Chhaava Dominates: IMDb Reveals India`s Most Popular Films of First Half of 2025
Updated on: 09 July, 2025 04:31 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
IMDB`s Top 10 Films of 2025 First Half
The first half of 2025 has seen a fascinating shift in the landscape of Indian cinema, as evidenced by IMDb`s recently released list of the Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies. Topping the charts is Vicky Kaushal`s historical drama "Chhaava," a film that has not only captivated audiences but also created box office history.
Chhaava Reigns Supreme
Laxman Utekar`s Chhaava, a biopic of the Maratha Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has emerged as the most popular Indian film between January 1 and July 1, 2025. This Hindi epic, starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Divya Dutta, and Vineet Kumar Singh, delivered an astounding performance at the box office, grossing ₹809 crore on a ₹130 crore budget, marking over 500% profit.
Director Laxman Utekar expressed his honour, stating, “We`re honoured that Chhaava has topped the IMDb Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 So Far list. What makes this recognition truly special is that it comes directly from the fans. Their overwhelming love and positive reception for this Maddock film and performances, led by Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, have been incredibly heartening. This inspires our entire cast and crew to continue creating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.”
The Top 10 Lineup
IMDb`s list, compiled based on page views from its over 250 million monthly visitors worldwide for films released with an average user rating of 6 or higher and at least 10,000 votes, features a diverse mix of films. Chhaava is followed by the Tamil sleeper hit Dragon at number two, which grossed over ₹150 crore. Shahid Kapoor`s Deva secured the third spot.
The complete list includes:
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Chhaava (Hindi)
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Dragon (Tamil)
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Deva (Hindi)
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Raid 2 (Hindi)
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Retro (Tamil)
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The Diplomat (Hindi)
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L2: Empuraan (Malayalam)
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Sitaare Zameen Par (Hindi)
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Kesari Chapter 2 (Hindi)
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Vidaamuyarchi (Tamil)
Despite its reputation as a prolific and talent-driven industry, Tollywood (Telugu cinema) has notably failed to secure a single spot on IMDb`s top 10 list for the first half of 2025. This is a surprising development, even with films like "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" and "Court" having significant box office runs. "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" alone reportedly grossed over ₹300 crore worldwide. The absence of Telugu films raises questions about audience preferences and visibility on national platforms.
Also Read: Coolie: Nagarjuna Reveals Major Details About Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan`s Role
Anticipation for the Second Half
Looking ahead, IMDb has also revealed its most anticipated films for the remainder of 2025. Rajinikanth’s "Coolie" leads this list, followed by "War 2," "The Raja Saab," "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan," and "Saiyaara." Directors and actors attached to projects on both the "most popular" and "most anticipated" lists include Mohanlal, Ajay Devgn, and Pooja Hegde, signalling a promising second half for Indian cinema.
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