7th November 2023, Mumbai: Diwali is a grand celebration in India, where families come together to revel in the festive spirit. Among the many traditions associated with this joyous occasion, one that has consistently held a special place in the hearts of Indians is movie-watching.
Historically, Diwali is a time when a trip to the cinema is high on the priority list for prospective moviegoers. In particular, the day of Govardhan Pooja, part of the Diwali week, has earned its reputation as one of the most significant days for ticket sales, witnessing the creation and shattering of numerous box office records.
Blockbusters of the Past
According to Box Office India, when adjusting for inflation, two movies stand out as the biggest blockbusters ever released during the Diwali week. These cinematic gems are none other than “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar” (1978) and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995). These films not only captured the hearts of moviegoers but also etched themselves into the annals of Bollywood history.
Top 5 Movies That Set Diwali Aglow
Over the years, several movies have dazzled the Diwali box office, leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s cinematic legacy. Here are the top 5 films that exploded at the Diwali box office:
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
This Amitabh Bachchan starrer became a sensation during Diwali, charming audiences with its compelling storyline.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
A timeless classic, this Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol-starrer redefined love stories and created a legacy that endures.
Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997)
With a stellar cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Karisma Kapoor, this musical drama struck the right chords with audiences.
Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999)
A family drama that resonated with the spirit of Diwali, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast.
Mohabbatein (2000)
Yash Chopra’s romantic masterpiece with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan tugged at the heartstrings of audiences.
The Reigning Champion: Housefull 4 (2019)
In recent years, Housefull 4 (2019) made history as the highest-grossing Diwali film, collecting slightly over Rs 205 crores nett. This rib-tickling comedy was watched by a staggering 1.5 crore individuals, solidifying its place as a Diwali favorite. The film’s success illuminated the sheer appeal of movies during the festive season.
Looking Ahead to Diwali 2023
The excitement for Diwali 2023 is already building up, with the highly anticipated release of Tiger 3 starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. With its star-studded cast and action-packed sequences, Tiger 3 is poised to create a new box office benchmark for the festival. It’s expected to join the ranks of the most-watched Diwali releases of all time, further igniting the Diwali spirit on the silver screen.
As the world lits up with beautiful lights, the tradition of cinematic celebrations during Diwali continues to shine brightly in the hearts of moviegoers across India.
-by Jeet Pasad