As the first half of 2025 wraps up, IMDb India has unveiled its list of the Most Popular Indian Films of the Year (So Far)—and leading the pack is Vicky Kaushal’s historical epic Chhaava.
The rankings are based on actual page views and user ratings from IMDb’s 250 million monthly global visitors, factoring in only those films released between January 1 and July 1, 2025, that received a minimum of 10,000 votes and an average rating of 6 or higher.
Chhaava Reigns Supreme
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava—a biopic of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj—emerged as the year’s biggest critical and commercial hit. Starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and Divya Dutta, the film earned a staggering ₹809 crore at the box office on a modest ₹130 crore budget, making it the most profitable Indian film of the year so far.
“We’re honoured that Chhaava has topped the IMDb list,” said Utekar in a statement. “This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from the audience itself. Their love for the story and performances inspires us to continue crafting cinema that connects.”
IMDb India’s Top 10 Indian Films of 2025 (So Far)
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Chhaava (Hindi) – ₹809 crore blockbuster led by Vicky Kaushal
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Dragon (Tamil) – Pradeep Ranganathan’s sleeper hit with Gopika Ramesh
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Deva (Hindi) – Shahid Kapoor’s thriller, popular despite poor box office returns
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Raid 2 (Hindi) – Sequel to the Ajay Devgn-starrer
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Retro (Tamil) – Stylish neo-noir that caught audience attention
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The Diplomat (Hindi) – Political drama praised for its screenplay
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L2: Empuraan (Malayalam) – Mohanlal’s much-awaited action sequel
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Sitaare Zameen Par (Hindi) – Aamir Khan’s return to the emotional genre
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Kesari Chapter 2 (Hindi) – Akshay Kumar’s action-packed sequel
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VidaaMuyarchi (Tamil) – Featuring intense performances and strong direction
Notable Absences
Despite high expectations and a star-studded cast, Salman Khan’s Sikandar failed to break into the top 10, falling short in both critical acclaim and IMDb user engagement.
As the year progresses, several big releases await in the second half, but for now, Chhaava remains the film to beat in 2025.
