Indian cinema has seen an incredible transformation over the past decade, with several films breaking records and reaching new milestones at the global box office. Among the prominent achievements is the rare feat of crossing the ₹1000 crore mark, which few directors have managed to achieve. Here’s a look at 7 Indian directors who have directed films that earned over ₹1000 crore worldwide.
1. Atlee – Jawan
Jawan, directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan, was a massive hit worldwide. The film crossed the ₹1000 crore mark in just 18 days, marking it as one of the fastest films to reach this milestone. The action-packed story of a man seeking justice resonated with audiences globally. Apart from Shah Rukh, the film also featured Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara, adding to its star power.
2. Siddharth Anand – Pathaan
Another Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand, joined the ₹1000 crore club in just 27 days. Released on January 25, 2023, the film grossed ₹1000 crore by February 21, 2023, becoming one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. The high-octane action thriller also featured Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, making it a complete entertainer for audiences worldwide.
3. Nag Ashwin – Kalki 2898 AD
Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan made a massive impact at the box office. The film crossed ₹1000 crore in just 15 days, making it one of the quickest to achieve the feat. Released on June 27, 2023, the film blends futuristic concepts with thrilling narratives, attracting audiences from across the globe.
4. Prashanth Neel – KGF Chapter 2
KGF Chapter 2, the sequel to the 2018 hit KGF Chapter 1, was directed by Prashanth Neel. The story of Rocky (played by Yash), who rises from poverty to become the king of a gold mine, captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. The film’s gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and powerful performances helped it gross ₹1000 crore, making it a massive success both domestically and internationally.
5. Nitesh Tiwari – Dangal
Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal, starring Aamir Khan, earned ₹1000 crore at the global box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. While the film’s success in India was significant, its real global triumph came after it was widely released in China. The film’s inspiring story of female wrestlers fighting against societal norms resonated with audiences across different cultures, contributing to its worldwide success.
6. SS Rajamouli – Baahubali 2 & RRR
SS Rajamouli is the only Indian director with two films in the ₹1000 crore club. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, the sequel to Baahubali: The Beginning, reached the ₹1000 crore mark in just 10 days, setting a new benchmark for Indian films. Rajamouli’s vision and epic storytelling transformed Indian cinema, with the Baahubali franchise becoming a global phenomenon.
Rajamouli’s RRR, a multilingual action drama based on two freedom fighters, also crossed ₹1000 crore in just 16 days. The film, featuring Ram Charan and Jr NTR, captivated audiences worldwide with its grand scale and high-intensity action sequences.
7. Sukumar – Pushpa 2
Sukumar’s Pushpa 2: The Rule broke records at the box office, becoming the fastest Indian film to cross ₹1000 crore. The film, starring Allu Arjun, took just 6 days to reach this milestone, an impressive achievement that highlights the growing popularity of Telugu cinema. The film’s success further cemented Allu Arjun’s status as a pan-India star.
Conclusion
These directors have not only set records with their films but have also significantly contributed to the global reach of Indian cinema. With their vision, talent, and dedication, they have shown the world that Indian films can compete on a global scale, crossing the ₹1000 crore mark and creating cinematic history.
