Festive celebrations light up the entire country during Diwali, and the glitz and glamour are equally prominent in the Hindi film industry. While leading stars often grab the limelight for hosting grand Diwali parties, many choose the festive window to release their biggest cinematic ventures in theatres. From Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan, numerous superstars have premiered their movies during Diwali, and several of these releases have completely shattered box office records with their stellar earnings. Continuing this tradition, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up to bring his upcoming film King to the audience following the festive season.
The Enduring Magic of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Directed by Aditya Chopra and released back in 1995, the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge remains etched in the hearts of audiences to this day. Hitting cinemas close to Diwali, the movie chronicles the romantic journey of Raj and Simran during their European holiday, a trip that transforms into a passionate love story amidst family expectations and traditional values. The on-screen chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol instantly captured the imagination of moviegoers everywhere. Decades later, the film continues to enjoy a cult status as a perennial favourite. Made on a modest budget of 4 crore, the romantic drama went on to amass a phenomenal 102.50 crore at the box office.
Dil To Pagal Hai and Musical Romance
Helmed by legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, Dil To Pagal Hai arrived in theatres during the auspicious occasion of Diwali in 1997. The movie beautifully blended elements of intense romance, melodious music, and graceful dance sequences. Shah Rukh Khan portrayed the role of a choreographer named Rahul, whose perspective on love is challenged after he crosses paths with Pooja, played by Madhuri Dixit, while Karisma Kapoor delivered a spirited performance as Nisha. This critically acclaimed musical went on to bag multiple prestigious Filmfare Awards upon its release.
The Tech-Driven Superhero Venture Ra.One
Shah Rukh Khan stepped into the sci-fi superhero genre with Ra.One, which was released during Diwali in 2011. The big-budget project featured an ensemble cast led by Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, alongside Arjun Rampal in a pivotal role. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the movie generated widespread discussions regarding its cutting-edge visual effects and futuristic superhero narrative. The ambitious cinematic venture successfully accumulated a worldwide gross of approximately 203.95 crore.
Reincarnation and Comedy in Housefull 4
Akshay Kumar headlined the comedy caper Housefull 4, which arrived in cinema halls during the Diwali festivities in 2019. The narrative cleverly combined laugh-out-loud comedy with a complex reincarnation plot spanning multiple eras. Alongside Akshay Kumar, the multi-starrer featured Bobby Deol, Riteish Deshmukh, Chunky Panday, Kriti Sanon, and Pooja Hegde in prominent roles. The star-studded comedy kept audiences thoroughly entertained throughout its theatrical run and raked in an impressive 280 crore globally.
Happy New Year and Its Massive Worldwide Haul
The festive season of Diwali also served as the launchpad for Shah Rukh Khan's high-octane heist drama Happy New Year. Released in 2014, the film was warmly received by family audiences across the country. Directed by Farah Khan, the movie featured a stellar supporting cast including Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood, and Boman Irani, whose lively performances won over viewers. The commercial entertainer performed remarkably well at the ticket counters, grossing a staggering 383 crore worldwide.
Golmaal Again and Its Spooky Laughter
Rohit Shetty's horror-comedy venture Golmaal Again hit the silver screens during Diwali in 2017. The film boasted a massive ensemble cast comprising Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, and Tabu. This light-hearted spookfest successfully compelled family audiences to flock to theatres in large numbers. The entertaining flick performed exceptionally well commercially, registering a worldwide box office collection of 311 crore.
Family Values in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
Salman Khan returned to the festive box office with the family drama Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, which premiered during Diwali in 2015. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the movie explored themes of intricate family dynamics, devotion, and traditional values. Salman Khan's dual role in the narrative drew significant attention from moviegoers. Capitalising on the festive holiday mood, the film drew heavy crowds to cinemas and collected roughly 388 crore globally.
Spy Thriller Dominance with Tiger 3
Salman Khan dominated the Diwali box office once again in 2023 with the high-octane action and spy thriller Tiger 3. Directed as part of a sprawling cinematic universe, the film featured Katrina कैफ in a leading role alongside the titular spy. A major highlight of the movie was a special cameo appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, which sent fans into a frenzy and significantly boosted box office momentum. The action entertainer resonated well with the masses, culminating in a massive global collection of approximately 466 crore.
