Regional language films ruled the silver screen across India in 2025
- IBEF
- November 20, 2025
India’s regional film industries saw strong momentum in 2025, with small and mid-budget films gaining wide audience attention through compelling content and authentic storytelling. This trend coincided with a 25% reduction in Hindi film releases during 2025. The Gujarati film industry crossed the Rs. 100 crore (US$ 11.3 million) mark for the first time in October 2025, led by Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate, which recorded Rs. 92 crore (US$ 10.4 million) at the box office and ranked among the top five films in October 2025. In Malayalam cinema, the superhero-themed film Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra achieved Rs. 300 crore (US$ 33.9 million) globally in six weeks, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film worldwide. Marathi cinema was anchored by Dashavatar, which collected Rs. 28.47 crore (US$ 3.22 million). Industry executives highlighted the rise of well-crafted regional films in the Rs. 10-15 crore (US$ 1.13-1.69 million) budget range that delivered strong box office performance.
In October 2025, Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 emerged as India’s highest-grossing film of the year with Rs. 735 crore (US$ 83.05 million). Cinema chains reported a clear shift in audience preference towards regional storytelling. Chief Executive Officer, PVR Inox, Mr. Gautam Dutta, said 2025 marked a landmark year for regional films, with Marathi, Gujarati, and Malayalam titles showing sustained traction. Gujarati cinema drew high repeat audiences and crossed 10 million footfalls by early October 2025, strengthening its position as the largest regional box office contributor outside Hindi and the four major South Indian languages. Malayalam films, including Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, L2 Empuraan, and Thudarum, together surpassed Rs. 700 crore (US$ 79.1 million) in global revenue. Executives from Miraj Entertainment, Cinepolis India, and Mukta A2 Cinemas noted that regional films benefited from fresh scripts, relatable characters, and city-focused marketing efforts, prompting cinema chains to deepen partnerships with regional producers and incorporate these films into their primary planning calendars.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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