The year 2025 proved to be a monumental period for Telugu cinema on the global stage, with several big-budget spectacles shattering records and captivating audiences worldwide. The industry witnessed an unprecedented collection war, culminating in a definitive list of the highest-grossing films. Leading the charge was the epic sci-fi saga 'Kalki 2898 AD', which not only topped the charts but also set a new benchmark for Indian cinema.
The Undisputed Champion: Kalki 2898 AD's Record Run
Prabhas's magnum opus, 'Kalki 2898 AD'₹2,500 crores. This staggering figure places it among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Its success was fueled by massive hype, a pan-India star cast including Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, and groundbreaking visual effects that drew crowds across domestic and international markets.
The Powerhouses Following the Leader
While 'Kalki' reigned supreme, the competition for the next spots was fierce. Securing a strong second place was the much-anticipated sequel, 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. Allu Arjun reprised his iconic role of Pushpa Raj in this Sukumar-directed action drama, which amassed a colossal ₹1,300 crores globally. The film's raw appeal and the 'Pushpa Raj' swag translated into massive box office numbers, especially in the Hindi dubbed version.
Claiming the third position was the political action thriller 'Game Changer', starring Ram Charan and directed by Shankar. With its high-octane narrative and Charan's powerful performance, the film collected an impressive ₹800 crores worldwide. Its simultaneous release in multiple Indian languages significantly contributed to its wide reach and substantial earnings.
Other Major Contributors to a Historic Year
The list of top performers showcases the diverse storytelling that resonated with audiences. The fourth spot was captured by the fantasy adventure 'Devara: Part 1', featuring Jr NTR. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film sailed past the ₹700 crore mark globally, thanks to NTR's massive fan following and spectacular sea-based warfare sequences.
Rounding off the top five was the family drama 'VD12' (tentative title), starring Victory Venkatesh and directed by Venky Atluri. This feel-good film connected deeply with the family audience, crossing ₹300 crores in worldwide collections and proving the enduring appeal of heartfelt narratives.
The box office performance of 2025 highlights a significant trend: Telugu cinema's successful expansion beyond its traditional markets. The strategic use of pan-India releases, coupled with high production values and universal themes, has enabled these films to achieve remarkable financial success. This year has firmly established Tollywood as a dominant force capable of producing global blockbusters that compete at the highest levels of the entertainment industry.
