The Diwali season has long been synonymous with blockbuster releases and clashes between big-budget films riding on star power. As movie-goers gear up for yet another dhamakedar box-office battle, this time between Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, we take a look at some of the industry’s most memorable Diwali face-offs.

Ram Setu vs Thank God (2022)

On Diwali 2022, audiences saw Akshay Kumar’s Ram Setu, an action-adventure thriller, go up against Thank God, a fantasy-comedy featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Ajay Devgn. However, despite the buzz around both films, neither managed to captivate the audience. Ram Setu wrapped up with a collection of around Rs 92.94 crore gross worldwide, while Thank God raked in Rs 48.92 crore gross, making this clash a commercial letdown.

Secret Superstar vs Golmaal Again (2017)

Secret Superstar and Golmaal Again went head-to-head at the box office during Diwali 2017. While Secret Superstar, starring Aamir Khan and Zaira Wasim, gained international acclaim and amassed a staggering Rs 900 crore gross, Golmaal Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, achieved massive success with Rs 310.98 crore gross. This clash proved profitable for both films as they each found their audience despite releasing a day apart.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil vs Shivaay (2016)

Diwali 2016 witnessed one of the most dramatic Bollywood face-offs with Karan Johar’s romantic drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil squaring off against Ajay Devgn’s action-packed Shivaay. Their rivalry extended beyond the box office, with controversies and accusations of foul play making headlines. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ultimately trumped Shivaay with a collection of Rs 240 crore gross worldwide compared to Shivaay’s Rs 149 crore gross.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan vs Son of Sardaar (2012)

In 2012, Diwali season saw Yash Chopra’s final film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, go head-to-head with Son of Sardaar, featuring Ajay Devgn. Both films performed well with Jab Tak Hai Jaan raking in Rs 235 crore gross worldwide and Son of Sardaar earning Rs 161.48 crore gross.

Om Shanti Om vs Saawariya (2007)

One of the most unforgettable Diwali showdowns came in 2007 when Om Shanti Om, a star-studded Shah Rukh Khan film, clashed with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya, which introduced newcomers Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. The box office declared a clear winner, with Om Shanti Om earning Rs 150 crore gross worldwide against Saawariya’s modest Rs 39.22 crore gross.

Golmaal Returns vs Fashion (2008)

Rohit Shetty’s comedy Golmaal Returns faced off against Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion on Diwali 2008. While Golmaal Returns went on to earn Rs 78.51 crore gross worldwide, Fashion garnered critical acclaim for its storyline and powerful performances by Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut. Fashion collected Rs 39 crore gross.

Don vs Jaan-E-Mann (2006)

The 2006 Diwali saw a high-stakes clash between Don and Jaan-E-Mann. Don, a remake of the Amitabh Bachchan classic led by Shah Rukh Khan, raked in Rs 105 crore gross, while Jaan-E-Mann, a romcom starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, collected Rs 45.52 crore gross.

Veer Zaara vs Aitraaz (2004)

In 2004, Yash Chopra’s Veer Zaara emerged as the Diwali favourite, grossing Rs 98 crore gross worldwide and dominating Aitraaz (Rs 25 crore gross). The sweeping romance of Veer Zaara, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji, captivated audiences, while Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor-starrer Aitraaz struggled to find a strong foothold.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai vs Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998)

It was Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol vs Govinda and Amitabh Bachchan at the box office on Diwali in 1998. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan opened strongly with a box office collection of Rs 1.04 crore on its first day, approximately 19 per cent higher than the Rs 87 lakh earned by Kuch Kuch Hota Hai on its debut. However, tables turned and Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai grossed Rs 91.09 crore worldwide by the end of its theatrical run. Meanwhile, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan amassed a global collection of Rs 35.14 crore gross.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge vs Yaarana (1995)

The 1995 Diwali witnessed an iconic clash between Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) and Yaarana. DDLJ, directed by Aditya Chopra and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, minted Rs 102.5 crore gross globally. The film not only won the Diwali box office but became a cultural phenomenon, continuing to play in theaters for decades. Its competitor Yaarana, starring Madhuri Dixit and Rishi Kapoor, collected around Rs 5 crore gross but couldn’t match DDLJ's lasting impact.