As we approach 2024, it’s a good time to look back at the most popular movies and shows searched in India during 2023, providing insight into the entertainment trends of that year. Viewers were drawn to a wide range of content, including blockbuster action, compelling dramas, and nostalgic reboots. Let’s take a brief overview.
The top 10 movies that were most frequently searched in India in 2023
Let’s start by examining the top ten most searched movies of 2023, based on the search trends in India.
Rank & Movie Name | Month and Year of Release |
#1 Jawan | September 2023 |
#2 Gadar 2 | August 2023 |
#3 Oppenheimer | July 2023 |
#4 Adipurush | June 2023 |
#5 Pathaan | January 2023 |
#6 The Kerala Story | May 2023 |
#7 Jailer | August 2023 |
#8 Leo | October 2023 |
#9 Tiger 3 | November 2023 |
#10 Varisu | January 2023 |
An in-depth look at the top 5 most sought-after movies in India in 2023
Let’s now examine the factors that led to these films dominating Google search results in India:
#1 Jawan
Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, captivated fans with its gripping action scenes, captivating narrative, and social critique. The story gained depth and complexity from Khan’s riveting dual performance as his father and Azad, a jail warden with a murky past.
Because of his unwavering quest for justice, Azad boards a Mumbai Metro train alongside six ladies, each of whom has her own set of abilities and reasons. This odd group sets out on a risky mission to uncover social injustices and challenge the established quo.
#2 Gadar 2
Gadar 2 has kindled the same fervor that enthralled millions of people 22 years ago with its predecessor. In the midst of hostilities between India and Pakistan, Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel reprise their roles as Tara Singh and Sakeena, carrying on their love story.
Following the events of the first movie, Tara Singh vanishes in Pakistan. In order to save his father, his son Jeete (Utkarsh Sharma) sets out on a risky journey across the border.
#3 Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer explores the life of the enigmatic scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led the Manhattan Project and developed the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy delivers a nuanced portrayal of the brilliant yet conflicted scientist grappling with the devastating consequences of his creation.
Beyond a historical biopic, “Oppenheimer” presents a thought-provoking exploration of human ambition, the power of science, and the responsibility inherent in wielding immense destructive force.
#4 Adipurush
Om Raut’s Adipurush promised a visually stunning and emotionally charged reimagining of the Ramayana, one of India’s greatest epics. Prabhas embodies the noble Rama, leading the charge against the evil Lankesh, played by Saif Ali Khan.
The reimagining of the legend of Rama for a new generation ended up crashing at the box office, but that didn’t stop Adipurush from ranking among India’s most-searched movies and shows in 2023.
#5 Pathaan
Another Shah Rukh Khan film to rank among the most searched movies and shows, Pathaan had a star-studded cast and memorable action sequences. Shah Rukh Khan essays Pathaan, a retired RAW agent pulled back into the fray to thwart a deadly terrorist attack on India. Deepika Padukone joined the cast as Rubina, a captivating ISI agent with a complex past intertwined with Pathaan’s. John Abraham embodies the ruthless antagonist, Jim.
Beyond the exhilarating action, Pathaan delves into themes of patriotism, duty, and sacrifices for one’s nation.
Now, which were the most searched shows of 2023?
The top 10 shows that were most frequently searched in India in 2023
Here are the top 10 most sought shows in India among the most popular movies and TV series, once again courtesy of Google Trends.
Rank & Show Name | Month & Year Of Release |
#1 Farzi | February 2023 |
#2 Wednesday | November 2022 |
#3 Asur | March 2020 |
#4 Rana Naidu | March 2023 |
#5 The Last of Us | January 2023 |
#6 Scam 2023 | September 2023 |
#7 Bigg Boss 17 | October 2023 |
#8 Guns and Gulaabs | August 2023 |
#9 Sex/Life | June 2021 |
#10 Taaza Khabar | January 2023 |
An in-depth look at the top 5 most sought-after shows in India in 2023
Let’s look at how this lot captivated the audiences’ hearts and dominated the Google searches in India:
#1 Farzi
Amazon Prime Video’s Farzi dives into high-stakes con artistry and counterfeiting, weaving a thrilling web of deceit and betrayal. Shahid Kapoor delivers a captivating performance as Sunny, an artist who turns to forgery to support his family and aspirations.
Joining him is Vijay Sethupathi as Michael, a relentless cop who dedicates his life to catching the elusive Farzi, unaware the artist is closer than he thinks. The film also boasts a talented supporting cast, including Raashii Khanna and Kay Kay Menon.
#2 Wednesday
Reimagining the Addams Family comics from American cartoonist Charles Addams, Netflix’s hit series has Jenna Ortega taking on the iconic role of Wednesday Addams, the enigmatic and morbid elder child. It explores Wednesday’s life as she navigates the challenges of adolescence at Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts. Director Tim Burton creates a visually stunning and immersive world for Wednesday and her fellow outcasts.
#3 Asur
Voot Select’s Asur is a psychological thriller that delves into the darkest depths of human nature. Arshad Warsi delivers a chilling performance as Nikhil Nair, a forensic expert haunted by his past, who must confront a serial killer inspired by the ancient Indian myth of Asuras, powerful beings symbolising evil.
Joining him is Barun Sobti as Dhananjay Rajpoot, a brilliant but troubled psychologist who holds the key to understanding the killer’s motives. The series tackles complex themes of good versus evil, the nature of obsession, and the darkness that lurks within us all.
#4 Rana Naidu
Netflix’s Rana Naidu is a gripping crime drama series that revolves around two brothers, Rana (Rana Daggubati) and Naga (Venkatesh Daggubati), caught in the world of Mumbai’s criminal underbelly.
Rana, a “fixer” for celebrities and the city’s elite, navigates a world of secrets and dangers to keep his clients’ problems at bay. Naga, on the other hand, is struggling to reintegrate into society after serving 15 years for a crime he didn’t commit. Rana Naidu is an exploration of the bonds of brotherhood, family loyalty, and the consequences of choices made in the past.
#5 The Last of Us
HBO’s The Last of Us plunges viewers into the heart of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where a deadly fungus has transformed humanity. We follow Joel Miller, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, entrusted with escorting 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a treacherous landscape.
Their journey exposes them to relentless threats, both from the infected and desperate survivors. As Joel and Ellie confront these dangers, their bond strengthens, and they discover the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.