South Indian Films Box Office Extravaganza 2023: A Flashback of Blockbusters that Ruled the Roost

As the curtains draw on the cinematic spectacle of 2023, South Indian cinema has left an indelible mark with a lineup of blockbusters that not only dominated the box office but also captivated audiences around the globe. Let’s embark on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing about the top blockbuster movies that were the talk of the town and etched their names in the annals of film history.

LEO

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj  | Language: Tamil  | Budget: ₹210cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹615.5cr

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Kashmir, “Leo” roared into the hearts of audiences with Joseph Vijay’s charismatic portrayal of Parthiban. The film’s riveting tale of redemption, coupled with a budget of ₹210cr, catapulted it to a staggering worldwide gross of ₹615.5cr, firmly establishing itself as a true Super Hit, further it is speculated that the movie shall also have a sequel.

Jailer

Director: Nelson Dilipkumar  | Language: Tamil  | Budget: ₹190cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹607.3cr

Rajinikanth took centre stage in “Jailer,” a gripping saga of a retired jailer seeking justice for his son’s killers. With a budget of ₹190cr, this cinematic masterpiece became a Blockbuster, amassing a worldwide gross of ₹607.3cr.

Salaar

Director: Prashanth Neel  | Language: Telugu  | Budget: ₹240cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹500 cr+

Prabhas graced the screen in “Salaar,” portraying a gang leader striving to fulfil a poignant promise. As of December 26, 2023, the film continues its journey, with a current worldwide gross of ₹500 cr, leaving its final verdict still pending.

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Also Read: Decoding the World of Salaar!

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Adipurush

Director: Om Raut | Language: Telugu  | Budget: ₹375cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹353.3cr

A modern adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, “Adipurush” followed the exiled prince Raghav’s quest to rescue his wife Janaki. Despite a budget of ₹375cr, the film faced a tough battle at the box office, earning a verdict of Flop.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two

Director: Mani Ratnam  | Language: Tamil  | Budget: ₹200cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹343.5cr

Arulmozhi Varman’s journey to becoming Rajaraja I continued in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two.” With a budget of ₹200cr, the film achieved an above-average verdict, earning a worldwide gross of ₹343.5cr.

Varisu

Director: Vamshi Paidipally  | Language: Tamil  | Budget: ₹175cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹292.8cr

Joseph Vijay shone in “Varisu,” where a happy-go-lucky man’s life took a drastic turn managing his father’s business empire. With a budget of ₹175cr, the film emerged as a Hit, amassing a worldwide gross of ₹292.8cr.

Waltair Veerayya

Director: K.S. Ravindra  | Language: Telugu | Budget: ₹125cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹210.2cr

“Waltair Veerayya” sailed into success, delving into the world of a fisherman engaged in smuggling. The film secured a Super Hit status with a worldwide gross of ₹210.2cr.

Thunivu

Director: H. Vinoth  | Language: Tamil  | Budget: ₹115cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹196.6cr

In “Thunivu,” a mysterious mastermind and his team executed a daring bank heist to reclaim money looted from the corporate sector. With a budget of ₹115cr, the film struck gold, earning a Hit verdict with a worldwide gross of ₹196.6cr.

2018

Director: Jude Anthony Joseph  | Language: Malayalam  | Budget: ₹15cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹175.4cr

Set against the backdrop of the 2018 Kerala Floods, “2018” wove a tale of collective efforts to survive catastrophe. With a modest budget of ₹15cr, the film achieved the status of an All-Time Blockbuster, marking it as an industry hit in Malayalam cinema.

Veera Simha Reddy

Director: Gopichand Malineni  | Language: Telugu  | Budget: ₹75cr  | Worldwide Gross: ₹119.5cr

Nandamuri Balakrishna led the way in “Veera Simha Reddy,” where a revered man’s son sought revenge. With a budget of ₹75cr, the film emerged as a Hit, garnering a worldwide gross of ₹119.5cr.

As we bid adieu to 2023, these cinematic masterpieces will undoubtedly linger in our memories, a reflection to the vibrant and dynamic world of South Indian cinema.