Saiyaara, the romantic musical directed by Mohit Suri and starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has taken the Indian box office by storm. Within just three days, the film has earned an astonishing ₹105.75 crore, signaling a grand revival of desi romance in Indian cinema.
However, before Saiyaara claimed the spotlight, several other major Bollywood releases dominated the box office in 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the six top-grossing films that made headlines before Saiyaara’s remarkable run.
1. Chhava – The Unstoppable Historical Blockbuster
Undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the year, Chhava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, set a new benchmark for historical dramas. With ₹601.3 crore in India and a worldwide total of ₹807.91 crore, this film remains the year’s top earner.
The film’s incredible success proved that even underrated stars like Vicky Kaushal could draw massive crowds when backed by strong storytelling and direction.
2. Housefull 5 – Comedy That Cashed In Big
Akshay Kumar delivered yet another money-spinner with the fifth installment of the Housefull franchise. Despite mixed expectations, Housefull 5 won over audiences with its classic comedy elements and stayed in theaters for over a month.
- Domestic Collection: ₹183.38 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹288.67 crore
The film’s success reinforced Akshay’s hold on the comedy genre and audience loyalty.
3. Raid 2 – Ajay Devgn’s Franchise Magic Continues
After a 7-year gap, Raid 2 returned with high expectations, and it delivered. Ajay Devgn once again proved his box office mettle with a gripping storyline that kept viewers glued to their seats.
- India Collection: ₹173.44 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹237.46 crore
This success shows Ajay’s consistent pull, especially with crime-drama franchises.
4. Sitare Zameen Par – Aamir Khan’s Emotional Comeback
After a brief hiatus post the underwhelming Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan returned with Sitare Zameen Par, a sensitive film based on specially-abled children.
- Budget: ₹90 crore
- India Collection: ₹165.57 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹263 crore
The film’s emotional core struck a chord with audiences, marking Aamir’s successful comeback.
5. Sikandar – Salman’s Eid Release Delivers Despite Flaws
Even though Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, received mixed reviews, Salman Khan managed to pull in crowds thanks to his festive fanbase.
- India Collection: ₹110 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹184.89 crore
The film’s performance showed that star power still holds sway during major release windows like Eid.
6. Sky Force – A Bold Debut in the Action Space
January witnessed the entry of Veer Pahariya, a newcomer from a business background and partner of actress Tara Sutaria, who made his debut alongside Akshay Kumar in Sky Force. The film surprised many with its box office haul.
- India Collection: ₹113.62 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹150.01 crore
Sky Force proved that new talent can shine when backed by a compelling script and seasoned co-stars.
Saiyaara’s Rise: A Turning Point for Bollywood?
With Saiyaara now surpassing ₹105 crore in just a few days, the film is not only competing with these giants but potentially redefining what success looks like in Bollywood. It is a film built not on big names or franchise weight, but on authentic emotion, fresh performances, and a universal love story.
This trend shows that audiences in 2025 are embracing heartfelt narratives and emotional depth more than ever. While action and franchises continue to perform, it’s clear that the age of the romantic drama is far from over.
Final Thoughts
The year 2025 has been nothing short of transformative for Bollywood. From historical dramas to franchise sequels and unexpected debuts, the box office has seen a wide range of hits. But with Saiyaara rewriting records, it’s evident that a quiet love story still has the power to silence the noise—and steal the crown.
