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Join UsAtoms of previously crackling Diwali prove that Diwali releases have been quite important in Bollywood. Going by the track record of Diwali releases, one can confidently put, that it is a mixed bag. Some have performed stupendously brilliant and some have bombed dramatically at the box office. This weekend is quite crucial for Bollywood as the Diwali releases are getting geared up for their dreaded and anticipated releases on the 13th. Battling it out this year are the biggies YRF’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar. Following their legal suit and much hyped up animosity, KoiMoi predicts that both films are set to fair tremendously well at the box office. Let’s take a close look at the films which have performed well despite releasing during Diwali when people are enjoying festivities.
Pinjar (2003)
Directed by C.P Dwivedi and starring Sanjay Suri, Manoj Bajpai and Urmila Matondkar, the film is loosely based on Amrita Pritam’s novel Pinjar. The film fared average at the box office however, this film particularly kept the Diwali crackling that year for the performances it delivered. Set against the background of 1947’s India Pakistan partition, this film managed to secure a place is audience’s minds for the pathos and pain depicted, the sensitivity of the film and its plot and the actors who were beyond excellent. This film won many National Awards including the Best Actor Award for Manoj Bajpai.
Veer Zaara (2004)
There is a reason why Late Mr. Yash Chopra was named the King of Romance. The magnanimity, the grandeur he lends to a plot is rare in a filmmaker. The film is a tale of undying, everlasting romance set against the background of Indo-Pak animosity and the bitter relations they share. Lovers from two different countries, sharing the same culture get separated as a result of it! Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Priety Zinta and Rani Mukerji, the film was one of Yash Chopra’s most memorable films. The storyline, the acting and mostly a plot that stretches over 22 years was put together in the most humane manner with a gist of the Master’s Midas Touch!
Aitraaz (2004)
Priyanka Chopra’s negative role was perhaps one of the finest performances in her career. From Day 1, Piggy Chops knew that she wants to play a character that interests her and luckily that quality has retained despite years of fame and stardom. Her acting has simply improved and the path began from this film. Starring Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, the film was based on Hollywood film Disclosure. Dealing with otherwise un-discussed topic like infidelity and the libido and prowess of a woman, this film unraveled a mesmerizing tale of mystery that impressed people a lot.
Garam Masala (2005)
This is the 1st version of Desi Boyz. Akshay Kumar and John Abraham struck up a brilliant pair for this film. Directed by Priyadarshan, this film was deemed a superhit because of being an all and all entertainment masala film. The film kept true to its word. The witty jokes and the naughty humor turned out to be the USP of the film.
Don (2006)
A remake of the 1978 film starring Amitabh Bachchan, this film was released in 2006. Unlike usual remakes, Farhan Akhtar has taken the liberty of altering the film as per his taste and much to the pleasure of his audiences. Don starred Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles and was an impeccable film technically speaking. It wasn’t just a chase the villain film; rather it discovers the newer dimensions of a lead character!
Om Shanti Om (2007)
The debutant actress Deepika Padukone, starring opposite a much seasoned and experienced SRK was the talk of the Tinsel town. Directed by Choreographer turned director, Farah Khan, this film was pitted against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya which was launching Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. Om Shanti Om was a tribute as well as a satire on Bollywood of the 70s and even today! The film elaborated Farah’s wit and understanding of patterns of Bollywood much better than any other young director!
Fashion (2008)
Madhur Bhandarkar is a director who presses out every nitty-gritty and dirty detail in his films. Some call him crusader and other think he is a mere mirror, this film maker is known for his raw honesty in depicting what exists for real behind the world of glamour and show. Starring Priyanka Chopra in the lead role, this film traces the life of a simple girl who comes to Mumbai to realize her dream of becoming a super model. The film follows adjacent stories that include homosexuality, infidelity, using sex as a weapon and many more of such inside stories which makeup, lights and fame hides behind its gorgeous garb.
Golmaal 3 and Golmaal Returns (2010, 2008)
Directed by Rohit Shetty, the films are from his famous Golmaal series starring Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor in lead roles. Abundant in mindless humor, the films are from the same series and yet reveal a unique story every time. The film doesn’t continue into its next part. Tusshar Kapoor playing the dumb guy is the star performer of the series. When you go for a Golmaal film you are sure to drop down dead laughing in your seats. It’s an all time Diwali favorite with two consequent ones performing brilliantly at the box office.
All the Best (2009)
Rohit Shetty literally masters the genre of typical Bollywood comedy. Starring Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan and Bipasha Basu, this film was received with good reviews from critics. Unparalleled humor was the driving force of the film. Every actor in the film did a brilliant job and the movie raked good moolah at the box office.
Ra.One (2011)
SRK’s big budget film was a technical masterpiece. Spending a huge fortune on promotions and publicity, the driving force of the film were SRK’s brand image and his teeming billions of fan following. Besides this, the film was a huge let down for SRK himself who suffered a big negative setback because of the film’s reception.
