9 September 2023, Mumbai: Bollywood has always revolved around stars, stories, and box office records. Among the coveted milestones in the Indian film industry, the 300 Crore Club holds a special place. Achieving this feat is no easy task, and it requires a combination of factors, including stellar performances, festive releases, and engaging content. In a post-COVID-19 era, reaching the 200 Crore and 300 Crore marks became even more challenging. However, the industry has recently found its momentum with notable films like “Pathaan” and “Gadar 2.”
The 300 Crore Club Competition
The race to join the 300 Crore Club became a reality post-COVID-19, with Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback film “Pathaan” leading the charge. Released on October 2, 2019, the film features Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff and became the 8th Bollywood movie to enter the prestigious 300 Crore Club. What’s remarkable is the speed at which “Pathaan” achieved this milestone, taking just 7 days to cross the 300 Crore mark. Similarly, “Gadar 2” accomplished this feat in a mere 8 days. While “Pathaan” and “Gadar 2” are the latest entrants into this elite club, it’s worth noting that there are only 10 Bollywood movies that have reached or exceeded the 300 Crore mark at the Indian box office. These films represent a blend of diverse elements, from exceptional performances to engaging narratives.
Here is a glimpse of Bollywood’s exclusive 300 Crore Club:
“Dangal” (2016):
Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra; Directed by Nitesh Tiwari; Released on December 23, 2016; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 386.68; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 740; Days taken for 300 Crore: 13.
“PK” (2014):
Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma; Directed by Rajkumar Hirani; Released on December 19, 2014; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 340.80; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 792; Days taken for 300 Crore: 17.
“Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015):
Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan; Directed by Kabir Khan; Released on July 17, 2015; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 320.34; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 626; Days taken for 300 Crore: 20.
“Tiger Zinda Hai” (2017):
Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif; Directed by Ali Abbaz Zafar; Released on December 22, 2017; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 339; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 564; Days taken for 300 Crore: 16.
“Sultan” (2016):
Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma; Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar; Released on July 6, 2016; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 300.65; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 589; Days taken for 300 Crore: 35.
“Padmaavat” (2018):
Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor; Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali; Released on January 25, 2018; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 302.51; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 587; Days taken for 300 Crore: 48
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“Sanju” (2018):
Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal; Directed by Rajkumar Hirani; Released on June 29, 2018; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 341.22; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 586.85; Days taken for 300 Crore: 16.
“War” (2019):
Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Vanni Kapoor; Directed by Siddharth Anand; Released on October 2, 2019; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 318; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 475.5; Days taken for 300 Crore: 19.
“Pathaan” (2023):Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham; Directed by Siddharth Anand; Released on January 25, 2023; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 542.16; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 1050.5; Days taken for 300 Crore: 7.
“Gadar 2” (2023):
Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel; Directed by Anil Sharma; Released on August 11, 2023; Box Office Collection (India Net Cr): 493.37; Box Office Collection (Global Cr): 646; Days taken for 300 Crore: 8.
100 Crore mark was once a significant achievement
These films showcase the evolving landscape of Bollywood, where crossing the 100 Crore mark was once a significant achievement, followed by the 200 Crore Club, and now the illustrious 300 Crore Club. Remarkably, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan dominate this club, with five of these movies featuring their stellar performances.
In 2014, Aamir Khan’s “PK” was the trailblazer, setting a new standard for box office success in India. It was swiftly followed by Salman Khan’s heartwarming “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” in 2015. The following year, “Sultan” marked Salman’s entry into the 300 Crore Club. Aamir Khan solidified his position with “Dangal” in 2016, a biographical sports drama that captivated audiences and critics alike. It was followed by his all-time blockbuster “PK.” Salman Khan continued his reign in the club with “Tiger Zinda Hai” in 2017, solidifying his status as the only actor with three 300 Crore Bollywood films at that time.
The year 2018 was remarkable, as two young talents made a significant impact. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmaavat” and Rajkumar Hirani’s “Sanju” entered the elite 300 Crore Club, showcasing the industry’s diversity and talent pool. The latest additions to this exclusive club, “Pathaan” and “Gadar 2,” have once again demonstrated the enduring allure of Bollywood on the global stage. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that the pursuit of box office glory remains an integral part of its legacy.
By Yashika Desai