🐘 "Spider-Man" Becomes Highest-Grossing Hollywood Film in India
Sony Pictures' blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day has set an absolute record for Western cinema in India. Over the past weekend, the film starring Tom Holland and Zendaya brought in $10.6 million, pushing its total domestic gross to $52.8 million in just 11 days of release.
The new installment surpassed the previous record-holder, James Cameron’s sci-fi epic Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). Opening in Indian theaters on July 30—one day ahead of its global premiere—the picture has maintained top positioning against minimal competition. However, the film faces major local competition next weekend with the release of the historical drama Batwara 1947 and the Emraan Hashmi sequel Awarapan 2.
This summer season highlights record interest among Indian moviegoers in international releases. Beyond Spider-Man, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the May thriller Obsession also crossed the 1 billion INR ($10 million) milestone this season.
Typically, foreign releases account for no more than 10–15% of the Indian film market, lagging behind local cinema. According to Ormax Media, the international segment comprised just 10% of the market in 2025, with Avatar: Fire and Ash taking the top spot among foreign titles ($26.4 million), compared to the year’s overall leader, the Indian action hit Dhurandhar ($104.8 million). While the foreign market share sat at 8% in the first half of 2026, the arrival of summer blockbusters has shifted that momentum.
Overall, the Indian box office is experiencing a record boom. Total theatrical revenue for the first six months of 2026 reached $661.66 million. This marks the best post-pandemic H1 performance on record, representing a 10% increase over the same period in 2025.
Source: Deadline
