From Mirai to Mahavatar Narasimha: Small-budget films of 2025 that earned 4–5 times of their original cost

Mirai
Teja Sajja starrer Telugu-language fantasy action-adventure film was made on a budget of Rs 60 crore and has emerged as a recent blockbuster. The film has collected Rs 65.1 crore net and Rs 76.60 crore gross in India in just a week. The film is also performing well in the international market and has earned Rs 101.00 crore worldwide. Mirai follows a warrior who is tasked with the protection nine sacred scriptures that can turn any mortal into a deity.

Saiyaara
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda starrer Saiyaara became the biggest romantic hit of 2025. The film was made on a budget of 60 crores and earned over 300 crores. Mohit Suri's directorial film follows Vaani and Krish, who navigate their life, their problems, and their insecurities to hopefully realise that only love can be the answer to everything.

Lokah: Chapter 1 — Chandra
Kalyani Priyadarshan starrer Lokah: Chapter 1 — Chandra was created with a budget of Rs 30 crore and has entered Rs 100 crore in just two weeks. The first female superhero film of India is still running in the theatres and is speculated to become a superhit film. The epic fantasy adventure follows Chandra, a young woman who arrives in Bengaluru with a mission. Her neighbour, Sunny, sets out to unravel the mystery about her, and they are on an unexpected adventure ride together.

Little Hearts
Shivani Nagaram and Rajiv Kanakala starrer Telugu romantic comedy was made on a budget of Rs 2.5 crore. The film has emerged as another blockbuster of the year, earning Rs 15.25 crore within a week. The film follows Akhil, who joins coaching after failing EAMCET, where he meets Khatyayani. Despite her odd rejection, he pursues her heart through a humorous journey of personal growth, having learned from past heartbreak about real love.

Mahavatar Narsimha
The animated adaptation of the Puranic Narsimha avatar, Mahavatar Narsimha, was made on a budget of about Rs 40 crores. The film unexpectedly became the first Indian animated film to reach the Rs 100 crore milestone in just 10 days. and it has already collected Rs 300 crore. It also dropped on Netflix today.

Su From So
Su From So became the highest-grossing Kannada movie of the year, with a domestic gross collection of over Rs 50 crores. The film was made on a budget of around Rs 4 crores. Set in the seaside village of Marlur, the comedy drama follows Ashoka, a carefree young man whose innocent crush turns into rumours that he is being possessed by a ghost called Sulochana.

Tourist Family
The comedy drama received praise as one of the year's most touching tales. With a budget of about Rs 5 crores, it became a huge blockbuster and made over Rs 70 crores in India. The film centres on a Tamil family from Sri Lanka who travel to India in pursuit of a better future after the country's economic crisis.

Sankrathiki Vasthunam
The Venkatesh, Aishwarya, and Meenakshi starrer Telugu film was made on a budget of Rs 65 crore and enjoyed a successful run at the box office. The film earned Rs 213.70 crore net in India and Rs 267.05 crore worldwide. The film follows an ex-cop's attempt to rescue a key figure becomes a hilarious juggling act between his wife and former lover.

Sitaare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan’s comedy drama was made on a budget of Rs 80.00 crore and went on to earn Rs 167 crore net in India. The film also performed well at the worldwide box office and earned Rs 267 crore. The film follows an arrogant basketball coach, played by Aamir, who must train Neurodivergent adults for community service following DUI. His initial prejudice fades as his players show him a new perspective on life.