In 2024, horror-comedy films in India took the box office by storm, captivating audiences with a blend of thrills and laughs. Among these, Stree 2 emerged as the genre's heavyweight champion. This film, starring seasoned actors Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, became a crowd favorite, raking in over ₹600 crore within India. It carved its name in history as the first horror-comedy to achieve such staggering figures domestically.
Directed by the talented Amar Kaushik, Stree 2 continues the tale of Chanderi town but introduces a fresh spectral threat, the eerie Sarkata. Seamlessly intertwining cultural legends with clever humor, the film captivated both critics and moviegoers alike, setting the gold standard for future endeavors in this burgeoning genre.
Equally intriguing was Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, featuring Kartik Aaryan as the adept exorcist Ruhaan. The film drew audiences into a suspenseful adventure set in a Kolkata palace where the notorious ghost legend, Manjulika, reemerges. Its unique mix of suspense, humor, and action played a huge role in its impressive box office run, confirming its place as a key player in 2024's cinematic landscape.
Munjya, helmed by Aditya Sarpotdar, took the horror-comedy world by surprise, breaking into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe with global earnings surpassing ₹132 crore. This film tapped into the mystique of Konkan folklore, presenting a fascinating tale of a mischievous spirit lurking around peepal trees. Featuring Sharvari and Abhay Verma, Munjya contributed significantly to the genre's successful year.
The Tamil film Demonte Colony 2 offered another fresh perspective on what horror-comedy could be, engaging audiences with its witty dialogue and captivating storyline. Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn and Jyotika's Shaitaan attracted considerable attention, delivering a gripping supernatural tale that amassed ₹213 crore worldwide.
Not to be overlooked, Bramayugam added its own twist to the mix with its Malayalam period setting and unique folk horror elements, while the re-release of Tumbbad gained a newfound appreciation, surprising everyone by pulling in over ₹50 crore globally after its initial debut.
Altogether, horror-comedy films in 2024 achieved remarkable financial success, amassing a whopping ₹1,740 crore worldwide in box office performance. This outshone other high-profile productions like Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD, underscoring a shift in audience preferences towards these engaging and genre-bending stories dripping with cultural folklore and humor.
