In 2023, Bollywood experienced a remarkable resurgence after the gloomy phase of the post-pandemic era, achieving significant successes. The year commenced with the release of ‘Pathaan,’ which presented a revamped version of Shah Rukh Khan and set the tone for a triumphant year. Subsequently, ‘Jawan’ shattered numerous records, emerging as the highest net grosser at the Indian box office. The year concluded with another historic success, ‘Animal,’ delivered by Ranbir Kapoor.
All three films secured positions in the top 3 biggest Bollywood successes of all time at the Indian box office. ‘Pathaan’ earned 543.22 crores in India, initially holding the title of the highest net grosser in Bollywood. ‘Jawan’ surpassed this feat with a monumental run, amassing a whopping 640.42 crores net. ‘Animal,’ still running in theaters, has earned 550 crores as per the latest update.
Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus in ‘Pathaan’ was worth the wait, as he made a remarkable comeback in a massy avatar, embodying the essence of a true superstar. The film’s historic start of 57 crores and its lifetime run at 543.22 crores showcased its immense success, with a remarkable growth of 225.76% in collection after the regular 3-day opening weekend.
‘Jawan,’ a collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and director Atlee, generated significant buzz from its announcement, leading to an earth-shattering start of 75 crores and an impressive 206.06 crores in 3 days. The film’s enduring popularity among audiences resulted in a final collection of 640.42 crores at the Indian box office, marking a remarkable increase of 210.79% in collection after the 3-day opening weekend.
Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ garnered attention through its exciting promotional content, particularly the impactful trailer, and the film’s A-rated promotion strategy. Despite mixed reviews, ‘Animal’ resonated with its targeted audience, fueling social media debates and controversies that contributed to its success. The film’s exceptional start of 63.80 crores and its current standing at 550 crores reflect a substantial rise of 172.60% in collection after the opening weekend.
The triumphant performances of ‘Pathaan,’ ‘Jawan,’ and ‘Animal’ in 2023 underscored Bollywood’s resurgence and the audience’s return to theaters after the pandemic. These films not only achieved historic success but also reinvigorated the industry, setting a new benchmark for box office performance and audience engagement.