South Indian Films That Have Crossed Rs 100 Crore Worldwide: 'Aranmanai 4' is breaking box office records in Tamil film industry. The film has crossed Rs 100 crore at the box office, emerging as Tamil film industry's first hit in 2024. Before decoding success of this horror-comedy starring the versatile powerhouse Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sundar C, here's looking at South films that have minted moolahs at the box office in 2024.
Tamil Cinema
Aranmanai 4
Star Cast: Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia
Box Office Collection: Over Rs 100 crore worldwide
The film is notable for being the first female-led movie of the year to cross the Rs 100 crore mark. Raashii Khanna's versatility and Tamannaah's star power have significantly contributed to its success. The horror-comedy genre has resonated well with audiences, solidifying the movie as a major hit.
In Northeast India, a priest and his daughter journey by boat to a temple during a festival. When the daughter is injured and her blood spills into the river, it releases Baak, a shapeshifting demon. Baak kills the daughter and assumes her form. The priest traps Baak's soul in a vessel, forcing it to take his daughter's place permanently for the sake of his wife.
Captain Miller
Star Cast: Dhanush
Box Office Collection: Over Rs 104.79 crore worldwide
Dhanush's remarkable transformation for his role and his powerful performance captivated audiences. The film's gripping narrative and strong acting performances have made it a favourite among fans and critics alike.
In the 1930s, during the British Raj, Analeesan "Eesa" is a villager who aspires to gain respect in his caste-conscious village by joining the British Indian Army. His elder brother, Sengannan (alias Sengolan), opposes this decision, as he leads a revolution against the British. Eesa falls in love with Velmathi, a doctor and the niece of the royal king Rajadhipathi, but he learns she loves someone else and moves on.
Eesa joins the army and is nicknamed "Miller" by the British, who struggle with the soldiers' native names, and he adopts the title "Captain Miller." During a mission, Eesa and his friends Rafiq and Sembatta (alias Stephen) are ordered by their General, Buller, to shoot defenseless freedom fighters at a public gathering.
Malayalam Cinema
Manjummel Boys
Director: Chidambaram
Box Office Collection: Over Rs 200 crore
This survival thriller has become the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 200 crore mark. Its nationwide appeal and compelling storyline have struck a chord with audiences, making it a groundbreaking success.
"Manjummel Boys" unravels a captivating tale set in 2006, revolving around a group of ten carefree young men who sustain themselves through odd jobs. Under the leadership of the elder Kuttan, they embark on a long-awaited trip to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, immersing themselves in the town's charms with youthful exuberance and freedom from restraint. However, their journey takes a dramatic turn when Sudheesh realizes they overlooked visiting a significant tourist spot, the Guna Caves, famously known as the Devil's Kitchen. Despite the caves being closed off, they boldly trespass and commence exploration.
In a sudden twist, Subash plunges into one of the deepest chasms, leaving the others in a state of panic. Local authorities and the police refuse assistance, citing the cave's history of fatal accidents. The film then shifts focus to the remaining nine men's unwavering determination to rescue their friend from the perilous depths of the cave.
The Goat Life
Star Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Box Office Collection: Over Rs 150 crore
The film, which deals with the harsh realities of immigrant laborers in Saudi Arabia, has resonated deeply with viewers. Prithviraj's powerful performance and the poignant narrative have contributed to its impressive box office performance.
In Saudi Arabia, Malayali immigrants Najeeb Muhammed and Hakim arrive with hopes of a better life, having their visas arranged by their acquaintance Sreekumar. Stranded at the airport and unaware of their employer, they are approached by a local Arab who mistakenly believes he is their boss. After a long journey, they are separated, with Najeeb assigned to work in a remote desert goat herd.
Aavesham
Star Cast: Fahadh Faasil
Box Office Collection: Over Rs 100 crore
Fahadh Faasil, known for his exceptional acting skills, delivered a mesmerizing performance that garnered widespread acclaim. The film's gripping storyline and Faasil's portrayal of Ranga kept the audiences engaged and the box office ringing.
'Aavesham' is a gangster comedy-drama centered on the journey of three teenagers who head to Bangalore for their engineering education. However, their quest for knowledge takes an unexpected turn when they become entangled in a confrontation. Seeking to navigate the challenges they encounter, the trio turns to a local gangster for assistance. As they interact with the underworld, the film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of youth navigating unfamiliar territories.
Premalu
Box Office Collection: Over Rs 100 crore
Despite its generic storyline, the film's charming characters, humorous elements, and strong performances made it a crowd-pleaser. Its lighthearted nature and relatable content struck a chord with the audience.
This is the tale of an engineering graduate, yearning to carve out his career path in the UK, disillusioned by the confines of his hometown. Seeking an escape from the ordinary, he heeds a friend's suggestion and finds himself in Hyderabad. Amidst the bustling cityscape, he crosses paths with a young woman employed in the IT sector. As they engage in conversation, she reveals her aspirations for an ideal companion. However, as their bond transforms from acquaintanceship to close friendship, love unexpectedly blossoms, defying their initial expectations and sparking a deep, meaningful connection between them.
Telugu Cinema
Hanu-Man
Star Cast: Teja Sajja
Box Office Collection: Rs 350 crore worldwide
This film has emerged as a colossal hit, raking in a massive Rs 350 crore. Its engaging narrative and Teja Sajja's performance have been key factors in its success.
In Saurashtra in 1998, a young Michael obsessed with superheroes injures himself while pretending to be one. Years later in Mumbai, with the help of his friend Siri, Michael becomes a superhero named 'Mega Man' but after getting injured in a burglary, he longs for real superpowers.
Guntur Kaaram
Star Cast: Mahesh Babu
Box Office Collection: Rs 171.5 crore worldwide
Mahesh Babu's star power and the film's compelling storyline have helped it achieve impressive box office numbers, making it one of the top earners in the Telugu film industry this year.
In 1998, in Guntur, brothers Dokka Marx Babu and Lenin Babu, notorious hooligans, burn down Bhogineni Satyam, also known as "Royal" Satyam's, mirchi factory. Satyam confronts Marx and Lenin while the factory burns, and during the altercation, Satyam's brother-in-law, Rangam, accidentally kills Lenin. Satyam takes the blame for the murder and is sentenced to 12 years in prison. During the explosion, Satyam's son, Veera Venkata Ramana "Ramana," partially loses vision in his left eye. Following these events, Satyam's wife, Vasundhara, moves back to Hyderabad to live with her politician father, Vyra Venkata Swamy. She eventually marries her paternal cousin, Pakka Rajagopal Narayana "Narayana."