Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan has topped Ormax Media’s list of the ‘Most Liked Hindi Theatrical Films of 2023’ based on audience engagement, revealed the media consulting firm on Thursday.

While Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story bags the second spot, Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 secures the third position on the list, followed by Shah Rukh’s Pathaan and Akshay Kumar’s OMG 2.

“Top 5 most-liked Hindi theatrical films of 2023 (as on date), based on audience engagement,” Ormax Media wrote on X alongside a graphic listing the five films.

Produced by Vipul Shah and headlined by Adah Sharma, The Kerala Story emerged as a sleeper hit at the box office as the controversial political drama went on to mint Rs 242 crore nett at the domestic box office.

Among the two sequels finding their place on the Ormax Media list, Gadar 2 surprised many with its raucous reception at the box office. Helmed by Anil Sharma, the sequel to the 2001 blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha broke Pathaan’s dominance at the box office, only to be trumped by the latest Shah Rukh-starrer — Jawan — days after. Also starring Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma, Gadar 2 has already raked in Rs 526 crore nett in India.

Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand, marked Shah Rukh’s return to the big screen after four years and went on to tumble records at the box office. Also featuring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in pivotal roles, Pathaan has earned Rs 543 crore nett in India.

Akshay Kumar-starrer OMG 2 is the second sequel that seems to have hit the right chord with the audience. The Amit Rai-helmed satirical comedy clashed with Gadar 2 at the box office and continued to hold its own amidst the latter’s smashing performance. Starring Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam in key roles, the film minted Rs 150 crore nett at the box office.