From Dangal to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Revisiting 2016’s blockbusters in 2026

Not long after we stepped into 2026, the internet began reminiscing about the good old days of 2016. Yes, netizens threw it back to a decade ago, remembering the comfort and nostalgia of 2016, exhausted by today’s hyper-curated and algorithm-driven social media. Well, hopping onto the trend, let’s take a look back at the biggest blockbusters of 2016, when content-driven films began ruling the box office:

Dangal

Inspired by real events, Dangal follows the story of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, played by Aamir Khan, as he trains his daughters to compete in a sport long dominated by men. Set against the backdrop of rural Haryana, the film explores ambition, discipline, and breaking gender barriers. Also starring Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Zaira Wasim, Sanya Malhotra, Suhani Bhatnagar and Aparshakti Khurana, Dangal’s worldwide collection surpassed ₹2,000 crore