In 2025, just four Bollywood movies managed to cross ₹200 crore globally, led by Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava. Here’s the full breakdown.
2025 has proven to be a tough year for Bollywood at the global box office. Despite high hopes and big-budget releases, only four Hindi films have managed to breach the ₹200 crore worldwide mark — a number that reflects both the changing audience preferences and increasing pressure from South cinema and Hollywood. The four films that have pulled through the global box office storm are Chhaava, Housefull 5, Sitaare Zameen Par, and Raid 2.
Let’s break down the performance and impact of each film.
Chhaava: ₹807 Crore Worldwide – The Undisputed Winner
Without a doubt, Chhaava has been the biggest surprise and success story of the year. Starring Vicky Kaushal in a powerful historical role, this film completely dominated the domestic and international market. Audiences resonated with the story of valor and sacrifice, and the film’s gritty execution, emotionally charged screenplay, and powerful performances created a perfect storm of success.
What made Chhaava work was its combination of strong nationalism, stunning cinematography, and an actor who has slowly built his credibility project after project. It became a word-of-mouth sensation, and while critics had mixed views initially, the audience had already taken control of the narrative. Chhaava raked in a whopping ₹807 crore globally, making it not just the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, but also one of the biggest ever for Vicky Kaushal.
Housefull 5: ₹288 Crore Worldwide – Comedy Still Has A Pulse
The Housefull franchise returned this year with its fifth installment, and while critics rolled their eyes, the film pulled in a massive ₹288 crore worldwide. Spearheaded by Akshay Kumar, the film stayed loyal to its over-the-top comedy style and attracted audiences looking for stress-free entertainment.
While not as strong in India due to changing audience tastes, the film did extremely well in the Gulf countries, Canada, and Australia where the Housefull brand still holds nostalgic value for NRIs. It wasn’t a cinematic marvel, but in a year of underwhelming performances, it stood tall and proved that the masala formula still has an audience — even if not as big as it once was.
Sitaare Zameen Par: ₹243 Crore Worldwide – Aamir Khan’s Comeback Works
Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen was always going to make headlines. Sitaare Zameen Par, a thematic extension of his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, brought back the emotional core, this time with a stronger focus on neurodivergent adults and social reform.
The film earned ₹243 crore globally, not just because of the star power, but also due to the conversations it triggered. Critics praised its sensitivity and message, while many viewers were moved by its emotionally charged narrative. However, the box office performance was somewhat restrained due to its slower pace and niche subject. Yet, for fans of meaningful cinema, it was a solid win, and it restored some of Aamir’s fading shine post-Laal Singh Chaddha.
Raid 2: ₹237 Crore Worldwide – Ajay Devgn Delivers Yet Again
Ajay Devgn returned with Raid 2, the sequel to his 2018 hit, and once again played the honest and relentless income tax officer. While the story didn’t reinvent the wheel, the film stayed true to its formula — tight scripting, intense confrontations, and a hero that audiences love to root for.
The film earned ₹237 crore worldwide, largely thanks to strong Tier-2 and Tier-3 city collections and a solid run in international markets where Devgn enjoys a loyal fan base. It might not have been a cultural moment, but Raid 2 delivered exactly what fans expected — and that’s why it worked.
Looking Ahead
With releases like Singham Again, Don 3, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 lined up for late 2025 and 2026, the industry will be watching closely. Will these franchises revive the mass appeal or suffer from fatigue?
It’s clear — Bollywood isn’t dead, but it’s definitely in a transitional phase. And if more films don’t start matching both content and business expectations, the gap between Bollywood and its competitors may widen beyond repair.