2023 was the year of Bollywood. After two years of setbacks at the box office, the industry has finally roared back to life, marking a spectacular comeback that left critics and audiences alike in awe. Bollywood not only reclaimed its lost glory but also set new benchmarks of creativity and global appeal. The year was marked by record-breaking box-office figures and mega milestones.
Across all languages, the gross box office collections for 2023 might exceed Rs 12,000 crore. The percentage contribution to annual gross box office increased to 44 percent in 2023 from 33 percent in 2022 and 19 percent in 2021. Unlike 2022, where movies from the south Indian industries like RRR, KGF-Chapter 2, and Kantara resonated with the Hindi audiences, 2023 saw no movies from the south achieve similar feet.
As per the annual report of BookMyShow 2023, a total of 16,48,508 people visited the cinemas, each enjoying at least six movies in 2023. The most watched movies of the year were Jawaan, Gadar 2, and The Katha Continues. Jailer, Animal, The Kerala Story, Ponniyan Selvan: Part 2 (Tamil), Tiger 3, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Jawaan, Pathaan and OMG 2
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Comebacks of the 90’s Bollywood stars
The year saw the return of 90’s superstars like Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rajnikanth. Sunny Geol returned to the silver screen with a sequel to a 22-year-old franchise, Gadar 2: The Katha Continues, and it was a standout event of the year. Bobby Deol also had an impactful performance in Animal. His entry song, “Jamal Kudu, went extremely viral
Shah Rukh Khan had not one but two blockbuster releases this year: Jawaan and Pathaan. He returned to the silver screen after four years. Pathaan’s release in January ended the industry’s dry spell at the box office It was his first hit after a four-year sabbatical after a series of duds like Jab Harry met Sejal and Zero. Six movies—Jawaan, Pathaan, Gadar 2, Animal, and Salaar—gained a seat in the elite Rs 500 crore club. Pathaan minted Rs 534 crores, Jawan earned Rs 640 crores, and Gadar 2 minted Rs 525 crores at the domestic box office. Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal earned Rs 531 crore
The Bhaijaan of Bollywood, Salman Khan, had two films this year: Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi ki Jaan and Tiger 3. Although the former failed to impress the audience, Tiger 3 grossed Rs 466.63 crore.
Rajnikanth had a stellar comeback with this trade-mark masala action movie, Jailer, which made Rs 408 crore. Another South superstar who made his much-awaited comeback was Prabhas with his latest release, Salaar.
Karan Johar made a directorial comeback after seven years with Rocky aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani. The movie was a massive hit and earned Rs 150 crore.
Small scale movies become a hit
Several small scale movies like SatyaPrem Ki katha (Rs 77.50 crore), 12th Fail ( Rs 52.18 crore) , Dream Girl 2 ( 104.90 crore) , Sam Bahadur ( Rs 72.6 crore) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke ( Rs 88 crore) became huge hits. TMovies with a serious subject – Kerala story minted Rs 220 crores which highlighted content is king
The box office numbers are expected to grow more in 2024 as multiplex giant PVR INO have added more than 150 screens in smaller unpenetrated markets like Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur and Patna
OTT Release that made a mark
Not just the theatrical releases, OTT platforms also served compelling content in 2023. Series like – Trial By Fire, Kohrra , Kathal , Lust stories 2 , Kalaa Pani, Scam 2023, The Railway Men were the most outstanding originals of the year.
Bollywood’s comeback was not just about box office numbers; it was a testament to the industry’s ability to adapt, evolve, and overcome challenges. The year 2023 will be remembered as a turning point.
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