Theatres were one of the many businesses hit during the pandemic. Things are finally looking up this year, as big-screen hits such as Pathaan (Rs. 1,050 crore), Gadar 2 (Rs. 524.53 crore) and Jawan (Rs. 1,030 crore) have managed to bring Bollywood back on its feet.

In 2019, the box office amassed Rs. 4,200 crore, with films such as Uri: The Surgical Strike, Kabir Singh, Super 30, Mission Mangal, Dabangg 3 and Gully Boy. In 2020 and 2021, the theatres were shut due to the pandemic, while 2022 saw a lukewarm run with a box-office collection of Rs. 1,950 crore. 

“This year’s collections are already 41% more than 2022. Upcoming releases like Dunki, Animal, and Tiger 3 are likely to make more than Rs. 1,200 crore altogether,” says trade analyst Atul Mohan.

“The year 2019 was great for Hindi cinema with small-budget films clocking Rs. 70 to Rs. 80 crore lifetime. In the initial months of 2023, we are recovering and getting the same numbers as 2019. However, big films are getting bigger numbers, but the medium ones aren’t doing well. If a film doesn’t have a good start on day one, it dies that day itself, which was not the case earlier.”

- Girish Johar, Trade analyst-producer

“The audience appreciates films that keep the country together like Pathaan, Gadar 2 and Jawan. There was a shift in content during the pandemic. But people are returning to the theatres for entertainment now. This year and 2024 will be big, kyunki itni badi aur achchi filmein aa rahi hain.”

- Anil Sharma, Director

“During the Covid-19 phase, logon ne OTT ko prefer kiya. But I knew it was temporary. People would return with a bang aur wahi hua. I believe the way things are moving, this year is going to be one of the biggest for Hindi cinema.”

- Anees Bazmee, Director