Article by Vignesh (tweets @viggu_8391)
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India, it’s also the season when the working class get their ‘yearly bonus’ and the footfalls at cinema falls also tend to show a significant increase. Not too long ago, it was the biggest festival of the year, reserved for the biggest of films. That tag now belongs to Christmas, followed by Eid, but Diwali still sees big-budget films featuring the biggest stars in the industry.
In 2006, there were 2 big releases during Diwali. Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar’s ‘Jaan-e-mann’ released alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Don – The Chase Begins’, a remake of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer. The former started off well, but the box office supremacy of SRK and his charismatic portrayal as the ‘Don’ won the clash with Don collecting 2 times more than ‘Jaan-e-Mann’.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Collection
Worldwide |
Verdict |
Don | 20 Oct 2006 | 21 Oct 2006 | Action-Drama | 105 cr | Hit |
Jaan-e-Mann | 20 Oct 2006 | 21 Oct 2006 | Rom-Drama | 45 cr | Flop |
2007 was one of the best years for the industry. Akshay Kumar was at the top of his game, with all his 4 films emerging victorious. The Diwali period saw Shah Rukh’s Om Shanti Om which marked the acting debut of Deepika Padukone, taking on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’, which introduced us to Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. Needless to say, Shah Rukh’s star power was enough to decimate ‘Saawariya’. ‘Om Shanti Om’ broke all box office records and emerged as the top grosser of the year.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Collection
Worldwide |
Verdict |
Om Shanti Om | 9 Nov 2007 | 9 Nov 2007 | Drama | 151 cr | Blockbuster |
Saawariya | 9 Nov 2007 | 9 Nov 2007 | Rom-Drama | 39 cr | Flop |
2008 again had two films clashing during the Diwali Day and for the first time in a very long time, both films did well at the box office. Acclaimed Director Madhur Bhandarkar released his film ’Fashion’ starring Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut. The film won huge appreciation and won National Awards. Golmaal Returns is the least successful Golmaal film, but it did well enough to earn ‘hit’ status at the box office.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Collection
Worldwide |
Verdict |
Fashion | 29 Oct 2008 | 28 Oct 2008 | Drama | 43 cr | Semi Hit |
Golmaal Returns | 29 Oct 2008 | 28 Oct 2008 | Comedy | 83 cr | Hit |
2009 saw as many as 3 films releasing on the same day. All The Best, Blue and Main Aur Mrs Khanna clashed during this period. Blue, riding on Akshay’s star power, started off really well, scoring one of the biggest weekends, but crashed due to poor word-of-mouth. All The Best, which was gaining momentum eventually won the race due to lower costs. Main Aur Mrs Khanna was massive disaster.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
All The Best | 16 Oct 2009 | 17 Oct 2009 | Comedy | 67 cr | Average |
Blue | 16 Oct 2009 | 17 Oct 2009 | Action | 66 cr | Flop |
Main Aur Mrs Khanna | 16 Oct 2009 | 17 Oct 2009 | Rom-Drama | 15 cr | Disaster |
2010 witnessed yet another big clash. Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn locked horns at the box office. The clash was between 2 comedy films, one directed by Rohit Shetty, whose popularity was increasing and the other directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Golmaal 3 scored over its opposition right from the first day of its release and went on to become only the 4th film to cross the 100 crore mark.
Films | Release Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
Action Replay | 5 Nov 2010 | 5 Nov 2010 | Comedy-Drama | 47 cr | Flop |
Golmaal 3 | 5 Nov 2010 | 5 Nov 2010 | Comedy | 173 cr | Blockbuster |
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan was back to his Diwali releases after a gap of 4 years. It was the hugely-hyped Ra One, one of the costliest films of all time. While Shah Rukh was applauded for bringing in technology and making Ra One a technically good film, the film was rejected by the audience after a record Diwali day.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
Ra.One | 26 Oct 2011 | 26 Oct 2011 | Action, Sci-Fi | 221 | Hit |
The 2012 Diwali weekend was filled with controversies. This year saw Yash Chopra’s last directorial venture ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ featuring his favourite Shah Rukh Khan, releasing on the same day as Ajay Devgn’s home production ‘Son Of Sardaar’. Ajay was criticised for announcing his film after the announcement of ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ and sticking to his date even after Yash Chopra passed away. The entire period leading up to the release was ugly, with Ajay slapping a case against Yash Raj Films. It’s difficult to pick a clear winner from the clash, but Son Of Sardaar exceeded expectations, while Jab Tak Hai Jaan fell well short.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
Jab Tak Hai Jaan | 13 Nov 2012 | 13 Nov 2012 | Rom-Drama | 235 | Hit |
Son of Sardaar | 13 Nov 2012 | 13 Nov 2012 | Comedy | 163 | Hit |
In 2013, Krrish 3, the 3rd part of one of the biggest franchises of Bollywood released in theatres. The film marked Hrithik’s return to the silver screen as a superhero, a character only he has been successful at playing. The film broke some of the previous records and set new benchmarks for the films to come. However, the film was marred with controversies regarding the official collections. Trade accused the Roshan’s for inflating the collections. The film was a blockbuster nonetheless.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
Krrish3 | 1 Nov 2013 | 3 Nov 2013 | Sci Fi | 384 | Blockbuster |
2014 saw Shah Rukh’s 5th Diwali release in 9 years. It also marked the reunion of his ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘Main Hoon Naa’ director Farah Khan. The film had an ensemble cast with current heartthrob Deepika Padukone. It released on the biggest day for film business in the year and broke opening records.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
Happy New Year | 24 Oct 2014 | 22 Oct 2014 | Comedy | 385 | Super Hit |
2015 – After quite a long time we saw Salman Khan getting a Diwali release. The last time he had a Diwali release, his career was at an all-time low. But fast forward to 2015 and Salman was head-and-shoulders above everyone else in the industry. This Diwali was special because Salman was returning with Sooraj Barjatya after a gap of 16 years. It also brought back the’ Family Drama’ genre, which was missing from Bollywood. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo did well, but couldn’t match the success of his previous film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’.
Films | Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
PRDP | 12 Nov 2015 | 11 Nov 2015 | Family-Drama | 395 | Super Hit |
2016 – This year, we have what has been the ugliest clash of all time. Controversies, political angle, personal attacks.. the last coupe of months has seen it all. But nothing would matter on the Friday of release as Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil takes on Ajay Devgn’s Shivaay.
Films | Release Date | Diwali Day | Genre | Worldwide | Verdict |
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | 28 Oct 2016 | 31 Oct 2016 | Rom-Drama | TBU | TBU |
Shivaay | 28 Oct 2016 | 31 Oct 2016 | Action-Drama | TBU | TBU |
We hope both films this year are liked by the audience and both emerge victorious at the box office. A year like 2012 would truly be a ‘Happy Diwali’ for the industry.
Which are your favourite Diwali films? Vote and tell us what you think in the comments section below:
Watching shivay in dubai…. but just less than 20 people in the theatre. … will post my opinion after the movie
All the best-superb comedy movie
@indicine
Why haven’t u included Diwali releases of 2004 and 2005? Except KK all did well too.
Veer Zaara
Aitraaz
Garam Masala
Kyon Ki
Ae dil hai mushkil movie is taking lead in advance booking at multiplexes
Om Shanti Om and Don are the biggest hits Diwali has ever seen
Golmal returns, all the best, golmal 3, son of sardar, The history says ajay devgn never fails in diwali even with big clashes. So again history will repeat itself
FILM on Diwali without SRK is like u r not providing crackers in children’s hand to burst..
Hypocrite ajay Devgan says there is no warmth in the industry even though he is the one who announced sos after JTHJ and after yash Ji passed away. Again he is causing so much negativity.
@indicine make correction. PRDP crossed 400cr.
After looking at the records, there’s no doubt that the Diwali has been most favorable to Ajay Devgn and Shahrukh Khan.
Ajay:
Golmaal Returns and All the Best were 2 much needed hits for him during 2000-09. Golmaal 3 redefined his stardom and SOS did very well too.
Shivaay and Golmaal 4 are 2 other big Diwali releases for him.
Shahrukh:
Veer Zaara gave him HGOTY after almost 8-9 years. Don was a surprise the way Shahrukh took over the combined starpower of Salman and Akshay. Om Shanti Om was an industry hit. Ra.One and HNY were slightly below expectations in terms of content and collections in long run, however the latter still holds the record of highest opening.
Akshay:
Aitraaz, with such a genre did well on competition with a film like Veer Zaara. Garam Masala was an instant hit over Kyon Ki. Jaan E Mann and Action Replayy were badly due to clash. Blue had everything that made it hot- starcast, scale, AR rahman’s songs, Kylie Minougue and Katrina Kaif’s special appearances, etc. But weak script and poor WOM killed it all the way(just like MD).
Robot 2 is said to release on Diwali next year, let’s see how it turns out to be for him.
Salman:
Just like for Akshay Diwali has been a mixed period for Salman Khan. Kyon Ki , Jann E mann and Main aur Mrs Khanna were rejected by audience while PRDP has been earth shattering. Salman never appeared to be interested in the Diwali period. He had just 4 releases- out of which 3 disappointing and PRDP was honestly way below expectations, it only did well due to Salman Khan’s stardom.
Diwali is the best period for film release. Reasons as follows:
1) Great Weather. No Extreme cold or extreme rain to limit collections.
2) Schools, Courts etc closed for almost a week.
3) Its that time of the year when people come out and spend.
4) Its usually followed by some partial holidays.
5) Its the biggest festival in the country.
6) Usually Diwali releases get 2 weeks free run.
Its just that no universally appealing film with good content has released on Diwali. Definitely a Sultan,Bajrangi Bhaijaan, PK, Dhoom 3, 3 Idiots, Dabang, Chennai Express would have collected as much as they did on Eid had these film released on Diwali or Christmas.
this year both film will be hit…
Shivaay may be won the clash…..
Re posting due to typo….
In my opinion, Diwali is the best period for film release. Reasons as follows:
1) Great Weather. No Extreme cold or extreme rain to limit collections.
2) Schools, Courts etc closed for almost a week.
3) Its that time of the year when people come out and spend.
4) Its usually followed by some partial holidays.
5) Its the biggest festival in the country.
6) Usually Diwali releases get 2 weeks free run.
7) Has the biggest day for film collections. (Personally I believe, I day or any other National Holiday is better for film business).
Its just that no universally appealing film with good content has released on Diwali. Definitely a Sultan,Bajrangi Bhaijaan, PK, Dhoom 3, 3 Idiots, Dabang, Chennai Express would have collected as much as they did on Eid/Christmas, had these film released on Diwali.
Its just that statistics do not tell the complete story everytime…….and so has the case been with Diwali past decade or so…..
ajay devgan is very good dilwali
Re posting due to typo…
In my opinion, Diwali is the best period for film release. Reasons as follows:
1) Great Weather. No Extreme cold or extreme rain to limit collections.
2) Schools, Courts etc closed for almost a week.
3) Its that time of the year when people come out and spend.
4) Its usually followed by some partial holidays.
5) Its the biggest festival in the country.
6) Usually Diwali releases get 2 weeks free run.
7) Biggest day for film collections though personally I believe that national holidays are better for collections than the day after Diwali.
Its just that no universally appealing film with good content has released on Diwali. Definitely a Sultan,Bajrangi Bhaijaan, PK, Dhoom 3, 3 Idiots, Dabang, Chennai Express would have atleast collected as much as they did on Eid/Christmas had these film released on Diwali.
1)Don
2)Om Shanti Om
3)Ra.One
@indicine…for ur kind information….all movies u mentioned above…….all are crap.
Jaan e mann, all the best and G2
My honest pick.
Jaan-e-mann:My favourite salman film.
Watches both Don and Jaan-e-mann.Liked Don but loved Jaanemann.I was too young perhaps to understand Don but Jaan e mann was the perfect family outing.Comedy scenes in first half was brilliant and song humko maloom was a rage.
All the best:Best comedy film till date I have watched in theatre.Ajay and Sanjay were brilliant.So was the comic situations
Jab tak hai jaan:My best Diwali till date.Had the most amazing experience seeing and hooting for srk when he appears for the first time in a bike.Fell in love with srk when he said tumne thappad nhi mara.
Even though the 2nd accident ruined the tempo but overall a wonderful film.
In UAE, Shivaay has been a disaster. But in India the competition will be tougher for ADHM.
LOL JUST LOOK AT SALMAN MOVIE BEFORE 2008…????
DISASTER AFTER DISASTER NOT EVEN FLOP IT WAS DISASTER..
BEFORE 2008 MOVIE OF SALMAN WHICH I REMEMBER..I WILL LIST ONLY SUCCESFUL MOVIES..
1) NO ENTRY – MULTI STARRER EVEN FARDEEN HAS MORE SCREEN TIME THEN LALLU.
2) PARTNER – IT WAS MORE APRECIATED FOR GOVINDAS ACT THEN LALLU
3) MUJSE SHAADI KAROGI- WE ALL KNOW AKSHAY NAILED IN THAT MOVIE
4)HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM – AJAY GOT ALL CREDIT AND OVER SHADOWED LALLU
5)BAGHBAN – DO I NEED TO SAY SOMETHING ON THIS
BAS KUCH SAALO KI BAAT HAI FIR SE USS HAAL PE AAYEGA JIS PE 2008 AE PEHLE THA..
COZ NON ACTOR KAB TAK EK HI CHIZ KAR KAR K AAGEY JAYEGA
ADHM: 250CR, Shivay: 115cr.
Ajay Devgan ki Aag. Ajay fans ready to hide from tomorrow.
Excellent article by indicine
PRDP just a Hit
SRK is the king of Diwali. Want The Ring on Diwali 2017.
watching adhm in UAE. show cancel only
2 ticket sold.lol
Shivaay Getting Huge Buzz In Nepal ……. No Matter – Army is an Army Irrespective of Country- We will watch it for Ajay’s Sir Hardwork and Those martyers who died for thier country ….Shivaay also getting positive reviews Except KRK ……..
It’s only the content of films which has let this massive holiday weekend down ..!!!
Otherwise if you personally ask me then
Diwali>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> X-mas , EID ..!!