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The 10 Biggest Diwali Hits in Bollywood

Diwali has traditionally been a lucrative time for Bollywood, and the biggest releases have been timed for release during this festive season.

Usually, we seen a string of big movies releasing at this time but for the first time in the last decade, this year will have just one Diwali release -- Krrish 3.

Before this Hrithik Roshan-starrer hits the screen this Friday, we look back at some of the biggest Diwali hits in the past decade.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)

Yash Chopra's swan song was marred in controversy, thanks to the clash with Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar that released on the same day.

Shah Rukh Khan and producer Aditya Chopra went ahead with their original plans and gave the film an event release.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan received a mixed response from the critics as well as the audience, which meant that the film crossed Rs 100 crores but didn't scale too many highs.

Box Office collections: Rs 122 crores

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Ra. One (2011)

Ra.One holds the distinction of being the second highest Diwali grosser ever even though it was panned by many.

It took a thunderous start and was immensely liked by the kids. But just like the rise, there was a steep fall too with fast spreading negative word of mouth resulting in it's downfall. 

Box Office collections: Rs 115 crores.

Golmaal 3 (2010)

Ajay Devgn and director Rohit Shetty wanted to make the third installment in the Golmaal series even bigger than the two movies before.

They managed to do quite well too with Golmaal 3 taking an unprecedented start at the box office, thereby eclipsing Akshay Kumar-Aishwariya Rai Bachchan starrer Action Replayy completely.

Box Office Collections: Rs 108 crores

 

Son Of Sardaar (2012)

One of the most lucrative years at the box office was in 2012, when Son of Sardaar and Jab Tak Hai Jaan released on the same day.

Though there was much bad blood spilling over in public due to issues regarding the sharing of screens between the two films, eventually Ajay Devgn managed to keep his Diwali record intact and hit a century at the box office.

Box Office Collections: Rs 102 crores

Om Shanti Om (2007)

Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om literally crushed out competition from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya in 2007.

Ranbir Kapoor-Sonam Kapoor's debut film was shown no compassion as SRK and director Farah Khan methodically planned their campaign and made their film a superhit at the box office.

Box Office Collections: Rs 80 crores

Golmaal Returns (2008)

Ajay Devgn made his first major impact at the box office with Golmaal Returns in 2008.

Though the film was panned by critics, audience didn't seem to mind it at all and helped the film take a superb opening at the box office.

The film managed to cross the 50 crore mark, and the franchise was well established.

Box Office Collections: Rs 52 crores

Don (2006)

With Don, Shah Rukh Khan realised it was time to explore new avenues of marketing and promotion.

The actor therefore embarked on a multiple city tours and Paid Previews screening, something that was hitherto unexplored.

The result? The film took a thunderous start and was the biggest ever Diwali success.

Box Office Collections: Rs 51 crores

 

All the Best (2009)

With Golmaal, Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty had already proved that they were a successful combination.

Though Akshay Kumar's Blue (which also released on the same day) took a better start at the box office, All The Best ended up being more successful and enjoyed a longer run.

Box Office Collections: Rs 42 crores

Veer Zaara (2004)

Diwali 2004 saw four releases -- Veer-Zaara, Aitraaz, Naach and Mughal-E-Azam (the latter was re-released in colour).

While Akshay's Aitraaz went on to be a decent success, Veer-Zaara was among the top earners of the year.

A Rs 40 crores total was considered very huge a decade ago and the Yash Chopra-Shah Rukh Khan combo stayed on undefeated at the box office.

Box Office Collections: Rs 40 crores

Garam Masala (2005)

When Garam Masala released in 2005, the Akshay Kumar-John Abraham combo managed to beat none other than Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor, whose Kyunki had released on the same day.

Interestingly, both films had the same director -- Priyadarshan -- at the helm of affairs.

While he gave his Hera Pheri hero a hit, Priyan ended up apologising to Salman for letting him down with a major commercial flop.

Box Office Collections: Rs 27 crores