Back in 2013, Aamir Khan — known not only for his stellar performances but also his sharp industry insights — introduced a new way of measuring a film’s true success at the box office. While promoting Dhoom 3, the actor explained that a film’s weekend-to-lifetime multiple offered a more accurate reflection of its content strength than just its opening numbers. According to Aamir: “If a film does Rs. 40 crore over the weekend and ends at Rs. 202 crore, that means the multiple is around 5. That shows people are returning to theatres. But if a film does Rs. 100 crore in three days and wraps up at Rs. 200 crore, then it hasn’t sustained.”

In simpler terms, the higher the Weekend to Lifetime Multiple, the better the film’s content, word-of-mouth, and repeat value. As the first half of 2025 wraps up, we look at six films from the ₹100 crore club that stand out according to this metric — and offer a new lens on what truly worked at the box office. 

Chhaava: 4.94
Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava emerges as the undisputed content king of the year. Despite opening to a strong weekend, the film’s final box office tally soared nearly 5 times its opening weekend numbers. This impressive multiple speaks volumes about the historical drama’s organic growth, fuelled by audience appreciation, positive reviews, and repeat viewership. Chhaava wasn’t just an event film; it became a word-of-mouth phenomenon, gaining traction week-on-week and solidifying its place among modern box office classics. 

Kesari Chapter 2: 3.76
Akshay Kumar’s sequel to his 2019 hit Kesari quietly made a mark with solid legs at the box office. While the opening weekend was modest compared to his previous war films, Kesari Chapter 2 multiplied its business effectively. The film’s patriotic theme and appeal to Sikh audiences globally likely contributed to its extended run, especially in regions like Canada and the UK. 

Bhool Chuk Maaf: 2.58
This mid-budget relationship drama may not have made explosive headlines with its weekend collection, but with a respectable 2.58 multiple, it proved to be a strong word-of-mouth performer. The film quietly stayed in the conversation due to its emotional depth and relatability, with viewers trickling in through the weeks. It may not have had blockbuster status, but according to Aamir’s metric, it was a film that resonated. 

Raid 2: 2.41
Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, a sequel to the hit 2018 original, had a robust opening thanks to its genre and returning fanbase. However, the multiple of 2.41 suggests a relatively front-loaded performance. While the film did decent business, it didn’t quite generate the level of repeat viewing that would have pushed its multiple higher. Still, the numbers indicate that Raid 2 held its own, especially among fans of intense, realistic dramas. 

Sitaare Zameen Par: 2.26
Aamir Khan’s own release this year finds itself at the lower end of his own measuring stick. While Sitaare Zameen Par garnered attention for its emotional core and thoughtful storytelling, its multiple of 2.26 indicates that the film struggled to convert initial interest into sustained footfalls. This could be attributed to competition, a non-festive release window, or perhaps the high expectations attached to the brand of Taare Zameen Par. Still, the film managed a decent total, even if it didn’t achieve the longevity one might expect from an Aamir Khan project.

By applying Aamir Khan’s weekend-to-lifetime multiple, 2025 offers a clearer picture of which films truly connected with audiences beyond just their hype and star power. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see which upcoming titles can join this list of cinematic slow burners.

List of Successful movies of 2025 according to Aamir Khan’s formula

Chhaava – 4.94

Kesari – Chapter 2 – 3.76

Bhool Chuk Maaf – 2.58

Raid 2 – 2.41

Sitaare Zameen Par – 2.14

More Pages: Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection
, Sitaare Zameen Par Movie Review