Cinema VinesIn 2026, a surprising trend has emerged at the box office: adult‑certified films are not only breaking through but topping the charts. The latest example is the Hindi thriller Mirzapur The Movie, which has become the highest‑grossing Indian film of the year, despite its A rating. Other domestic titles such as Dhurandhar The Revenge and Jana Nayagan have also defied expectations, while international releases like The Odyssey and Obsession have seen no decline in ticket sales because of their adult classification.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh explains that the A certificate has lost its stigma. “If a film requires mature content, the certification shouldn’t be a problem,” he says. He cites Dhurandhar as proof that an A rating can coexist with commercial success, noting that audiences were aware of the film’s adult nature yet still flocked to theatres. Adarsh stresses that a U certificate does not guarantee success; the quality of the film remains paramount.
Competing analyst Komal Nahta acknowledges that concerns about A certification persist but argues they are far from catastrophic. He points to the 2023 film Animal, where provocative language and adult scenes reportedly added about ₹100 crore to its earnings. Nahta believes the curiosity factor drives younger viewers to the cinema, especially in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities where age checks are lax, allowing 14‑15‑year‑olds to watch A‑rated films.
Atul Mohan adds that the A rating does not grant filmmakers carte blanche to show explicit content. “The audience is largely 18+ and the industry is becoming more daring,” he says. He highlights the influence of OTT platforms, where raw and gritty storytelling has proven successful, encouraging filmmakers to pursue similar content on the big screen without compromising for a UA rating.
Business executive Akkshay Rathie of Ashirwad Theatres Pvt Ltd notes that the financial risk associated with adult‑certified releases has diminished. The growing acceptance of A‑rated films among audiences and the proven box‑office returns are reshaping how studios approach certification and distribution strategies in 2026.
