Christmas Celebrations and Box Office Hits in India
Christmas is celebrated across the globe as a festive occasion that allows people to take a break from their daily routines and spend quality time with family and friends. Theatres often experience heightened patronage during this period, with films serving as a primary source of entertainment in India.
During this festive season, filmmakers traditionally release significant titles for audiences to enjoy with their families. The following films have demonstrated exceptional box office performance during Christmas.
1. Dunki
In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan made a remarkable return to cinema, starting with
Pathaan and concluding the year with Dunki. This film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, explores the illegal immigration method known as ‘Donkey Flight’. Alongside Khan, the cast includes Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani. Dunki has grossed ₹454 crore globally.
2. 83
Directed by Kabir Khan,
83 is a sports biopic that chronicles the Indian national cricket team’s triumph in the 1983 Cricket World Cup under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, portrayed by Ranveer Singh. This film featured a notable ensemble, including Deepika Padukone and Pankaj Tripathi. Despite its ₹190-200 crore worldwide earnings, it was declared average due to its considerable budget.
3. Good Newwz
This comedy-drama, starring Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kiara Advani, revolves around a mix-up involving sperm at a hospital, affecting two couples with the same surname. The film achieved ₹242 crore in India.
4. Dabangg 3
Salman Khan reprised his iconic role as Chulbul Pandey in
Dabangg 3, facing off against South Indian actor Kichcha Sudeep. The film was well-received and performed strongly at the box office.
5. Dangal
Inspired by the Phogat family,
Dangal features Aamir Khan as a man aspiring to achieve a gold medal for India in wrestling. It holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing Bollywood film, amassing ₹2070.3 crore worldwide.
6. Dhoom 3
As the third installment in the popular
Dhoom franchise, Dhoom 3 captivated audiences with its high-octane action, featuring Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra.
7. Dabangg 2
Continuing the
Dabangg franchise, Dabangg 2 saw Salman Khan return in his signature role. This sequel, featuring Prakash Raj as the antagonist, maintained the appeal of Chulbul Pandey and achieved good box office results.
8. 3 Idiots
Released in 2009,
3 Idiots grossed ₹350 crore globally. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film features Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Kareena Kapoor in crucial roles.
9. Simmba
Directed by Rohit Shetty,
Simmba is a 2018 action-comedy that grossed ₹390 crore, delivering entertainment to audiences and showcasing the director’s signature style.
10. Ghajini
The 2008 film
Ghajini, directed by A. R. Murugadoss, stars Aamir Khan and Asin. It earned ₹194.10 crore globally and is credited with ushering in the ₹100 crore club in India.
These films exemplify the intersection of festive spirit and cinematic success during the Christmas season in India.
