Tis the season to be jolly! Along with lots of fun, frolic and season’s greetings, Christmas also spreads some festive joy, and magical dust in Bollywood, that sees the release of some of the biggest projects of the year. Considered to be a gold mine of holidays, Christmas, that culminates into the New Year, sees families getting together to make a beeline at the movies, enjoying both family entertainers, and commercial pot-boilers. We dig deeper…
What makes this holiday special?
Film expert Girish Johar delves deep into the Christmas fever. He said, “With the advent of multiplexes, Christmas has always been a lucrative time, and the audience flow at the movies is extremely high. Not only that, with the overseas market more in holiday mode than India, it is a great time for the movies. There have been umpteen examples of Christmas releases that have gone on to become blockbusters. In fact, Aamir Khan has been releasing his movie around the festival for many years, and so have the others. “
Ranbir Kapoor & Olivia Wilde Turn Heads at Red Sea Festival
When asked if watching a movie in theatres might not be on the list for families (as they would want to spend time together), Girish said that it totally depends on the movie, and how lucrative it is to the audience. If the film is good, it will draw the audience to the theatres, come what may, he asserts.
How did the trend start?
If we go back in time, we will see that Diwali and Eid were historically considered to be the staple season of new releases, till things changed in 2009. Film Analyst Raj Bansal said, “Shah Rukh Khan has always ruled over Diwali, and Salman has taken over Eid. In 2009, Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots changed things, and now Christmas too, is considered to be fairly lucrative when it comes to new releases.”
New releases this year
This year, Christmas will see a couple of new releases, including Varun Dhawan’s Baby John and Nana Patekar’s Vanvas. Speaking of the festive time, Murad Khetani says, “Christmas is an ideal time to release Baby John, as the festive season symbolizes family, joy, and togetherness — themes that lie at the heart of our film.”
He added, “The holiday period also offers a significant opportunity for increased audience turnout, making it a strategically sound business decision. As a universal family entertainer, Baby John is crafted to resonate with viewers of all ages, and its scale and appeal demand a grand release. We couldn’t envision a better occasion than Christmas to share this heartwarming story with audiences worldwide.”
Even bigger than Diwali?
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures Ltd, considers the festival even bigger (and better) for Bollywood than Diwali, and he has his reasons. He told us, “During this time, everyone is in a pure holiday mood, and unlike Diwali, there are no social or family obligations, so more time is available for friends and family to get together and have fun.”
Khan USP needed?
When asked if it is important for these movies to have a Khan as its main lead, Kamal negates the idea, but does believe that some star presence is important. He says, “Non Khan movies have also done well over the years on Christmas, but I do feel that a big star can really help in pulling the audience to the theatres.”
What does this year look like?
Film exhibitor Akkshay Rathie is hopeful that this year will be no different from the rest when it comes to Christmas hits. He said, “Baby John looks promising, and with Pushpa already running to packed theatres, it looks like a Merry Christmas indeed.”
Let’s take a look at some Christmas blockbusters over the years…
Good Newwz (2019)
Two married couples are unable to conceive naturally, and seek medical treatment through IVF. However, they end up in a soup, after their doctor makes a big blunder, leading to a hilarious comedy of errors. Starring Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani, the movie hit theatres on December 27.
Dabangg 3 (2019)
The movie, released a week before Christmas, revisited the life of ASP Chulbul Pandey, who has settled into a blissful married life, while fighting criminals in his own special way. Enter an old enemy from the past, and all hell breaks loose! Starring Salman Khan in the lead.
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
In this installment, RAW Agent Tiger joins hands with Zoya, in order to rescue a group of nurses who are held hostage by a terrorist organisation. Starring evergeen favorite on-screen couple Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, the movie hit theatres on December 22.
Dangal (2016)
Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler, decides to fulfil his dream of winning a gold medal for his country, by training his daughters for the Commonwealth Games, much to the chagrin of the society, which traditionally considers women as the weaker sex. Starring Aamir Khan in the main lead, the movie hit theatres on December 21.
Bajirao Mastani (2015)
The heroic Peshwa Bajirao, married to the dutiful and traditional Kashibai, falls in love with Mastani, a warrior princess. They however, struggle to make their love win, amidst opposition from his conservative family. Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, the period drama hit theatres on December 18, a week before Christmas.
3 Idiots (2009)
In college, Farhan and Raju become best friends with Rancho, due to his refreshing outlook on life and studies. Years later, a bet gives them a chance to look for their long-lost friend whose existence is shrouded in mystery now. Starring Aamir Khan, Sharman JoshiMadhavan, and Kareena Kapoor, the movie hit theatres on December 25.
PK (2014)
Another Aamir favorite, the movie is about an innocent alien who lands on Earth, but loses his communication device soon after. He befriends Jaggu, a heartbroken reporter, and tries to find his device. With time, he raises many thought-provoking questions on religion and blind faith, while falling in love with Jaggu.
Don 2 (2011)
Shah Rukh Khan returns as the bad boy Don. After dominating the Asian underworld, Don has his eyes set on the European criminal market. Oscillating between the Berlin mafia and law enforcement, Don tries to escape his foes (and some friends). Starring Shah Rukh Khan, along with Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta and others, the movie hit theatres on December 23.