Top Indian Movies of 2024
The year 2024 has been a landmark year for Indian cinema, with a diverse range of films that captivated audiences with their unique storytelling, compelling performances, and innovative direction. From heartwarming dramas to edge-of-the-seat thrillers, this year’s cinematic offerings have set new benchmarks in Indian filmmaking. Here’s a countdown of the top 15 Indian movies of 2024 that you simply cannot miss.
15. SHAKAHAARI
Language: Kannada
Director: Sandeep Sunkad
Genre: Murder Mystery
Overview: Shakhahaari is a 2024 Kannada-language murder mystery film directed by debutant Sandeep Sunkad, featuring Rangayana Raghu, Gopalakrishna Deshpande, Vinay UJ, and Nidhi Hegde. Premiering on February 16, 2024, the film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The plot centers around innocent individuals whose lives become interconnected in a murder mystery that transpires in a vegetarian restaurant owned by the honorable Chef Subbanna. The film's music is by Mayur Ambekallu, with cinematography by Vishwajith Rao and editing by Shashank Narayana.
14. KALKI 2898 AD
Language: Telugu
Director: Nag Ashwin
Genre: Action Epic
Overview: "Kalki 2898 AD," directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Prabhas, is a Telugu-language epic science fiction film set in a post-apocalyptic 2898 AD. The narrative follows a group attempting to save the unborn child of lab subject SUM-80, named Kalki, against a backdrop of a totalitarian regime led by Supreme Yaskin. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film combines dystopian themes and mythological elements, delving into the struggles of characters like Raia, who escapes conscription, and Ashwatthama, seeking redemption. Following its release on June 27, 2024, it became a commercial triumph, grossing ₹1100 crore and ranking among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film explores themes of power, society's moral decay, and the quest for salvation amid oppression and despair.
13. Aavesham
Language: Malayalam
Director: Jithu Madhavan
Genre: Action Thriller
Overview: "Aavesham" is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language gangster action comedy film directed by Jithu Madhavan and produced by Nazriya Nazim and Anwar Rasheed. It stars Fahadh Faasil as Ranjith "Ranga" Gangadharan and follows three college students in Bangalore who befriend Ranga, a local gangster, to seek revenge on their bully. Initially, the friendship seems beneficial, but as they immerse themselves in Ranga's chaotic lifestyle, their academic performance declines. The plot thickens when they become entangled in a conflict involving Ranga's former boss, Reddy. Ultimately, after a series of confrontations, the boys realize the impact of their choices and Ranga's significance in their lives. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and technical aspects, becoming a major box office success, grossing over ₹154 crores.
12. Bramayugam
Language: Malayalam
Director: Rahul Sadasivan
Genre: Horror Thriller
Overview: "Bramayugam" is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language period folk horror film set in 17th century Malabar, directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The story follows Thevan and Koran as they escape the Portuguese slave trade, but tragedy strikes when Koran is killed by a Yakshi. Thevan ends up trapped in a mysterious manor owned by Kodumon Potti, where he discovers dark secrets about the lord's lineage and a demon helper, the Chathan. As the plot unfolds, Thevan learns he must confront the Chathan to escape, leading to a climactic battle that results in the destruction of the manor and reveals deep deceptions about identity. The film, praised for its performances and technical aspects, was a box office success, grossing over ₹85 crore.
11. Maidaan
Language: Hindi
Director: Amit Sharma
Genre: Sports Drama
Overview: "Maidaan" is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, featuring Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim, a significant football coach in India during the 1950s and 60s. The film chronicles the journey of the Indian football team, beginning with their disastrous defeat at the 1952 Summer Olympics, leading to Rahim's struggle to rebuild the team with new players. Despite challenges from the All India Football Federation and personal health issues, including lung cancer, Rahim perseveres and convinces the federation to allow him to coach. The climax unfolds during the 1962 Asian Games, where, despite adversities including protests and injuries, the team triumphs over South Korea to win the gold medal, marking a historic achievement in Indian football. The film, while receiving positive reviews, struggled at the box office.
10.Amar Singh Chamkila
Language: Punjabi
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Genre: Biographical Drama
Overview: "Amar Singh Chamkila" is a 2024 Indian biographical drama film that portrays the life of the renowned Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali and starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra. The film discusses Chamkila's rise from a humble background in a Dalit family to fame, highlighting his struggles with success and the criticism he faced due to his provocative lyrics. After initially working in a socks factory, he pursued his passion for music, gaining recognition when he filled in for a late singer during a performance, thus earning the nickname "Chamkila." The narrative delves into his tumultuous journey and tragic assassination, while the film has received critical praise and is noted for its engaging music composed by A. R. Rahman.
9. Premalu
Language: Malayalam
Director: Girish A. D
Genre: Romantic Drama
Overview: Premalu is a 2024 Indian Malayalam romantic comedy directed by Girish A. D., featuring Naslen K. Gafoor and Mamitha Baiju. The film follows Sachin Santosh, a recent graduate who plans to move to the UK but instead takes a GATE course in Hyderabad, where he meets Reenu Roy, an IT company employee. Despite initial romantic setbacks and misunderstandings, Sachin and Reenu gradually develop their relationship. The film, praised for its performances, humor, and direction, was released on February 9, 2024, becoming a major success in Malayalam cinema. A sequel, Premalu 2, is already in development.
8. HanuMan
Language: Telugu
Director: Prasanth Varma
Genre: Superhero Mythology
Overview: "Hanu-Man" is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language superhero film directed by Prasanth Varma, featuring Teja Sajja as the lead character, Hanumanthu. Set in the fictional village of Anjanadri, the story follows Hanumanthu, a petty thief who gains the powers of Lord Hanuman through a divine gem, ultimately striving to protect his village from the tyrannical rule of Gajapathi and the villainous ambitions of Michael, who seeks the gem's power for himself. The film, which marks the first installment of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, received acclaim for its direction, performances, visual effects, and action sequences, breaking box-office records by grossing over ₹350 crore worldwide. Following its release, a sequel is already in development, further expanding the universe and adventures of Hanumanthu.
7. Ropanthara
Language: Kannada
Director: Mithilesh Edavalath
Genre: Anthology Drama
Overview: Roopanthara, a 2024 Indian Kannada anthology drama film, marks the directorial debut of Mithilesh Edavalath and features an ensemble cast including Raj B. Shetty and Hanumakka. Produced by Mango Pickle Entertainment and Jani Entertainment, the film comprises four interconnected stories that explore themes of self-transformation against a dystopian backdrop. The narrative unfolds through the recollections of a storyteller who recounts the experiences of various characters: an aging farmer's wife yearning for city life, a boy involved in a risky online game, a new constable's investigation of a beggar woman, and a conflict between a local thug and an IT worker. Released on 26 July 2024, Roopanthara received critical acclaim for its performances and the director's confident debut.
6. Aattam
Language: Malayalam
Director: Anand Ekarshi
Genre: Thriller
Overview: Aattam (2023) is an Indian Malayalam-language thriller directed by Anand Ekarshi and produced by Ajith Joy. The film explores the aftermath of an incident involving Anjali, the lone actress of a theatre group, who is groped by a male member after a party. This leads to a critical meeting with the remaining group members to discuss the accused's expulsion, during which tensions rise, revealing hidden stories and suspicions among the members. The film has received significant acclaim, winning the 2023 Grand Jury Award at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, being selected as the opening feature at the 54th International Film Festival of India, and clinching the Best Feature Film at the 70th National Film Awards.
5. Chandu Champion
Language: Hindi
Director: Kabir Khan
Genre: Sports Biopic
Overview: Chandu Champion tells the remarkable story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film stars Kartik Aaryan in the lead role. The narrative follows Petkar's inspiring journey from a small village in Maharashtra to becoming a national hero. After suffering a severe injury during the Indo-Pakistani war, Petkar overcomes immense challenges to achieve success in the 1972 Paralympics, where he sets a new world record. The film, which captures the essence of resilience and determination, was released on 14 June 2024 and showcases Petkar's ultimate recognition with the prestigious Padma Shri award.
4. Manjummel Boys
Language: Malayalam
Director: Chidambaram
Genre: Survival Thriller
Overview: Manjummel Boys is a survival thriller based on a real-life incident from 2006. The film follows a group of ten friends from a small town near Kochi who embark on a trip to Kodaikanal. Their adventure takes a dark turn when one of them becomes trapped in the infamous Guna Caves. As they struggle to rescue their friend, they face numerous challenges, including uncooperative authorities and the looming danger of the caves. Directed by Chidambaram, the film stars Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and others. Released on 22 February 2024, Manjummel Boys received critical acclaim and became a massive box office success, setting records as the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever and one of the top-grossing Indian films of the year.
3. The Goat Life
Language: Malayalam
Director: Blessy
Genre: Survival Drama
Overview: Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life is a 2024 Malayalam survival drama directed and co-produced by Blessy. The film is based on the true story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant who becomes a victim of modern-day slavery in Saudi Arabia. Adapted from Benyamin's 2008 novel, the story follows Najeeb's harrowing experiences as a goatherd, forced to endure brutal conditions in the isolated deserts of Saudi Arabia. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, with international co-producers involved from the U.S. and India. The production faced numerous challenges, including being stranded in Jordan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Released on 28 March 2024, the film has grossed over ₹160 crore, making it the third-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. The film's intense narrative highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
2. Laapataa Ladies
Language : Hindi
Director : Kiran Rao
Genre : Comedy-Drama
Overview : Laapataa Ladies is a 2024 Hindi comedy-drama directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Rao, Aamir Khan, and Jyoti Deshpande. The film stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan. It tells the amusing and heartwarming story of two newlywed brides who are mistakenly swapped during a chaotic train journey. Set in the fictional Nirmal Pradesh, the film unfolds as Deepak, a farmer, mistakenly takes the wrong bride home. Meanwhile, Phool, his true bride, is left behind, leading to a series of comical and dramatic events. The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 and released theatrically on 1 March 2024. It received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, screenplay, and strong performances by the cast.
1. Maharaja
Language: Tamil
Director: Nithilan Swaminathan
Genre: Action Thriller
Overview: Maharaja is a Tamil-language action thriller directed by Nithilan Swaminathan. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi as a barber whose life shatters when a truck kills his wife, leaving his daughter Jothi to survive under a dustbin named Lakshmi. Years later, Maharaja reports a fake theft of Lakshmi to the police to investigate a real crime: the assault of his daughter by criminals Selvam, Dhana, and Nallasivam. As he uncovers the truth, he seeks justice for Jothi and confronts Selvam, who discovers his own guilt. The film is praised for its gripping storyline and powerful performances, and it has become a major hit in Tamil cinema.
2024 has been a remarkable year for Indian cinema, offering a rich tapestry of stories that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or thought-provoking social commentaries, this list of the top 15 Indian movies of 2024 has something for everyone. These films not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact, reflecting the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
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