Mumbai: The Indian film industry kicked off 2025 on a strong note, with films released in January collectively grossing ₹1,013 crore at the domestic box office, according to Ormax Media’s latest India Box Office Report. The Sankranthi festival period once again proved to be a major driver of theatrical revenue, particularly for Telugu cinema, which contributed nearly half of the month’s total collections.
Telugu Cinema Leads with ₹480 Cr from Sankranthi Releases
Three major Telugu films—Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Game Changer, and Daaku Maharaaj—grossed over ₹480 crore combined, reaffirming the festive season’s strong box office potential. Among these, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, a family comedy directed by Anil Ravipudi and starring Venkatesh, emerged as the highest-grossing film of the month with domestic earnings surpassing ₹200 crore.
The success of Sankranthiki Vasthunam is notable as it defies the prevailing trend of high-octane action films in Telugu cinema. Unlike blockbuster hits such as Pushpa, RRR, and Devara, which are known for grand action set-pieces and hyper-masculine protagonists, Sankranthiki Vasthunam is a lighthearted comedy. With an estimated lifetime collection of ₹228 crore, it has become one of the highest-grossing comedy films post-pandemic.
Hindi Cinema’s Share Declines Below 30%
Despite the strong overall box office performance, Hindi films saw a lower-than-usual share, primarily due to a lack of major releases. The only significant Hindi film of the month, Sky Force, managed to cross the ₹100 crore mark but was unable to compensate for the absence of multiple big-ticket releases. As a result, Hindi cinema’s contribution to the domestic box office dropped below 30% in January.
Regional Cinema Continues to Thrive
Apart from Telugu and Hindi films, the Tamil industry also made its mark, with Madha Gaja Raja being the only Tamil film to cross ₹50 crore. The report highlights how regional cinema continues to expand its reach, leveraging strong festival windows and audience preferences to drive theatrical business.
Comedy Films Gain Ground in Telugu Cinema
The success of Sankranthiki Vasthunam aligns with a growing trend in Telugu cinema, where youth-oriented comedies such as Tillu Square (2024), Jathi Ratnalu (2021), MAD (2023), and Mathu Vadalara 2 (2024) have found immense popularity. These films, characterized by relatable characters and contemporary humor, have resonated with younger audiences, offering an alternative to the dominant action-mythology genre.
Outlook for the Coming Months
With a promising start to 2025, the Indian box office is expected to sustain its momentum with several high-profile releases lined up in the coming months. As regional cinema continues to thrive and genre diversity expands, the theatrical landscape remains dynamic and evolving.
