Holi has often served as a strategic release window for Hindi films, with producers aiming to capitalise on the festive holiday period. While no major Bollywood release coincided with Holi this year, previous years have seen several successful films arrive in theatres around the festival. Here is a look at five prominent titles that benefited from Holi season releases.
One of the most recent examples is Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. Directed by Luv Ranjan, the romantic comedy was released on March 8, 2023. The film explored themes of modern relationships and commitment through the story of two individuals navigating love and misunderstandings. It performed strongly at the box office, earning over Rs 147 crore in India and crossing Rs 223 crore worldwide. The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Another major Holi release was Kesari, headlined by Akshay Kumar and directed by Anurag Singh. Released on March 21, 2019, the historical drama was based on the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi. The film received positive reviews and collected approximately Rs 155 crore in India, with a worldwide gross exceeding Rs 208 crore. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Badrinath Ki Dulhania, starring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, also arrived during the Holi period. Directed by Shashank Khaitan and backed by Dharma Productions, the romantic drama released on March 10, 2017. It became a box office success, earning nearly Rs 118 crore domestically and over Rs 201 crore worldwide. The film is available on multiple streaming platforms.
The crime thriller Race, directed by Abbas Mustan, featured Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif. Released in 2008, the film earned over Rs 60 crore in India and achieved a global gross exceeding Rs 103 crore. It went on to become a successful franchise.
Finally, Kahaani, starring Vidya Balan and directed by Sujoy Ghosh, was released on March 9, 2012. The mystery thriller, centred on a woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata, received critical acclaim. It collected over Rs 51 crore in India and nearly Rs 79 crore worldwide. The film is also available on Amazon Prime Video.
These releases demonstrate how the Holi period has historically provided a favourable window for Hindi cinema, combining festive footfall with strong audience engagement.
