As Diwali 2024 approaches, Bollywood is abuzz with anticipation for two major film releases that promise to light up the festival even brighter: Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again” and Anees Bazmee’s “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3”. Given the historical significance of Diwali as a lucrative period for the Indian film industry, these releases are expected to draw large crowds to theaters, heralding a festive box office bonanza.
Historically, Diwali has been a pivotal time for Bollywood releases, with filmmakers strategically selecting this festive window to unveil their most ambitious projects. Targeting a wide family audience eager for entertainment, movies released during Diwali typically feature light-hearted themes, star-studded casts, and engaging storylines. Let’s delve into the past performances of some notable Diwali releases and see how they stacked up at the box office.
Back in 2012, Diwali witnessed the clash of “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Son Of Sardaar”. The former, directed by Yash Chopra in what would be his last film, featured Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Katrina Kaif. It received positive reviews and pulled in an impressive Rs. 120.65 crores. Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha’s “Son Of Sardaar”, despite competing on the same release date, managed to hold its ground, earning Rs. 105.03 crores. This exemplified the robust potential for diverse films to succeed during this festive period, even amid high-profile competition.
The subsequent year saw the release of “Krrish 3” in 2013, starring Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. As part of the successful superhero franchise, it captivated audiences and achieved a staggering Rs. 240 crores, underscoring the appeal of fantasy and action-packed narratives during Diwali.
In 2014, the spotlight turned to Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s “Happy New Year”. Despite mixed reviews, the ensemble cast and high-budget spectacle helped the film gross Rs. 203 crores, proving that star power and ambitious production designs could drive Diwali successes.
2015’s Diwali release was “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, reuniting Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, and director Sooraj Barjatya. Marketed as a quintessential family entertainer, it played to packed houses, accumulating Rs. 207.4 crores. Its triumph reaffirmed the festival’s ability to bolster traditional family-driven narratives at the box office.
In 2016, Ajay Devgn’s directorial debut “Shivaay” met with a tepid response, earning Rs. 100.
.35 crores despite extensive pre-release buzz. However, Karan Johar’s romantic drama “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, fared better with Rs. 112.5 crores, tapping into the festival’s affinity for heartfelt stories.
Rohit Shetty’s “Golmaal Again” emerged as a standout hit in 2017, collecting Rs. 205.72 crores. The horror-comedy, starring an ensemble including Ajay Devgn and Parineeti Chopra, captivated audiences with its blend of humor and thrills. Simultaneously, “Secret Superstar”, though overshadowed by “Golmaal Again”, succeeded with Rs. 62 crores, driven by stellar reviews and strong word of mouth.
Diwali 2019 featured “Housefull 4”, which boasted an ensemble cast led by Akshay Kumar. With its comedic plot and star appeal, it grossed Rs. 206 crores, reaffirming the festival’s role in elevating family comedies.
Post-pandemic, “Sooryavanshi” marked a landmark release in 2021, with Akshay Kumar teaming up once more with Rohit Shetty. Despite restrictions, the film amassed Rs. 195.04 crores, signaling Bollywood’s resilient comeback amid challenging times.
The following year, “Ram Setu” and “Thank God” were released in 2022 but achieved underwhelming box office numbers, collecting Rs. 90 crores and Rs. 98 crores respectively. Although both films struggled to capture the festive spirit fully, they highlighted evolving audience preferences during the holiday.
Most recently, Diwali 2023 saw the return of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in “Tiger 3”. Despite a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan, the film’s reception was lukewarm, amassing Rs. 285 crores against high expectations.
With “Singham Again” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” poised for release this Diwali, the stage is set for another chapter in Bollywood’s festive celebrations. Singham Again, with Rohit Shetty at the helm, promises high-octane action and impactful drama, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is expected to blend comedy and horror, two genres with strong historical success during this festive period. As both franchises have a track record of engaging audiences, the Diwali 2024 box office is expected to see not only a clash of titans but a celebration of cinema’s enduring allure during the festival of lights.
