Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary actor of Indian cinema, has redefined the essence of stardom through his remarkable career spanning over five decades. With significant roles, from the Angry Young Man to endearing patriarchs, Bachchan has been a constant force in Bollywood.
His filmography is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. Here, we explore the five highest-grossing movies of his illustrious career, showcasing not just box office success but also his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.
Topping the list is the science fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD, a film that catapulted Amitabh Bachchan to new heights in his career. Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, this magnum opus set in a dystopian future became a cinematic sensation. With world-class VFX and an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, the film offers an extraordinary visual experience. His portrayal of Ashwatthama, a warrior from the Mahabharata, resonated deeply with audiences. His ability to execute intense action sequences at this career stage earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Thugs of Hindostan, released in 2018, was another milestone for Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and produced by Yash Raj Films, this period action drama was set against the backdrop of British India and revolved around a band of rebels. The movie was particularly notable for being the first collaboration between Bachchan and Aamir Khan. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Thugs of Hindostan had an impressive opening day collection and grossed Rs 305 crore worldwide, securing its place as the second highest-grossing film in his career.
Breaking away from his larger-than-life roles, Amitabh Bachchan took on the character of Bhaskor Banerjee in Piku, a heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Shoojit Sircar. The film, which starred Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan, tells the story of a father-daughter relationship filled with humour, love, and a fair share of digestive issues. His portrayal of the eccentric and stubborn father was endearing and relatable, earning him his fourth National Award for Best Actor. Piku was a critical success and a commercial hit, grossing Rs 141 crore globally, making it the third highest-grossing movie of his career.
Next on the list is the family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, fondly referred to as K3G. Directed by Karan Johar, the movie featured an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, and Jaya Bachchan alongside Amitabh Bachchan. The movie was a massive hit, resonating with audiences in India and abroad. The story of familial bonds and emotional conflicts struck a chord, and the film grossed Rs 140 crore worldwide. Over the years, K3G has attained cult status, celebrated for its memorable dialogues, songs, and performances, securing its spot as the fourth highest-grossing film in his career.
Rounding out the top five is the mystery-thriller Badla, directed by Sujoy Ghosh. This film saw Amitabh Bachchan paired with Taapsee Pannu in a gripping story of revenge and justice. Produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, Badla was praised for its taut screenplay and unexpected twists. Bachchan’s portrayal of the sharp-witted lawyer was a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing Rs 137 crore worldwide, and stands as the fifth highest-grossing movie of his career.
Amitabh Bachchan’s box office successes are not just about numbers; they reflect his ability to reinvent himself and connect with audiences across generations.
