Public holidays and festival weekends always spell big bucks for Indian filmmakers and more often than not our superstars and the top-notch producers' book these special dates in advance for their film’s release. It is a well-known fact that Salman Khan favours Eid as the release date of his films whereas Shah Rukh Khan is partial to Diwali, Aamir Khan favours Christmas and Akshay Kumar brings out his films during the National Holidays i.e Independence Day and Republic Day.
The National Holidays have always been lucrative for films that have released irrespective of the fact whether they have a patriotic fervor to them or not. Independence Day and Republic Day always have a big impact on the box office, so much so that clashes are bound to happen and are not averted. Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees and Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil released in Republic Day week, on January 25, 2017, whereas Akshay Kumar’s Rustom and Hrithik’s Mohenjo Daro released during the Independence Day Week on August 12, 2016.
Here’s a look at some of the films that benefited from being released during the Independence Day week.
Toilet – Ek Prem Katha
Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar’s social drama released on August 11, 2017, and was a big hit. The film was based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of making India open defecation free. Directed by Shree Narayan Singh the film did a roaring business at the box office and fetched Rs 311.5 crores.
Rustom
Akshay and Ileana D’Cruz starrer was released on August 12, 2016. The film was based on the real-life incident of Naval Officer K. M. Nanavati and businessman Prem Ahuja. This film gave Akshay his first National Film Award for Best Actor at the 64th National Film Awards. The film grossed a total of Rs 219 crores at the box office.
Singham Returns
The sequel to Ajay Devgn’s superhit film Singham released on August 15, 2014. Directed by Rohit Shetty the film minted money at the theatres and garnered a whopping Rs 215.57 crores.
Chennai Express
Shah Rukh Khan reunited with his Om Shanti Om co-star Deepika Padukone for this film directed by Rohit Shetty. The film might have been panned by some critics for the stereotypes and the histrionics shown but became a roaring success at the box office by collecting Rs 423 crores worldwide. It broke several box office records and became the quickest film to collect Rs 100 core.
Ek Tha Tiger
Kabir Khan’s film Ek Tha Tiger starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif was released on August 15, 2012, and became the second Bollywood film to gross over Rs 300 crore worldwide. Ek Tha Tiger collected a cool Rs 320 crore at the box office.
Kaminey
Kaminey starred Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in the lead and released on August 14, 2009. Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj the film garnered Rs 70 crores at the box office and was a resounding hit. The film received positive reviews from critics and was highly acclaimed.
Bachna Ae Haseeno
Ranbir Kapoor starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno released on Aug 15, 2008. The film also featured Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba in the lead roles. The film grossed Rs 62.5 crores worldwide.
Chak De India
Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic film Chak De India also released during the Independence Day week. It released on August 10, 2007. The film became an instant hit for its strong storyline and brilliant performances. The film collected Rs 79.69 crores worldwide.
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is Karan Johar’s lowest grossing film but became the highest grossing Indian film of all time overseas at the time of its release. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan and Kirron Kher the film released on August 11, 2006. The film saw a record opening at many cities in India and generated Rs 60 crores in the first week itself. The film's total worldwide gross is of Rs 113 crore.
Mangal Pandey- The Rising
Directed by Ketan Mehta the film made on the 1857 First War of Indian Independence had Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Amisha Patel, Kirron Kher and Om Puri in the lead. The film was released on August 12, 2005, and garnered Rs 55 crores worldwide.
This year we get to see two films battle it out on Independence Day at the box office and they are Akshay’s Gold and John Abraham’s and Manoj Bajpayee's Satyameva Jayate. However, although both films have a patriotic fervor they are much different in their stories and treatment. We wish both the films all the best, let the best win.
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