The year 2024 proved to be an underwhelming one for Hollywood in India, with only a handful of major releases leaving a significant mark at the box office. Among the few hits, Mufasa: The Lion King and Deadpool & Wolverine emerged as the top earners, captivating audiences across the country. Mufasa, which debuted during the Christmas weekend, is still running strong in theaters and has earned over ₹150 crore so far, surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine, which concluded its run with an impressive ₹150 crore after releasing in July. Interestingly, Mufasa started off with one-third of Deadpool & Wolverine’s opening numbers, making its eventual success a testament to its sustained popularity.
The success of Mufasa: The Lion King in India can largely be credited to its strong voice cast, featuring Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his sons Aryan and AbRam Khan, along with Mahesh Babu and others. The film’s emotional storytelling, chronicling Mufasa’s journey from an orphaned cub to the king of the Pride Lands, struck a chord with audiences. Positive word of mouth and the legacy of 2019’s The Lion King also contributed to its remarkable box office run. The film’s plot is enriched with flashbacks that delve into Mufasa’s rivalry with Taka, a character whose tragic downfall adds depth to the narrative.
Another highlight of the year, Deadpool & Wolverine, brought Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman together in their much-awaited return as the titular superheroes. With sharp humor and thrilling action, the film won over Indian audiences, along with stellar performances from Leslie Uggams and Emma Corrin. Meanwhile, Godzilla x Kong also managed to breach the ₹100 crore mark in India, proving its appeal with a gripping tale of ancient titans locked in an epic battle. Featuring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Dan Stevens in lead roles, the movie explored the origins of these legendary creatures and their connection to Skull Island’s secrets.
As Hollywood looks ahead to 2025, the industry is gearing up for a stellar lineup of blockbusters, promising a much-needed revival after 2024’s subdued performance. Highly anticipated releases such as Jurassic World: Rebirth, Captain America: Brave New World, Wicked: For Good, Avatar 3, Superman, and Mission: Impossible 8 have already generated excitement among moviegoers. With such a star-studded slate, 2025 is poised to deliver a cinematic extravaganza and potentially set new benchmarks for Hollywood in India.
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