As the festival of Diwali approaches, Bollywood is known for its major film releases, with many movies achieving impressive box office success during this festive period. Here’s a detailed look at the top seven highest-grossing Diwali releases in Indian cinema history.
1. Tiger 3 (2023)
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif return in the third installment of the Tiger franchise, Tiger 3, which has become the highest-grossing Diwali release ever. The film amassed over ₹260.25 crore net in India despite receiving mixed reviews. Emraan Hashmi plays the main antagonist, while Shah Rukh Khan makes a special appearance as R&AW agent Pathaan, adding to the film’s excitement. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, Tiger 3 showcases Khan’s enduring star power, allowing it to surpass all previous Diwali releases.
2. Housefull 4 (2019)
This comedy sequel, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Pooja Hegde, secured the second spot with a box office collection of over ₹205.50 crore net. Although criticized for its writing, Housefull 4 benefited from its franchise popularity and the festive release timing. It stands as Akshay Kumar’s highest-grossing film to date. A sequel, Housefull 5, is currently in production and is expected to hit theaters next year.
3. Golmaal Again (2017)
The fourth installment of the beloved Golmaal series, directed by Rohit Shetty, brought back the original cast, including Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi. The film also earned over ₹205.50 crore net, making it one of Ajay Devgn’s top-grossing films. Audiences embraced its blend of comedy and adventure, and there is significant anticipation for a potential future installment in this successful franchise.
4. Sooryavanshi (2021)
Sooryavanshi, another action-packed film from Rohit Shetty, features Akshay Kumar in the lead role. The movie grossed ₹195.50 crore net despite facing occupancy restrictions due to COVID-19 regulations. As the first major Bollywood film released post-pandemic, it revitalized the industry and captured audiences with its high-octane action sequences, including a climactic showdown involving iconic cop characters from Shetty’s earlier films. The next film in this cop universe, Singham Again, is set to release this Diwali.
5. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)
Salman Khan’s collaboration with director Sooraj Barjatya yielded Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, a family drama that earned ₹194.25 crore net. The film featured Khan in a dual role, alongside Sonam Kapoor. Renowned for its heartwarming music and family-oriented storytelling, it resonates with Salman’s fans and continues to be celebrated.
6. Happy New Year (2014)
Directed by Farah Khan, Happy New Year is a heist comedy that grossed over ₹178.50 crore net. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan, the film became a significant commercial success, demonstrating the strong connection between Shah Rukh Khan’s releases and the Diwali festival. Its ensemble cast and engaging storyline contributed to its appeal.
7. Krrish 3 (2013)
The superhero film Krrish 3 marked the return of Hrithik Roshan as India’s beloved superhero after a seven-year hiatus. It grossed ₹175.75 crore net, showcasing impressive visual effects and a compelling narrative. The film’s success has led to high expectations for the next installment in the franchise, which is currently in development.
Box Office Summary
Here’s a quick recap of the highest-grossing Diwali releases:
| Rank | Movie | India Net Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tiger 3 | ₹260.25 crore |
| 2 | Housefull 4 | ₹205.50 crore |
| 3 | Golmaal Again | ₹205.50 crore |
| 4 | Sooryavanshi | ₹195.50 crore |
| 5 | Prem Ratan Dhan Payo | ₹194.25 crore |
| 6 | Happy New Year | ₹178.50 crore |
| 7 | Krrish 3 | ₹175.75 crore |
As we look ahead, the upcoming releases of Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 have the potential to disrupt this list. With their star power and anticipated storylines, they could climb to the top ranks of Diwali box office success.
What’s your favorite Diwali release? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates!
