Top Indian Movies Of 2016: Highest Grossers

Hey guys, let's dive into the glitz and glamour of Bollywood (and beyond!) and talk about the highest grossing Indian movies of 2016. This was a pretty epic year for Indian cinema, with several films smashing box office records and capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide and globally. We're talking about blockbusters that weren't just money-making machines but also delivered compelling stories and stellar performances. So, buckle up as we revisit some of the biggest hits that defined the cinematic landscape in 2016. It’s always fun to see which films managed to connect with the masses on such a grand scale, proving that a good story, great acting, and a dash of entertainment can indeed conquer the box office. We'll be looking at films across various languages, as the Indian film industry is incredibly diverse, and 2016 saw triumphs in multiple regional cinemas as well, though Bollywood often dominates the absolute highest grossing lists. Let's get ready to reminisce about the movies that made the most moolah and why they resonated so strongly. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the cultural impact and the sheer entertainment value these films brought to the table, making them unforgettable entries in the annals of Indian cinema history. We'll explore the genres, the stars, and the factors that contributed to their phenomenal success, giving you a comprehensive look at the financial titans of 2016.

Bollywood's Reign: The Top Earners

When we talk about the highest grossing Indian movies of 2016, Bollywood undoubtedly takes center stage, churning out several films that achieved phenomenal box office success. One of the most talked-about and highest-earning films of the year was 'Dangal'. While technically released in late December 2016, its massive success spilled over significantly into 2017, but its 2016 release firmly places it in contention for the top spots. This biographical sports drama, starring Aamir Khan, shattered all previous records, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of all time (at that point) and achieving incredible success not just domestically but also in international markets, particularly China. The film's inspiring story of Mahavir Singh Phogat training his daughters to become world-class wrestlers resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing themes of empowerment, perseverance, and breaking societal norms. The critical acclaim was immense, and the word-of-mouth publicity was phenomenal, propelling it to become a cultural phenomenon. Another major player in the 2016 box office arena was 'Sultan', starring Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma. This action-packed sports drama also focused on wrestling and proved to be a massive commercial success, crossing the ₹300 crore mark domestically. Salman Khan's star power, combined with a story that balanced romance, action, and emotional depth, made it a sure-fire hit. The film's entertainment quotient was high, appealing to a wide demographic and solidifying its position as one of the year's biggest blockbusters. Beyond these titans, other Bollywood films also made significant contributions to the box office. 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', a romantic drama directed by Karan Johar and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, performed exceptionally well, especially considering the controversies surrounding its release. Its musical score and emotional storyline captured the audience's attention. 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story', a biopic on the legendary Indian cricketer M.S. Dhoni, starring Sushant Singh Rajput, was another critical and commercial success. The film's engaging narrative and Sushant Singh Rajput's dedicated performance brought the cricketer's journey to life, earning substantial box office revenue. These films exemplify the power of star presence, strong storytelling, and engaging content in drawing audiences to cinemas, making 2016 a landmark year for Bollywood's financial achievements.

'Dangal': A Record-Breaking Phenomenon

Let's talk more about 'Dangal', because honestly, it was THE movie of 2016, the undisputed champion of the box office, and a film that truly transcended cinematic boundaries. While it made its debut in the closing weeks of 2016, its impact was so monumental that it defined the year's highest grossers. The film's worldwide gross collection was staggering, making it the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time of its release. This wasn't just a domestic success; 'Dangal' became a global phenomenon, particularly in China, where it achieved unprecedented box office numbers for an Indian film. This biographical sports drama, inspired by the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who trains his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari to achieve international fame, struck a chord with audiences across diverse cultures. The narrative beautifully weaved together themes of gender equality, parental ambition, national pride, and the sheer grit required to overcome societal barriers and achieve greatness. Aamir Khan's dedication to the role, both physically and emotionally, was evident, and the performances of the young actresses Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, who played the adult Geeta and Babita, were equally commendable. The film's meticulous attention to detail in portraying the wrestling sequences and the authentic depiction of rural Haryana added to its credibility and impact. The simple yet powerful message of 'beti bachao, beti padhao' (save the girl child, educate the girl child) was amplified through the narrative of 'beti khelao' (let the girl play), making it more than just a sports film; it was a social commentary that resonated deeply. The film's success wasn't overnight; it was built on incredible word-of-mouth, critical appreciation, and its ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level. It proved that audiences are hungry for content that is inspiring, empowering, and tells a compelling true story. 'Dangal' didn't just earn money; it earned respect and admiration, setting a new benchmark for Indian cinema on the global stage and cementing its place as a true cinematic milestone of 2016.

'Sultan': Salman Khan's Wrestling Saga

Moving on, we absolutely have to give a massive shout-out to 'Sultan', another wrestling-themed blockbuster that dominated the box office in 2016. Starring the ever-popular Salman Khan in the titular role and Anushka Sharma as his fierce counterpart, Aarfa Khanum, 'Sultan' was a commercial juggernaut from the get-go. The film showcased Salman Khan's immense star power and his ability to pull in massive crowds, a trait he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career. 'Sultan' raked in over ₹300 crore at the domestic box office, making it one of the highest grossing films of the year and cementing its status as a blockbuster. The story followed Sultan Ali Khan, a local wrestling champion from Haryana, whose life takes a turn due to personal struggles, leading him to make a comeback in mixed martial arts (MMA). The film cleverly balanced high-octane action sequences, particularly the wrestling and MMA bouts, with a touching love story and themes of redemption and self-discovery. Anushka Sharma, as the determined wrestler Aarfa, delivered a strong performance, holding her own against Salman Khan and adding significant depth to the narrative. The chemistry between the lead pair was also a major draw for the audience. Director Ali Abbas Zafar crafted a film that was high on entertainment value, replete with Salman Khan's signature style, punchy dialogues, and a narrative that kept audiences engaged from start to finish. The film's soundtrack, featuring catchy songs like 'Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai' and 'Jag Ghoomeya', also played a significant role in its promotional success and overall appeal. 'Sultan' was a perfect example of commercial cinema hitting all the right notes – a relatable underdog story, a larger-than-life hero, a strong female character, and a narrative that appealed to a wide spectrum of viewers. It was a film that celebrated strength, resilience, and the spirit of competition, making it a must-watch for many and a massive financial success for 2016.

Beyond Bollywood: Regional Triumphs

While Bollywood often captures the lion's share of attention when discussing the highest grossing Indian movies of 2016, it's crucial to acknowledge the phenomenal success achieved by films in other regional languages. The Indian film industry is incredibly vibrant and diverse, and 2016 was a testament to the growing power and reach of regional cinema. These films not only performed exceptionally well in their respective markets but also often found a wider audience through dubbed versions and critical acclaim. One of the standout regional successes was the Tamil film 'Kabali', starring the legendary Rajinikanth. The film generated immense buzz and anticipation, with advance bookings breaking records. Despite mixed critical reviews, its box office collection was colossal, especially in the Tamil Nadu circuit and internationally, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. Rajinikanth's superstar charisma was the primary driving force behind its commercial success. Another significant achievement came from Telugu cinema with 'Janatha Garage', starring Jr. NTR and Mohanlal. This action-drama received positive reviews and performed exceptionally well at the box office, becoming one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 2016. The collaboration between Jr. NTR and veteran actor Mohanlal was a major draw for the audience, and the film's strong performances and commercial elements contributed to its success. The Marathi film industry also saw a remarkable success with 'Sairat'. While not a traditional box office behemoth in terms of sheer numbers compared to the Bollywood giants, 'Sairat' was an unprecedented success for Marathi cinema, achieving cult status and unprecedented box office figures for a Marathi film, especially considering its relatively low budget. Its raw storytelling, powerful performances, and iconic music resonated deeply with audiences, proving that compelling content can transcend language barriers and budget constraints. It became a cultural phenomenon and a landmark film for its industry. These films highlight that compelling narratives and strong regional identities can translate into massive commercial success, proving that the box office appeal of Indian cinema extends far beyond the Hindi film industry. They showcase the diversity and richness of Indian filmmaking talent and its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, regardless of language.

'Kabali': Rajinikanth's Phenomenal Run

Let's talk about 'Kabali', a film that created an unprecedented frenzy across India and beyond in 2016, all thanks to the inimitable Thalaivar, Rajinikanth. This Tamil film was more than just a movie; it was an event. The anticipation for 'Kabali' was sky-high, fueled by its unique premise of a don seeking justice and its stylish presentation. The film's marketing campaign was massive, and advance ticket sales shattered records in many circuits, particularly in Tamil Nadu and among the Tamil diaspora worldwide. While its final box office collections were subject to debate due to varying reports, 'Kabali' undoubtedly emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2016, especially considering its initial run and the sheer scale of its release. Rajinikanth's larger-than-life screen presence and his massive fan following were the primary catalysts for its commercial success. The film's narrative, which saw Rajinikanth playing a Malaysian-based Tamil gangster seeking to protect his community, offered a different flavor compared to his usual roles, adding to the intrigue. The soundtrack, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, was also a major hit, with songs like 'Neruppu Da' becoming anthems. Despite facing mixed to average critical reception for its screenplay and pacing, the sheer star power of Rajinikanth and the collective excitement of his fans ensured that 'Kabali' was a box office phenomenon. It demonstrated the incredible power of a single superstar to draw massive crowds and generate immense revenue, solidifying Rajinikanth's status as an unparalleled force in Indian cinema and making 'Kabali' a significant entry in the list of highest grossers for 2016.

'Sairat': A Marathi Masterpiece's Box Office Triumph

Now, let's shift gears to 'Sairat', a film that defied all expectations and became an absolute game-changer for Marathi cinema in 2016. Directed by Nagraj Manjule, this film was a true revelation, proving that heartfelt storytelling and raw, relatable characters can achieve unprecedented box office success, even without the backing of huge stars or massive marketing budgets. 'Sairat' became the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time, a record it held for a considerable period, and its box office numbers were astonishing, rivaling even some mainstream Bollywood hits. The film's narrative, a passionate and tragic love story set against the backdrop of caste discrimination and societal prejudice in rural Maharashtra, struck a deep chord with audiences. The lead actors, Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar, delivered incredibly natural and powerful performances that captivated viewers. The film's visual storytelling, its bold depiction of romance, and its poignant exploration of social issues were lauded by critics and audiences alike. What made 'Sairat' truly special was its ability to connect with a mass audience, transcending urban-rural divides and language barriers to some extent, thanks to its universal themes. The film's soundtrack, especially the song 'Zingaat', became an instant sensation and a party anthem across the country, significantly boosting its popularity. 'Sairat' wasn't just a financial success; it was a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations about caste, love, and societal norms in India. Its journey from a critically acclaimed film to a massive commercial success story is one of the most inspiring tales in recent Indian cinema history, making it an undeniable highlight among the highest grossing Indian movies of 2016.

Conclusion: A Diverse Cinematic Year

In conclusion, 2016 was truly a remarkable year for the Indian film industry, marked by the dominance of a few major blockbusters and the impressive rise of compelling regional cinema. The highest grossing Indian movies of 2016 showcase a diverse range of genres, from inspiring biopics and wrestling dramas to intense romances and social commentaries. We saw Bollywood giants like 'Dangal' and 'Sultan' setting new benchmarks for box office collections, proving the enduring power of star-driven, entertaining cinema. 'Dangal', in particular, transcended expectations, becoming a global phenomenon and redefining success for Indian films on the international stage. Simultaneously, regional cinema asserted its growing influence. Films like the Tamil blockbuster 'Kabali', led by the invincible Rajinikanth, generated massive excitement and significant revenue, demonstrating the power of superstardom. Furthermore, the Marathi film 'Sairat' stands out as a testament to the fact that authentic storytelling and powerful social themes can achieve extraordinary commercial success, breaking records for its industry and becoming a cultural touchstone. These films, across different languages and regions, collectively highlight the richness and diversity of Indian filmmaking. They underscore the audience's appetite for quality content, whether it's a grand spectacle, an emotional journey, or a story that reflects societal realities. The financial successes of 2016 were not just about numbers; they were about films that resonated deeply, entertained millions, and left a lasting impact on Indian popular culture. It was a year that celebrated storytelling in its many forms, proving that cinema, in its purest sense, can be both a powerful art and a massive commercial enterprise.