Weekend Binge: Top Bollywood Holi Releases Over The Years

Holi is just around the corner, and many of you are likely already stocking up on colours and water guns. The festive mood is slowly setting in. But for Bollywood fans, there is a small disappointment this year - unlike previous years, there are no major Hindi film releases lined up around Holi.

If you're missing that big Bollywood Holi-release vibe, don't worry. Here's a look at some of the biggest box office hits that arrived during Holi over the years!

Biggest Bollywood Holi Releases Over The Years

Kesari (2019) – Prime Video

Starring Akshay Kumar, Kesari told the story of the Battle of Saragarhi. The film stood out for its powerful last stand sequence, which was intense without being over the top. Akshay's dialogue, “Aaj meri pagdi bhi Kesari,” became a big moment for fans. The film collected Rs 155.70 crore in India and Rs 208.80 crore worldwide. Those numbers proved that patriotic dramas still pull crowds during holidays.

Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) – Netflix

This Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor rom-com brought colour and chaos to the Holi box office. What made it click was its modern take on breakups and commitment. The portions shot in Spain added visual freshness. Instead of heavy drama, the film relied on witty conversations and relationship confusion. The movie amassed Rs 147.28 crore in India. Globally, it went past the Rs 220 crore mark.

Badrinath Ki Dulhania – Prime Video

Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt's chemistry was the big highlight here. The film mixed small-town romance with a strong message about women's independence. What stood apart was Alia's character refusing to settle for less. The Holi song Badri Ki Dulhania became a festive favourite. At the box office, it netted Rs 117.89 crore in India. The project's worldwide total reached Rs 201.07 crore.

Race (2008) – Netflix

Race brought stylish thrills to a Holi release slot. Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna played brothers caught in a web of lies. The twist-heavy screenplay was its biggest strength. Every time you thought you knew the truth, the film flipped it. The film collected Rs 60.64 crore in India, which was strong for 2008. Worldwide, it closed at Rs 103.73 crore.

Kahaani (2012) – Prime Video

Vidya Balan carried Kahaani almost single-handedly. The film followed a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. What made it unforgettable was the final twist. The Durga Puja backdrop added mood and texture. Made on a controlled budget, the film earned Rs 51.3 crore net in India. Its worldwide total stood at Rs 79.2 crore.

Regional Films Lighting Up Theatres This Holi

While there are no big Bollywood releases on the horizon, several regional films across various genres are making their way to theatres this week. The Gujarati lineup includes Tu Duniya Chhe Mari, Shakti, Laagni No Melo and Ka Kha Ga Gha. The Kannada roster features Super Hit, Premi, Hayagrriva, Veer Kambala, High Voltage Rakshak and The Rise Of Ashoka. One of the Marathi releases is Maya, while Malayalam moviegoers can enjoy Tha Thavalayude Tha.

Viyaah Kartaare Da, a Punjabi romantic comedy starring Gippy Grewal and Nimrat Khaira, hits theatres on February 27. Other releases include Chakranta and ChaariKaandha in Odia, along with Telugu films such as Son Of Vishnu Vinyasam and Uttutta Herolu. Bengali films Promoter Boudi and Poyla Baishakh will release on Friday. The Tamil film Azahi also premieres in theatres today.

Coming to post-Holi releases, there is an exciting lineup of movies across various languages. Garmi in Magahi is set to release, followed by China Piece, Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani and Mrithyunjay in Telugu. The Marathi film Tighee is also hitting theatres on March 6.

Tamil audiences can look forward to Yaarra Antha Paiyan Naanthan Antha Paiyan, Kadhal Reset Repeat, and Aasai. Shesha 2016 is releasing in Kannada, and Punjabi fans can catch Ishqa'n De Lekhe in theatres.

Also Read: Weekend Binge: 5 Films That Salim Khan Wrote As A Solo Screenwriter