It is truly the era of good content. And 2025’s highest-grossing film is Sky Force, a gripping aerial action drama that has defied all expectations. Starring Akshay Kumar, debutant Veer Pahariya along with Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur, the film has soared past every major release giving Bollywood the much-needed lease of hope.The film has, from the domestic market alone, made 120 crores and the worldwide figures have crossed 150 crores.

When Sky Force hit screens, few could have predicted the numbers it would generate. The film, backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, opened to a solid start, with positive word-of-mouth fuelling its rapid growth at the box office. Unlike many big-ticket releases that witness a sharp drop after the first weekend, Sky Force has been consistently drawing audiences week after week.

According to trade analysts, the film has surpassed recent releases like Deva and Loveyapa to claim the top spot in lifetime box office earnings for 2025. Even post-release competitors failed to match its sustained momentum. The film's collections have zoomed past Loveyapa, Interstellar re-release as well as Sanam Teri Kasam that too has been re-released, Deva, Badass Ravikumar as well as the earlier releases Fateh, Emergency and Azaad. The cumulative collections of these films aren't a patch on what Sky Force has been able to achieve at the box office.

For Veer Pahariya, Sky Force has been nothing short of a dream debut. As a newcomer, carrying a film of this scale was a daunting task, but his performance as an IAF officer struck a chord with audiences. His portrayal of courage paired with the film’s thrilling action sequences, ensured that Sky Force resonated with moviegoers across age groups. He has a strong screen presence and the film’s success have positioned him as Bollywood’s latest promising talent, opening doors for bigger projects ahead.

Trade analysts credit its performance to a combination of factors: the film’s patriotic theme, gripping aerial combat sequences, and a universal appeal that resonated across urban and rural areas alike. The film’s strong word-of-mouth ensured repeat viewership, turning it into a box office success story.

Sky Force has set a new benchmark for Bollywood in 2025. Despite new films every week, and re-releases, the film continues its theatrical journey unfazed. The audiences are willing to embrace fresh talent and compelling stories over formulaic blockbusters.