Indian cinema continued its global ascent in 2024, with several films making their mark on IMDb’s most popular list. The list reflects a mix of genres, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Indian filmmakers. From horror-comedy sequels to futuristic epics, these movies captured audiences’ imagination worldwide.
1. Stree 2:
One of the most anticipated sequels of the year, “Stree 2” directed by Amar Kaushik carried forward the quirky horror-comedy legacy of its predecessor. The film once again featured Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, with Pankaj Tripathi’s comic brilliance shining through. With its mix of supernatural thrills and humour, “Stree 2” solidified its place as a crowd favourite.
2. Maharaja:
Directed by Nithilan Saminathan, the movie is based on the story of a barber who seeks revenge after Lakshmi goes missing. He approached police as well but left them confused as to whether Lakshmi is a person or an object. The movie starred Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas and others in important roles.
3. Kalki 2898 AD:
“Kalki 2898 AD”, helmed by Nag Ashwin, emerged as a groundbreaking entry in Indian science fiction. Starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, the futuristic saga explored a dystopian world with stunning visual effects and a compelling narrative. The film’s ambitious scope and stellar cast ensured its popularity among global audiences.
4. Shaitaan:
Directed by Vikas Bahl, “Shaitaan” delved into the dark world of black magic. Starring Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan and Jyothika in important roles, the movie is based on the story of a family that begins facing problems when their daughter starts behaving weirdly because of the black magic done on her by a stranger.
5. Manjummel Boys:
Manjummel Boys, a Malayalam comedy-drama, brought a fresh perspective to Indian cinema. Directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval and featuring a vibrant cast including Sreenath Bhasi, Khalid Rahman and Soubin Shahir, the film’s lighthearted yet poignant narrative struck a chord with audiences, earning it widespread recognition.
6. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3:
The third installment in the successful horror-comedy franchise, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” directed by Anees Bazmee starred Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri in lead roles. The movie also saw the comeback of Vidya Balan in the franchise and Madhuri Dixit Nene also played an important role. With its clever blend of spooky elements and humour, the film continued the legacy of the franchise while introducing fresh twists that delighted fans.
7. Fighter:
Directed by Siddharth Anand, “Fighter” marked India’s foray into high-octane aerial action. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, the film’s breathtaking stunts and patriotic undertones made it a massive hit. The chemistry between the lead pair and the adrenaline-pumping sequences captivated audiences globally.
8. Kill:
“Kill”, a Hindi action thriller produced by Karan Johar surprised viewers with its gritty and intense narrative. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and featuring newcomers Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, the film’s relentless pace and raw action sequences made it a standout entry.
9. Singham Again:
The latest installment in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe brought Ajay Devgn back as the iconic Bajirao Singham. With an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh, the high-octane action and patriotic fervor of the movie solidified its place as a blockbuster. The movie’s larger-than-life sequences and Rohit Shetty’s signature style resonated with fans.
10. Laapataa Ladies:
A satirical comedy directed by Kiran Rao, “Laapataa Ladies” offered a humorous and thought-provoking take on gender dynamics in rural India. Featuring Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan and Pratibha Ranta, the film’s quirky narrative and sharp social commentary garnered widespread appreciation.
The inclusion of these films in IMDb’s most popular list underscores the global appeal of Indian cinema. From experimental storytelling to grand spectacles, these movies highlight the industry’s versatility and creative prowess, making 2024 a landmark year for Indian films.
