As the weekend draws near, cinephiles are eagerly anticipating a cinematic feast, with Google Trends highlighting an array of films generating buzz across the board. This week’s selection boasts a rich variety of genres and narratives, ensuring there’s a film for every taste. From the much-anticipated sequel Stree 2, which promises a new spin on its beloved blend of horror and humor, to the epic historical drama Thangalaan, and the emotionally charged Vedaa, this weekend’s film lineup is set to captivate and entertain. Joining these heavyweights are Khel Khel Mein, Raayan, and Laila Majnu, each bringing its unique flavor to the screen. Let’s dive deeper into these top 6 trending films that are bound to dominate the box office and streaming platforms.
List of top 6 most searched movies on Google in August 2024
1. Stree 2
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank is a 2024 Hindi-language comedy horror film directed by Amar Kaushik and written by Niren Bhatt, produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios. As the fifth installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe and a sequel to the 2018 film Stree, it features a cast that includes Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana. Released globally on August 15, 2024, Stree 2 received positive reviews and has grossed over Rs 603 crore, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film and the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024, as well as the tenth-highest-grossing Hindi film of all time.
Stree 2 plot: Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank begins with the aftermath of the previous film, where Stree, noticing a statue of herself with the inscription “O Stree Raksha Karna,” decides to leave Chanderi. Years later, the town faces a new menace: a headless ghost named Sarkata, who abducts women and drags them into a nightmarish alternate dimension. As the town mistakenly believes the missing women have left for better prospects, Vicky and his friends uncover Sarkata’s origins as the vengeful spirit of Chandrabhan, a former village head who killed Stree. They seek Stree’s help, in locating Jana, who was previously possessed by her. Despite facing numerous challenges and nearly losing Jana, the group learns that Sarkata can only be defeated by a being that is “half of both.” She merges with Vicky, and together they confront Sarkata. Though initially overwhelmed, Stree ultimately returns to help defeat Sarkata by dragging him into lava. With Sarkata vanquished, the town is freed from fear, and Vicky and his friends are celebrated. However, in a mid-credits scene, Sarkata’s remains are discovered, hinting at a possible return of the terror.
2. Thangalaan
Thangalaan is a 2024 Tamil-language action adventure film directed by Pa. Ranjith, who co-wrote the script with Tamil Prabha and Azhagiya Periyavan. Produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja under Studio Green and Neelam Productions, the film stars Vikram in multiple roles, alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Daniel Caltagirone, Pasupathy, Hari Krishnan, Arjun Anbudan, and Preeti Karan. Set during the British Raj, the story follows a tribal leader who confronts a sorceress after aiding a British general in locating gold in their village. Announced in December 2021 as Chiyaan 61—Vikram’s 61st film as a lead actor—the title was officially revealed in October 2022. Principal photography, conducted in locations such as Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Madurai, and Karnataka, started in October 2022 and concluded by early July 2023. Released worldwide on August 15, 2024, to coincide with India’s Independence Day, Thangalaan received acclaim for its performances, particularly Vikram, Mohanan, Thiruvothu, and Caltagirone, as well as Ranjith’s direction and screenplay, though the CGI and VFX were criticized.
Thangalaan Plot: In 1850 CE, Thangalaan, a respected village chief in Veppur, North Arcot, shares a bedtime story about Aarathi, a tribal sorceress who protected the land from intruders by turning sand into gold. When the zamindar seizes Thangalaan’s land and forces his family into debt bondage, Thangalaan and a group of villagers, led by British officer Lord Clement, set out to find gold based on their ancestors’ expertise. Despite numerous challenges and haunting visions of Aarathi warning them, they discover gold remnants but face exploitation and setbacks, including a fatal snake bite to Thangalaan’s daughter. Thangalaan’s quest reveals his past lives as a protector of the land and gold, and after a confrontation with Aarathi, he is granted permission to mine gold for his community’s benefit. Ultimately, Thangalaan defeats Clement and other oppressors discovers a rich gold vein, and restores hope and prosperity to his village.
3. Vedaa
Vedaa is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language action drama directed by Nikkhil Advani and produced by Zee Studios, Emmay Entertainment, and JA Entertainment. The film features John Abraham, Sharvari in the titular role, Abhishek Banerjee, and Ashish Vidyarthi. Inspired by true events, Vedaa made its theatrical debut on August 15, 2024. Despite its compelling premise, the film garnered mixed reviews and struggled at the box office, earning just over Rs 23 crores globally.
Vedaa plot: Vedaa follows Major Abhimanyu Kanwar, court-martialed for defying orders to capture a terrorist alive in Kashmir, and a Dalit girl named Vedaa who suffers severe abuse from the upper caste. In a twist, Kanwar becomes an Assistant Boxing Coach in the city where his late wife was killed by a terrorist. As Vedaa faces personal tragedies—her brother is murdered for his romance with an upper-class girl and her sister is burned alive while fleeing—she turns to Coach Kanwar for protection. They embark on a dangerous journey, overcoming numerous adversaries, to seek justice in the city court. Despite Vedaa’s plea for justice being heard, Major Abhimanyu is killed in the courtroom.
4. Khel Khel Mein
Khel Khel Mein is a 2024 Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed and written by Mudassar Aziz, inspired by the 2016 Italian film Perfect Strangers. The film features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal. Shot in Udaipur and London from October 2023 to March 2024, the film was released on August 15, 2024, with a production budget of Rs 100 crore. Despite its high budget, it grossed only Rs 38 crore at the box office, resulting in a commercial failure.
Khel Khel Mein Plot: At an Indian wedding, three very different married couples, who are also friends, gather for a Sangeet ceremony and decide to play a game in Rishabh Malik’s room. Rishabh, a plastic surgeon on the brink of divorce from his wife Vartika, and the other couples are challenged by Vartika to place their mobile phones on the table, with the rule that any incoming calls or messages must be shared openly with everyone. What starts as a lighthearted game quickly unravels into a series of shocking revelations and hidden secrets, exposing the vast discrepancies between their public personas and private realities. As the couples confront these truths, they face the stark realization that their seemingly perfect lives are far from genuine, leading to deepened misunderstandings and conflicts.
5. Raayan
Raayan is a 2024 Tamil-language neo-noir action drama directed by Dhanush in his second directorial effort and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. The film stars Dhanush in the lead role, supported by an ensemble cast including Dushara Vijayan, S. J. Suryah, and Selvaraghavan. The story revolves around a fast-food restaurant owner in North Chennai who finds his family caught in a deadly gang war, leading to a series of dramatic events. Announced in January 2023 as Dhanush’s 50th film, it was officially titled in February 2024. Filming took place primarily in Chennai and Karaikudi from July to December 2023. Featuring a score by A. R. Rahman and cinematography by Om Prakash, the film was released worldwide on July 26, 2024, coinciding with Dhanush’s birthday. Raayan received mixed to positive reviews for its music, cinematography, and performances, though the plot and post-interval segments faced criticism. It achieved commercial success, grossing over Rs 150 crore and becoming the second-highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024 and the highest-grossing A-rated Tamil film of all time.
Raayan Plot: Raayan follows the life of Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” a food truck owner in North Chennai who cares for his siblings, including his hot-headed brother Muthu and college student brother Manickam. The story unfolds amid a violent feud between rival gangsters Durai and Sethu, exacerbated by police commissioner Sargunam’s scheme to eliminate them. When Muthu kills Durai’s son in a bar altercation, Raayan and his brothers are drawn into the conflict, ultimately killing Durai and his gang. Sethu, initially seeking to recruit Raayan, turns hostile, leading to a series of violent confrontations. Raayan, who is also managing the financial strain of his sister Durga’s wedding, faces betrayal from Muthu and Manickam, who join Sethu’s gang. After a brutal series of events, including Durga’s assault and family betrayals, Raayan kills Sethu and his henchmen. Despite an offer from Sargunam to arrange new identities for Raayan and Durga in exchange for eliminating Sethu, Raayan chooses to reject the money and leaves Chennai with Durga, aiming for a peaceful new life.
6. Laila Majnu
Laila Majnu is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama starring Avinash Tiwary and Tripti Dimri. Directed by Sajid Ali and presented by Imtiaz Ali, the film was co-produced by Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and Preety Ali. It offers a modern retelling of the classic tale of Layla and Majnun. Although the film initially received a lukewarm response and struggled commercially upon its theatrical release on 7 September 2018, it later garnered critical acclaim for its narrative, performances, and soundtrack after its digital release, achieving cult status. Due to popular demand, Laila Majnu was re-released in Indian theaters on 9 August 2024.
Laila Majnu plot: Laila, a flirtatious girl from a prominent family, falls in love with Qais Bhatt, despite ongoing legal disputes between their families. Her father forces her to marry Ibban, his political assistant, threatening to drink poison if she elopes with Qais. Believing Qais has insulted her father, Laila reluctantly breaks up with him. Four years later, Qais returns from London for his father’s funeral but avoids meeting Laila, who is now unhappily married to a drunkard MLA. After her husband’s accidental death, Laila plans to reunite with Qais, but her father delays her departure. Qais, who has been emotionally distraught and hallucinating Laila, retreats to the mountains. Laila, realizing the depth of his love, suffers a heart attack upon finding his note urging her to find him. Qais, believing Laila’s spirit is with him, dies near her grave, seeing her from the mountaintop. The film concludes with the couple’s souls united, living out their dreams together, underscoring the bittersweet truth of their eternal love.