2024 was a fantastic year for Indian cinema, with several blockbusters making big headlines. Movies like Pushpa 2: The Rule, Kalki 2898 AD, and Stree 2 became box office giants, with massive collections worldwide. But the real surprise of the year was a small Malayalam film that outshone all of them in profitability.
The ₹3 Crore Wonder: Premalu
A Malayalam romantic drama, Premalu, became India’s most profitable film of 2024. With a budget of just ₹3 crore and no big stars in the cast, the movie still managed to earn a whopping ₹136 crore. This means it made 45 times its budget, a profit no other film could match this year.
How Premalu Beat Big Films
While films like Pushpa 2, Kalki 2898 AD, and Stree 2 earned more money overall, their profits compared to their budgets were much smaller:
- Pushpa 2 earned ₹1800 crore but cost ₹350 crore to make, so it made about five times its budget.
- Kalki 2898 AD, with a ₹600 crore budget, earned twice its cost.
- Bollywood hit Stree 2 earned ₹875 crore, 10 times its ₹90 crore budget.
In comparison, Premalu’s 45x profit was in a league of its own!
What is Premalu about?
Directed by Girish AD, Premalu is a simple, coming-of-age romantic drama about love, friendships, and growing up. It features young actors like Naslen K. Gafoor, Mamitha Baiju, and others, who won audiences’ hearts with their natural performances. Despite its small budget, the relatable story and emotional depth helped the film connect with viewers across the country.
A Lesson for Filmmakers
Premalu proved that you don’t need big stars or big budgets to create magic at the box office. A strong story and good acting can still win hearts and bring in profits.
In a year filled with massive hits, Premalu stood out as the underdog that triumphed, making 2024 a memorable year for Indian cinema.
