As the year 2025 concludes, Google has released its definitive Year in Search report for India, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cinematic titles that captivated the nation's online curiosity. The list of Most Searched Movies in India for 2025 reveals a mix of blockbuster successes, unexpected comebacks, and controversial underperformers that kept audiences constantly reaching for the search bar.
The Undisputed Champion of Search
Topping the chart for the year is director Mohit Suri's romantic drama, Saiyaara. Starring Ahaan and Aneet, the film transcended its box office success, where it was one of 2025's highest earners, to become a digital phenomenon. It wasn't just watched; it was dissected. Fan theories about its plot, addiction to its musical score, and debates over its intense performances fueled month-after-month search dominance. This digital popularity was recently mirrored when its stars and director topped IMDb's most popular Indian celebrities list, cementing its cultural impact.
Blockbusters and Surprise Entries
Securing the second position is Rishab Shetty's much-anticipated Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1. With a production journey beginning in 2022, its pan-India release strategy, deep dive into folklore, and a headline-grabbing collaboration with Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh propelled it to massive commercial success, grossing over Rs 842 crore, and correspondingly high search volumes.
The third spot is held by the mega-star vehicle Coolie, featuring the iconic Rajinikanth alongside a powerhouse cast including Aamir Khan and Nagarjuna. The film's blend of nostalgia, grand scale, and the unwavering loyalty of Rajinikanth's fanbase ensured it remained a trending search topic throughout the year.
The complete Top 10 Most Searched Movies in India for 2025 is as follows:
- Saiyaara
- Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1
- Coolie
- War 2
- Sanam Teri Kasam
- Marco
- Housefull 5
- Game Changer
- Mrs.
- Mahavatar Narsimha
Behind the Search Trends: Drama, Disappointment, and Delight
The list is not just about hits; it's a record of the year's cinematic chatter. The most startling entry is the 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam, which experienced a massive search resurgence. This was triggered by the announcement of a sequel with the original cast. However, the project was soon engulfed in controversy. Following the Pahalgam attack, lead actor Harshvardhan Rane exited, citing the involvement of Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. A public feud ensued, leading producers to drop Hocane entirely. This off-screen drama sent search queries for the original film soaring.
Other films made the list through hype and subsequent scrutiny. War 2, despite the casting of RRR fame NTR Jr. and the legacy of its hit prequel, underperformed financially, sparking intense online debate and searches for reviews and reasons. Similarly, director Shankar's long-delayed Game Changer, with a staggering budget of Rs 450 crore (including Rs 75 crore for songs alone), became a case study in box office disappointment, driving audiences to search for post-mortem analyses.
Akshay Kumar's Housefull 5, intended as a commercial comeback, faced heavy criticism for its humour, leading to online trolling and curiosity-driven searches. On the positive side, the list features the surprise hit Marco. Starring Unni Krishnan and made on a modest Rs 25 crore budget, this December 2024 release gained steady momentum through word-of-mouth, eventually earning a remarkable Rs 102.55 crore worldwide, proving the power of compelling storytelling.
Ultimately, Google's 2025 search list is more than a ranking; it's a digital pulse of India's film culture, highlighting what truly made audiences stop, wonder, and search for more.
