnum opus that had the theatres booked housefull across the country and the US like nobody’s business stands out as one of Indian cinema’s highest grossers of all time. With its ambitious storyline and star studded cast, this sci-fi epic has captivated audiences worldwide. The movie’s visual effects and gripping narrative have set a new benchmark for Indian cinema, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

2. Maharaja

Genre – Thriller

Gulte’s Rating: 3/5

Box Office Verdict: The first ₹100 crore grosser for Vijay Sethupathi as a lead

Vijay Sethupathi’s Maharaja has achieved a significant milestone, becoming his first film to cross the ₹100 crore mark as a lead actor, just when people dismissed Vijay’s ability to draw in crowds to the theatre. This gritty thriller, which gained acclaim for its unique storyline, engaging narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s powerful performance, has resonated with a wide audience, cementing his status as a bankable star in the industry.

3. Tillu Square

Genre – Comedy

Gulte’s Rating: 3/5

Box Office Verdict: One of the most profitable films of its scale ever in Telugu cinema

Tillu Square has defied expectations with its remarkable profitability. The sequel of the 2022 comedy caper DJ Tillu has managed to rake in substantial profits, thanks to its witty dialogue and its lead actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s endearing screen presence. The success of Tillu Square’s predecessor also played a major role in its warm reception, though Siddhu also did his best to ensure that the sequel stood up remarkably to the expectations set by DJ Tillu.

4. Manjummel Boys

Genre – Survival drama

Gulte’s Rating: 3/5

Box Office Verdict: The all-time biggest grosser in Malayalam cinema

Manjummel Boys has made history in the Malayalam film industry by becoming the highest-grossing film of its industry of all time. At the same time, the film created unprecedented box-office records in both Tamil and Telugu industries. This heartwarming tale of friendship and camaraderie, combined with a high-stakes, never-seen-before survival story has made the film a unanimous success. The film also scores high across all technical and narrative parameters, be it its cinematography, editing, production design, sound design and acting.

5. Premalu

Genre – Romantic comedy

Gulte’s Rating: 3/5

Box Office Verdict: The first-ever rom-com to gross ₹100 crores in Malayalam cinema

Premalu has achieved a unique milestone as the first romantic comedy in Malayalam cinema to gross ₹100 crores. Its charming narrative and relatable characters have made it a favourite among moviegoers. The film is set in Hyderabad, which made the film particularly relatable and especially endearing towards the Telugu audience. Premalu proves that a film does not necessarily have to be a high-octane action entertainer or an old-school family film or even a multi-starrer to be a superhit. Even a lighthearted film can prove to be a box-office storm.

6. Hanuman

Genre – Superhero film

Gulte’s Rating: 3/5

Box Office Verdict: The all-time biggest Sankranti grosser in 92 years of Telugu cinema.

Hanuman has set a new record as the highest-grossing Sankranti release in the history of Telugu cinema. In addition to doing great business in the Telugu states, the film has also left an enduring impact across audiences in India. This inspired superhero film, with its grand visuals and powerful storytelling, has put its director Prasanth Varma and his budding franchise Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), on the map. Its impressive box office performance highlights the enduring appeal of mythology-inspired films in Indian cinema.

Gulte.com’s mid-year report showcases the diverse range of films that have left an indelible mark on audiences in 2024. From homegrown franchises to survival drama to comedies, these movies have not only received critical acclaim but also achieved remarkable box office success. As we look forward to the second half of the year, it’s exciting to anticipate what other cinematic gems will emerge and captivate our imagination.