‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 blockbuster ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, has been declared the most-watched film of 2024, dominating the box office with an impressive Rs 1,500 crore in global earnings.

Released on December 5, the film, available in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam, has shattered numerous records, further solidifying the ‘Pushpa’ franchise’s massive success, PTI reported from Mumbai.

The latest report from BookMyShowThrowback highlighted key trends that defined both the cinematic landscape and the live entertainment sector in 2024. According to the report, the year witnessed an explosive surge in movie ticket sales, with a standout performance on November 1 when BookMyShow sold a record-breaking 2.3 million tickets in just 24 hours.

The most watched films of the year were not just dominated by ‘Pushpa 2’ but also featured a variety of blockbusters across multiple languages. Hindi hits such as ‘Stree 2’, ‘Singham Again’, and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ made waves alongside Telugu films like ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, ‘HanuMan’, ‘Devara’, and Malayalam’s ‘Manjummel Boys’. Small-budget films like ‘Aavesham’, ‘Laapaata Ladies’, and ‘Merry Christmas’ showed that impactful, authentic narratives resonate deeply with audiences, regardless of their scale.

The report also noted an exciting trend of old classics making a strong return to theaters. Films such as ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, ‘Timbbad’, ‘Rockstar’, and ‘Laila Majnu’ allowed fans to relive cherished moments, turning cinemas into “time machines” for a nostalgic experience.

Hollywood franchises also held sway, with major films like ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, ‘Dune: Part Two’, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ capturing audience attention with their high-octane thrillers.

While 2024 was a banner year for cinematic spectacles, it was equally remarkable for its live entertainment scene. BookMyShow reported a surge in live event consumption, with 30,687 events held across 319 cities, marking an 18 percent increase in India’s live entertainment industry. Music tourism, in particular, emerged as a dominant trend, with over 477,000 fans traveling from various cities to attend concerts.

The year began with a high-profile performance from Nick Jonas and the Jonas Brothers at Lollapalooza 2024, followed by Ed Sheeran’s unforgettable concert in March, where he was joined by Diljit Dosanjh on stage. Maroon 5 also made waves with a December performance, proving that weekday concerts can be as electrifying as weekend events.

However, the most anticipated event for 2025 is Coldplay’s Music of the ‘Spheres World Tour’, which is expected to break records with its concert in Ahmedabad on January 25, 2025. Tickets for the concert have already been sold across 500 cities in 28 states. Coldplay will also perform three shows in Mumbai at DY Patil Sports Stadium from January 18 to 21. Fans eagerly await the global music icon’s return to India, with Sheeran also set to make his own grand comeback with his Mathematics Tour across six cities.

Beyond music, events like ‘Nykaaland 2024’, ‘Van Gogh 360’, and ‘Peppa Pig’s Adventure’ have found their own steady audiences, highlighting a year of diverse live entertainment offerings.

As 2024 draws to a close, ‘Pushpa 2’ and Coldplay’s upcoming concerts are set to define the landscape of entertainment for both cinematic and live event experiences in India.