Widely considered the best film of 2016, this biographical sports drama stars Aamir Khan as Mahavir Singh Phogat. It follows his journey training his daughters to become world-class wrestlers. Dangal became a global phenomenon, currently holding the record as the highest-grossing Indian film of all time. Pink Director: Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury
Beyond the massive hits, several other films stood out for their unique themes:
Starring Akshay Kumar, this film tells the true story of the massive evacuation of Indians from Kuwait during the 1990 invasion. Critics from Bollywood Hungama described it as a "classic film... told extremely well on screen." Kapoor & Sons Director: Shakun Batra okhatrimazacom bollywood movie 2016 best
2016 was a defining year for Bollywood, marking a shift toward content-driven cinema that resonated both critically and at the box office. For those searching for the , the year offered everything from record-breaking sports biopics to intense social thrillers and heartwarming family dramas.
Sonam Kapoor delivered a career-best performance in this biopic about Neerja Bhanot, the flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers during the 1986 Pan Am hijacking. It received ecstatic reviews for its gripping and emotional portrayal of bravery. Airlift Director: Raja Krishna Menon Widely considered the best film of 2016, this
A refreshing take on the dysfunctional family dynamic, featuring an ensemble cast including Rishi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Fawad Khan. It was praised for its realistic characters and emotional depth, with many ranking it among the most loved films of the year. 2016 Box Office Hits at a Glance
A gentle coming-of-age drama focused on mental health, starring Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan. Pink Director: Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury Beyond the massive
A powerful social thriller featuring Amitabh Bachchan as a retired lawyer helping three young women fight a criminal case. The film was lauded for its uncompromising stance on consent and women's rights, with critics at Medium calling it "powerfully provocative." Neerja Director: Ram Madhvani
The year saw several commercial "blockbusters" that drew massive crowds to theaters: Worldwide Gross (Approx.) ₹2,000+ Crore All Time Blockbuster Sultan ₹623 Crore Blockbuster Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ₹240 Crore Rustom ₹216 Crore M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story ₹215 Crore Source: Box Office India Notable Mentions and Cult Favorites