Indian cinema is renowned for its grandeur, storytelling, and ability to pull audiences into theaters in massive numbers. Over the years, numerous films have set new benchmarks in terms of box office collections, especially on their first day of release. The first day collection is a crucial indicator of a movie’s potential success and reflects the audience’s anticipation and excitement. Here, we take a look at the top 10 highest first-day collection movies in India, exploring their box office performance, cast, plot, and what made them instant hits.
War (2019)
First Day Collection: ₹53.35 crore
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Vaani Kapoor
Director: Siddharth Anand
Plot: “War” is an action-packed thriller featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in a cat-and-mouse chase across multiple locations. The film showcases high-octane action sequences and stunning visuals, making it a visual treat for action lovers.
Why It Clicked: The unique pairing of Hrithik and Tiger, both known for their exceptional dancing and action skills, created immense buzz. The slick action sequences and the gripping storyline further contributed to its massive opening.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
First Day Collection: ₹41 crore (Hindi version)
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
Plot: The epic conclusion to the “Baahubali” saga reveals why Kattappa killed Baahubali. The film continues the story of Shivudu, who unravels his legacy and seeks revenge for his father’s death.
Why It Clicked: The cliffhanger ending of the first part left audiences eagerly awaiting the conclusion. The grandeur, visual effects, and emotional storyline made it a must-watch, resulting in record-breaking collections.
Saaho (2019)
First Day Collection: ₹24.40 crore (Hindi version)
Cast: Prabhas, Shraddha Kapoor, Jackie Shroff
Director: Sujeeth
Plot: “Saaho” is an action thriller that revolves around an undercover agent on a mission to uncover a massive robbery. The film is packed with twists and turns, high-octane stunts, and a gripping storyline.
Why It Clicked: Post “Baahubali,” Prabhas had become a pan-India star, and “Saaho” was highly anticipated. The film’s extensive promotions, star cast, and action sequences contributed to its massive opening.
Thugs of Hindostan (2018)
First Day Collection: ₹52.25 crore
Cast: Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Fatima Sana Shaikh
Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya
Plot: Set in 1795, “Thugs of Hindostan” follows a group of thugs led by Azaad (Amitabh Bachchan) who confront the British East India Company. Firangi (Aamir Khan), a small-time thug, is hired by the British to infiltrate and defeat them.
Why It Clicked: The film boasted a stellar cast including Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, along with grand production values and extensive marketing. The high expectations led to a record-breaking first day, despite mixed reviews later.
Simmba (2018)
First Day Collection: ₹20.72 crore
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood
Director: Rohit Shetty
Plot: “Simmba” is a spin-off from the “Singham” series, following a corrupt cop who transforms after a personal tragedy and seeks justice. The film combines action, comedy, and drama with typical Rohit Shetty flair.
Why It Clicked: Ranveer Singh’s energetic performance, the film’s mass appeal, and the successful track record of Rohit Shetty’s films ensured a strong opening. The entertaining storyline and action sequences also drew audiences.
2.0 (2018)
First Day Collection: ₹64.00 crore (All languages)
Cast: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson
Director: S. Shankar
Plot: The sci-fi film is a sequel to “Enthiran” and follows the reawakening of Chitti the Robot to battle an evil force, Pakshi Rajan, who threatens humanity with his control over mobile phones.
Why It Clicked: Rajinikanth’s massive fan base, Akshay Kumar’s presence, and the film’s cutting-edge visual effects generated huge excitement. The film’s unique storyline and grand scale ensured a phenomenal opening.
Bharat (2019)
First Day Collection: ₹42.30 crore
Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Plot: “Bharat” chronicles the journey of a man named Bharat from 1947 to the present day, reflecting India’s post-independence history. The film explores his life through various decades and personal struggles.
Why It Clicked: Salman Khan’s star power, the emotional storyline, and the patriotic themes resonated with a broad audience. The film’s release on Eid, a period synonymous with Salman Khan’s successful releases, also boosted its collections.
Sultan (2016)
First Day Collection: ₹36.54 crore
Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Plot: “Sultan” follows the story of a wrestler who rises to fame, falls due to personal issues, and then makes a comeback to reclaim his lost glory. The film explores themes of love, redemption, and perseverance.
Why It Clicked: The combination of Salman Khan, a sports drama, and the inspirational storyline drew audiences in large numbers. The film’s songs, action sequences, and emotional depth further contributed to its success.
Kabali (2016)
First Day Collection: ₹48 crore (All languages)
Cast: Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte, Winston Chao
Director: Pa. Ranjith
Plot: “Kabali” revolves around an aging gangster’s quest to regain his place in the underworld while seeking revenge for his wife and daughter’s deaths. The film highlights themes of social justice and redemption.
Why It Clicked: Rajinikanth’s unparalleled popularity, especially in South India, and the film’s extensive promotions ensured massive openings. The storyline, music, and Rajinikanth’s performance were major draws.
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)
First Day Collection: ₹40.35 crore
Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Plot: The film is a family drama that revolves around a prince who is replaced by a lookalike to protect him from conspirators. The story explores themes of family, love, and loyalty.
Why It Clicked: The combination of Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya, known for their family-oriented films, created significant anticipation. The festive release during Diwali also contributed to its strong opening.
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The Indian film industry continues to evolve, with movies setting new benchmarks in terms of first-day collections. These films not only reflect the star power and fan following of their lead actors but also highlight the importance of marketing, storyline, and overall production quality. The anticipation built through trailers, songs, and promotions plays a crucial role in drawing audiences to theaters on the first day, ensuring record-breaking collections. As Indian cinema continues to grow, it will be exciting to see which films will set new records in the future.