List of highest-grossing South Indian films

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia


South Indian Cinema is used to refer collectively to the four distinct film industries of Tollywood (Telugu), Kollywood (Tamil), Mollywood (Malayalam), and Sandalwood (Kannada), as a single entity.[1] The following is a list of the highest-grossing South Indian films, based on the conservative box office estimates as reported by industry sources. However, there is no official tracking of figures, and sources publishing data are frequently pressured to increase their estimates.[2]

The combined industries' revenue represent 50% of Indian cinema,[3] in which Tollywood and Kollywood represent 19% and 17% of the Indian box office.[4]

Overview[edit | edit source]

South Indian cinema has always produced their films cost effectively.[citation needed] However, in recent times, it has produced many of the most expensive films in Indian cinema, such as: 2.0, Enthiran, Bahubali, etc.[5] The South Indian cinema box office's growth rate has surpassed that of Hindi cinema.[citation needed]

The first South Indian film to gross over 100 crore worldwide was the 2007 Tamil film Sivaji, which starred Rajinikanth and Shriya Saran in lead roles.[6] While, the first South Indian film as well as the first Indian film to gross over ₹1000 crore worldwide was the 2017 Telugu Film Baahubali 2: The Conclusion directed by S. S. Rajamouli,[7][8][9] which starred Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishna and Subbaraju in lead roles. The highest-grossing film in India is Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), with a total domestic gross of ₹1,429.83 crore.[10][11]

Highest-grossing films worldwide[edit | edit source]

The following list shows the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films worldwide, which includes films from all South Indian languages. The figures are not adjusted for inflation.

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Director Production studio Primary anguage Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2017 S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works Telugu 1,810 crore (US$210 million)
2 2.0 2018 S. Shankar Lyca Productions Tamil ₹655 crore₹800 crore (US73.11–$113.6) [12][13]
3 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works Telugu 650 crore (US$75 million) [14]
4 Saaho 2019 Sujeeth UV Creations Telugu 432.4 crore (US$50 million) [15]
5 Kabali 2016 Pa. Ranjith V Creations Tamil 295 crore (US$34 million) [16][17]
6 Enthiran 2010 Shankar Sun Pictures Tamil 289 crore (US$33 million) [citation needed]
7 Bigil 2019 Atlee AGS Entertainment Tamil 285 crore (US$33 million)–300 crore (US$34 million) [18][19]
8 Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo 2020 Trivikram Srinivas Geetha Arts
Haarika & Hassine Creations
Telugu 262 crore (US$30 million) [20]
9 Sarileru Neekevvaru 2021 Anil Ravipudi Sri Venkateswara Creations
G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment
AK Entertainments
Telugu 260 crore (US$30 million) [21]
Mersal 2017 Atlee Thenandal Studio Limited Tamil [22]
10 Master 2021 Lokesh Kanagaraj XB Film Creators Tamil 250 crore (US$29 million)–300 crore (US$34 million) [23][24]

List of highest grossing films by language[edit | edit source]

Kannada[edit | edit source]

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Director Production studio Worldwide gross Ref.
1 K.G.F: Chapter 1 2018 Prashanth Neel Hombale Films 250 crore (US$29 million) [25]
2 Kurukshetra 2019 Naganna Vrushabhadri Productions 90 crore (US$10 million) [25]
3 Roberrt 2021 Tharun Sudhir Umapathy Films 78.36 crore (US$9.0 million) [26]
4 Raajakumara 2017 Santhosh Ananddram Hombale Films 75 crore (US$8.6 million) [25]
5 Mungaru Male 2006 Yograj Bhat E. K. Entertainers ₹70₹75 crore [27]
6 The Villian 2019 Prem Thanvi Shanvi Films 57 crore (US$6.5 million) [25]
7 Avane Srimannarayana 2019 Sachin Ravi Pushkar Films, Paramvah Studios and Shree Devi Entertainers 56 crore (US$6.4 million) [25]
8 Pailwaan 2020 S. Krishna RRR Motion Pictures and Zee Studios 53 crore (US$6.1 million) [28]
9 Pogaru 2021 Nanda Kishore Sri Jagadguru Movies 51 crore (US$5.9 million) [29]
10 Yajamana 2019 Pon Kumaran Media House Studio 50 crore (US$5.7 million) [30]
Kirik Party 2016 Rishab Shetty Paramvah Studios 50 crore (US$5.7 million) [31]
Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari 2014 Santhosh Ananddram Jayanna Combines 50 crore (US$5.7 million) [32]

Malayalam[edit | edit source]

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Director Production studio Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Lucifer 2019 Prithviraj Sukumaran Aashirvad Cinemas 175 crore (US$20 million) [33]
2 Pulimurugan 2016 Vysakh Mulakuppadam Films 152 crore (US$17 million) [34]
3 Kayamkulam Kochunni 2018 Rosshan Andrrews Sree Gokulam Movies 100 crore (US$11 million) [35]
4 Drishyam 2013 Jeethu Joseph Aashirvad Cinemas 75 crore (US$8.6 million) [36]
5 Oppam 2016 Priyadarshan Aashirvad Cinemas 65 crore (US$7.5 million) [37]
6 Premam 2015 Alphonse Puthren Anwar Rasheed Entertainments 60 crore (US$6.9 million) [38]
Mamangam 2019 M. Padmakumar Kavya Film Company 60 crore (US$6.9 million) [39]
7 Two Countries 2015 Shafi Rejaputhra visual media 55 crore (US$6.3 million) [40]
8 Odiyan 2018 V.A.shrikumar menon Aashirvaad cinemas 54 crore (US$6.2 million) [41]
9 Ennu Ninte Mohideen 2015 R.S.Vimal Newton movies 50 crore (US$5.7 million) [42]
10 Njan Prakashan 2018 Sathyan Anthikad Full moon cinemas 51 crore (US$5.9 million) [43]

Tamil[edit | edit source]

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Director Production studio Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2017 S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works 1,810 crore (US$210 million) [44]
2 2.0 2018 S. Shankar Lyca Productions ₹655 crore₹800 crore (US73.11–$113.6) [12][13]
3 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works 650 crore (US$75 million) [45]
4 Saaho 2019 Sujeeth UV Creations

T-Series

432.4 crore (US$50 million) [46]
5 Kabali 2016 Pa. Ranjith V Creations 295 crore (US$34 million) [47]
6 Bigil 2019 Atlee AGS Entertainment 300 crore (US$34 million) [18][19]
7 Enthiran 2010 S. Shankar Sun Pictures 289 crore (US$33 million) [48]
8 Mersal 2017 Atlee Thenandal Studio Limited 260 crore (US$30 million) [49]
9 Master 2021 Lokesh Kanagaraj XB Film Creators 250 crore (US$29 million)–300 crore (US$34 million) [50]
10 I 2015 S. Shankar Aascar Films 240 crore (US$28 million) [51]

Telugu[edit | edit source]

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Director Production studio Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2017 S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works 1,810 crore (US$210 million) [52]
2 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works 650 crore (US$75 million) [53]
3 Saaho 2019 Sujeeth UV CreationsT-Series 432.4 crore (US$50 million) [54]
4 Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo 2020 Trivikram Srinivas Haarika & Hassine CreationsGeetha Arts 262 crore (US$30 million) [55]
5 Sarileru Neekevvaru 2020 Anil Ravipudi Sri Venkateswara Creations
G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment
AK Entertainments
260 crore (US$30 million) [56][57][58]
6 Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy 2019 Surender Reddy Konidela Production Company ₹240.60 crore (US$57 million) [59]
7 Rangasthalam 2018 Sukumar Mythri Movie Makers 216 crore (US$25 million) [60][61]
8 Bharat Ane Nenu 2018 Koratala Siva DVV Entertainments ₹187.6 crore₹225 crore (US$26.64–31.95 million) [62][63]
9 Attarintiki Daredi 2013 Trivikram Srinivas Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra 187 crore (US$21 million) [64]
10 Maharshi 2019 Vamsi Paidipally Vyjayanthi Movies

Sri Venkateswara Creations PVP Cinema

₹168.2 crore₹200 crore (US$23.89–28.4 million) [65][66][67]

Industry hit by Language[edit | edit source]

Kannada[edit | edit source]

List of Industry Hits(All time grosser) From kannada cinema.

The kannada films with a minimum worldwide gross of 10 crore are only considered.

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Om 1995 10 crore (US$1.1 million) [68]
2 Janumada jodi 1996 12.5 crore (US$1.4 million)
3 A:Film by upendra 1998 15 crore (US$1.7 million)
4 Yajamana 2000 20 crore (US$2.3 million)
5 Aapthamithra 2004 26 crore (US$3.0 million)
6 Jogi:The king 2005 35 crore (US$4.0 million)
7 Mungaru Male 2006 70 crore (US$8.0 million)
8 Raajakumara 2017 75 crore (US$8.6 million)
9 K.G.F: Chapter 1 2018 250 crore (US$29 million)

Malayalam[edit | edit source]

List of Industry Hits(All time grosser) From Malayalam cinema.

The Malayalam films with a minimum worldwide gross of 10 crore are only considered.

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Worldwide gross Ref.
1 The king 1995 10 crore (US$1.1 million) [69]
2 Hitler 1996 15 crore (US$1.7 million)
3 Ahiyathi pravu 1997 16 crore (US$1.8 million)
4 Chandralekha 17 crore (US$2.0 million)
5 Aaram Thamburam 18 crore (US$2.1 million)
6 Narasimham 2000 20 crore (US$2.3 million)
7 Rajamanikyam 2005 25 crore (US$2.9 million)
8 Twenty:20 2008 33 crore (US$3.8 million)
9 Drishyam 2013 72 crore (US$8.3 million)
10 Pulimurgan 2016 152 crore (US$17 million)

Tamil[edit | edit source]

List of Industry Hits(All time grosser) From Tamil cinema.

The Tamil films with a minimum worldwide gross of 10 crore are only considered.

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Apoorva sagodharargal 1989 11 crore (US$1.3 million)
2 Thalapathi 1991 14 crore (US$1.6 million)
3 Mannan 1992 15 crore (US$1.7 million)
4 Annamalai 17 crore (US$2.0 million)
5 Thevar magan 18 crore (US$2.1 million)
6 Baasha 1995 38 crore (US$4.4 million)
7 Indian 1996 58 crore (US$6.7 million)
8 Chandramukhi 2005 85 crore (US$9.8 million)
9 Sivaji: the boss 2007 152 crore (US$17 million)
10 Enthiran 2010 289 crore (US$33 million)
11 Kabali 2016 295 crore (US$34 million)
12 2.o 2018 679 crore (US$78 million)

Telugu[edit | edit source]

List of Industry Hits(All time grosser) From Telugu cinema.

The Telugu films with a minimum worldwide gross of 10 crore are only considered.

* Denotes films still running in theatres
Rank Film Year Worldwide gross Ref.
1 Shiva 1989 12 crore (US$1.4 million)
2 Gharana mogudu 1992 15.5 crore (US$1.8 million)
3 Pedarayudu 1995 18 crore (US$2.1 million)
4 Samarasimha reddy 1999 25 crore (US$2.9 million)
5 Nuvve Kavali 2000 30 crore (US$3.4 million)
6 Narasimha Naidu 2001 38 crore (US$4.4 million)
7 Kushi 52 crore (US$6.0 million)
8 Indra 2002 59 crore (US$6.8 million)
9 Pokiri 2006 66 crore (US$7.6 million)
10 Magadheera 2009 150 crore (US$17 million)
11 Attarintiki daredi 2013 187 crore (US$21 million)
12 Baahubali: the beginning 2015 650 crore (US$75 million)
13 Baahubali 2: the conclusion 2017 1,807 crore (US$210 million)


Highest-grossing films by year[edit | edit source]

Year Title Language Director Studio(s) Worldwide gross (est.) Source
2001 Kushi Telugu S.J Suryah Sri Surya Movies 52 crore (equivalent to 167 crore or US$19 million in 2019) [70]
2002 Indra Telugu B.gopal Vyjayanthi Movies 59 crore (equivalent to 181 crore or US$21 million in 2019) [71]
2003 Tagore Telugu V.V Vinayak Anjana Productions 50.1 crore (equivalent to 148 crore or US$17 million in 2019) [72]
2004 Ghilli Tamil Dharani Sri surya movies 50.7 crore (equivalent to 145 crore or US$17 million in 2019) [73]
2005 Chandramukhi Tamil P.vasu Sivaji Productions 89 crore (equivalent to 243 crore or US$28 million in 2019) [74]
2006 Mungaru Male kannada Yograj Bhat E. K. Entertainers 75 crore (equivalent to 194 crore or US$22 million in 2019) [75]
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Tamil S.Shankar AVM Productions 148 crore (equivalent to 360 crore or US$41 million in 2019) [76]
2008 Dasavatharam Tamil K.S Ravikumar Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd 200 crore (equivalent to 449 crore or US$52 million in 2019) [77]
2009 Magadheera Telugu S.S Rajamouli Geeta Arts 150 crore (equivalent to 304 crore or US$35 million in 2019) [78]
2010 Enthiran Tamil Shankar Sun Pictures 290 crore (equivalent to 524 crore or US$60 million in 2019) [79][80]
2011 7aum Arivu Tamil A.R Muragadass Red Giant Movies 105 crore (equivalent to 174 crore or US$20 million in 2019) [81]
2012 Gabbar Singh Telugu Harish shankar Parameshwara Arts Production 150 crore (equivalent to 228 crore or US$26 million in 2019) [82]
2013 Attarintiki Daredi Telugu Trivikram srinivas Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra 187 crore (equivalent to 256 crore or US$29 million in 2019) [83]
2014 Lingaa Tamil K.S ravikumar Rockline Production 148 crore (equivalent to 190 crore or US$22 million in 2019) [84]
2015 Baahubali: The Beginning Telugu S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works 650 crore (equivalent to 789 crore or US$91 million in 2019) [14]
2016 Kabali Tamil Pa. Ranjith V Creations 295 crore (equivalent to 341 crore or US$39 million in 2019) [16][17]
2017 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Telugu S. S. Rajamouli Arka Media Works 1,810 crore (equivalent to 20 billion or US$230 million in 2019)
2018 2.0 Tamil S. Shankar Lyca Productions 800 crore (US$92 million) [12][13]
2019 Saaho Telugu Sujeeth UV Creations 432.4 crore (US$50 million) [15]
2020 Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Telugu Trivikram Srinivas Geetha Arts

Haarika & Hassine Creations

274 crore (US$31 million) [85][86][87]
2021 Master Tamil Lokesh kanagaraj XB Film creator 300 crore (US$34 million) [88]

Timeline of gross records[edit | edit source]

Nominal gross[edit | edit source]

Year Film Language Box-office collection Ref(s)
1948 Chandralekha Tamil 1.65 crore (US$190,000)
1959 Veerapandiya Kattabomman Tamil 2.25 crore (US$260,000)
1965 Enga Veetu Pillai Tamil 2.5 crore (US$290,000)
1973 Ulagam Sutram Valiban Tamil 3.5 crore (US$400,000)
1977 Adavi Ramudu Telugu 4 crore (US$460,000)
1981 Premabhishekam Telugu 5.5 crore (US$630,000)
1985 Padikkathavan Tamil 6 crore (US$690,000)
1987 Manithan Tamil 7.7 crore (US$880,000)
1989 Apoorva Sagodharargal Tamil 10 crore (US$1.1 million)
Shiva Telugu 12 crore (US$1.4 million)
1991 Thalapathy Tamil 14 crore (US$1.6 million)
1992 Mannan Tamil 15 crore (US$1.7 million)
Gharana Mogudu Telugu 15.5 crore (US$1.8 million)
Annamalai Tamil 17 crore (US$2.0 million)
Tevar Magan Tamil 18 crore (US$2.1 million)
1995 Baasha Tamil 38 crore (US$4.4 million)
1996 Indian Tamil 58 crore (US$6.7 million)
1999 Padaiappa Tamil 61 crore (US$7.0 million)
2005 Chandramukhi Tamil 85 crore (US$9.8 million)
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Tamil 152 crore (US$17 million)
2008 Dasavatharam Tamil 200 crore (US$23 million)
2010 Enthiran Tamil 289 crore (US$33 million)
2015 Baahubali: The Beginning Telugu 650 crore (US$75 million)
2017 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Telugu 1,810 crore (US$210 million)

Adjusted gross[edit | edit source]

Rank Film year Language worldwide gross Ref(s)
1 Baahubali: The Beginning 2017 Telugu 2,328 crore (US$270 million) [89]
2 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2015 Telugu 1,032 crore (US$120 million) [90]
3 Lava Kusa 1963 Telugu 969 crore (US$110 million) [91]
4 2.0 2018 Tamil 909 crore (US$100 million)
5 Mayabaazar 1957 Telugu 867 crore (US$100 million) [92]
6 Chandralekha 1948 Tamil 816 crore (US$94 million) [93]
7 Enthiran 2010 Tamil 791 crore (US$91 million) [93]
8 Premabhishekam 1981 Telugu 765 crore (US$88 million) [94]
9 Alluri Seetha Rama Raju 1974 Telugu 756 crore (US$87 million) [93]
10 Devadasu 1953 Telugu 737 crore (US$85 million) [93]

Records[edit | edit source]

Biggest opening day[edit | edit source]

Rank Film Year Language Opening day gross Ref(s)
1 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2017 Telugu ₹217 crore [95]
2 Saaho 2019 Telugu ₹130 crore [96]
3 2.0 2018 Tamil ₹105 crore [97]
4 Kabali 2016 Tamil ₹90 crore [98]
5 Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo 2020 Telugu ₹85 crore [99]
6 Syeraa Narasimha Reddy 2019 Telugu ₹82 crore [100]
7 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 Telugu ₹73 crore [101]
8 Sarkar 2018 Tamil ₹66 crore
9 Sarileru Neekevaru 2020 Telugu ₹65 crore
10 Agnyaathavaasi 2018 Telugu ₹63 crore

Biggest opening week[edit | edit source]

Rank Film Year Language Opening week gross Ref(s)
1 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2017 Telugu ₹845 crore [102]
2 2.0 2018 Tamil ₹560 crore [103]
3 Saaho 2019 Telugu ₹368 crore [104]
4 Kabali 2016 Tamil ₹262 crore [105]
5 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 Telugu ₹255 crore [106]
6 Bigil 2019 Tamil ₹222 crore [107]
7 Sarkar 2018 Tamil ₹216 crore [108]
8 Syeraa Narasimha Reddy 2019 Telugu ₹195 crore
9 Master 2021 Tamil ₹185 crore [109]
10 Mersal 2017 Tamil ₹184 crore [110]

Highest-grossing franchises and film series[edit | edit source]

Highest-grossing franchises and film series[§] (The films in each franchise can be viewed by selecting "show".)
Rank Series Total worldwide box office
(crore INR)
No. of films Average of films
(crore INR)
Highest-grossing film (gross in INR() crores)
Language