Pushpa 2 reigns as 2024’s most watched film; Coldplay set to dominate 2025 concert scene: Report

As 2024 comes to a close, the entertainment platform BookMyShow has unveiled its annual report.

Pushpa 2: The Rule, one of 2024's most eagerly awaited films starring Allu Arjun, has become the year's most-watched movie with 10.8 lakh solo viewers, as revealed in BookMyShow's year-end report.

As 2024 comes to a close, the entertainment platform BookMyShow has unveiled its annual report, #BookMyShowThrowback, spotlighting the key trends that shaped cinematic experiences in India and around the world, alongside the remarkable surge in live entertainment. Among the standout highlights is Pushpa 2: The Rule, the highly anticipated sequel to 2021's blockbuster Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise.

Released on December 5, the film has taken the box office by storm, setting numerous records and grossing an impressive Rs 1,500 crore globally. The sequel captivated audiences with its dynamic storytelling and Allu Arjun's powerful performance, contributing to its runaway success. Available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam, the film has solidified its position as a cinematic phenomenon, drawing fans from all corners of the country and beyond.

BookMyShow's year-end report, analyzing data from January 1 to December 5, revealed several fascinating insights into the year’s entertainment trends. One standout moment was November 1, a record-breaking day for the platform, when it sold an astounding 2.3 million tickets within 24 hours. This achievement underscored the immense enthusiasm of moviegoers throughout the year.

The report also highlighted 2024’s most-watched films, which spanned a variety of languages and genres. Among the top Hindi titles were the blockbusters Stree 2, Singham Again, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Telugu cinema also dominated with hits like Kalki 2898 AD, HanuMan, and Devara, while Tamil films such as Amaran and The Greatest of All Time drew massive audiences. Malayalam cinema made its mark with Manjummel Boys.

Additionally, the platform shared a unique record set by a dedicated cinephile who watched an impressive 221 movies over the course of the year, exemplifying the unrelenting passion of cinema lovers.

The report observed a growing trend of classic films returning to theaters, delighting fans with nostalgic experiences. Movies like Kal Ho Na Ho, Tumbbad, Rockstar, and Laila Majnu transformed cinemas into time capsules, allowing audiences to relive cherished cinematic moments. On the Hollywood front, franchise blockbusters such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune: Part Two, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire electrified viewers with their action-packed narratives.

Highlighting the success of smaller productions, the report noted that films like Aavesham, Laapaata Ladies, and Merry Christmas proved the enduring appeal of authentic storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences regardless of budget.

In the live entertainment sphere, 2024 emerged as a landmark year. BookMyShow hosted an impressive 30,687 live events across 319 cities, reflecting an 18% growth in India’s live entertainment sector and offering audiences an unparalleled variety of experiences.

2024 kicked off with a bang as Nick Jonas and the Jonas Brothers enthralled Indian audiences at Lollapalooza. In March, Ed Sheeran wowed fans with his performance, sharing the stage with Diljit Dosanjh for a memorable collaboration. Adding to the year’s musical highlights, Maroon 5 delivered a stellar concert on December 3, drawing massive crowds and proving that weekday shows can be just as electrifying as weekend events. “Music tourism surged, becoming one of the defining trends of the year. Over 4,77,393 fans travelled outside their cities to attend live music events… Tier 2 cities experienced a dramatic 682 per cent growth in live events, including markets like Kanpur, Shillong and Gandhinagar, signalling a democratisation of entertainment access across the country,” the report said.

Coldplay’s highly anticipated concert in Ahmedabad has drawn ticket buyers from over 500 cities across 28 states. As part of their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour,’ the Chris Martin-led band will perform at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25, 2025. Additionally, they are scheduled for three shows at Mumbai’s DY Patil Sports Stadium on January 18, 19, and 21. Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran will return to India in 2025 with his Mathematics Tour, performing in six cities: Pune on January 30, Hyderabad on February 2, Chennai on February 5, Bengaluru on February 8, Shillong on February 12, and Delhi NCR on February 15.

(With inputs from PTI)