Archive · 23 Nov 2025
2016 in Review: Top Indian Films
In 2016, Indian cinema saw many successful films.
Dangal and Sultan, both about wrestling, were the biggest hits.
Dangal showed girls becoming champions with their father's support, while Sultan showed Salman Khan's character learning from failure.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced controversy due to its Pakistani cast, and Fan had mixed reviews despite SRK's good acting.
Other notable films included Udta Punjab, Aligarh, Nil Battey Sannata, and Pink, which tackled serious issues like drug abuse, LGBTQ+ rights, education, and consent.
Dangal and Sultan were the top grossers, both featuring wrestling and set in Haryana
Dangal pushed gender empowerment, with Aamir Khan playing a supportive father
Sultan showed Salman Khan's character failing and rising again, a rare performance
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced controversy due to its Pakistani cast and 'break-up' song
Fan received mixed reactions despite SRK's sharp performance
- Who
- Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, Rishi Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Swara Bhaskar, Ratna Pathak Shah, Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andria Tariang
- What
- Released successful films
- When
- In 2016
- Where
- In India
- Why
- To entertain audiences and address social issues
Pro-Dangal
Pro-Sultan
Empowerment
Pro-Dangal
Dangal showed girls' empowerment
Pro-Sultan
Sultan showed a character learning from failure
- Top Grossers
- Dangal, Sultan
- Common Theme
- Wrestling, empowerment, learning from failure
- Controversial Film
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- Social Issues Addressed
- Drug abuse (Udta Punjab), LGBTQ+ rights (Aligarh), education (Nil Battey Sannata), consent (Pink)