DYK Amitabh Bachchan's THIS Movie Held A 17-Year Record Of Being Highest Grossing Diwali Release

Diwali Box Office: The festival of lights is one of the most profitable holidays for filmmakers in the theatrical calendar. It is generally observed that big Bollywood directors and production houses wait for Diwali to release big-budget movies, ensuring good returns at the box office. This year too, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 have booked the festival to make the most of business. However, it is lesser known that Bollywood's most profitable film released on Diwali hit the big screens in 1978 and featured Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

Bollywood's highest Diwali grosser released 44 years back

Amitabh Bachchan starrer Muqaddar Ka Sikandar set records in history for being a rage at the box office. Directed by Prakash Mehra, the movie was released days before Diwali on October 27, 1978. The film was a true reflection of Big B star power at the time and the festive spirit pulled audiences to houseful theatres leading some to spend the night waiting in front of cinemas to ensure a ticket the next morning. Muqaddar Ka Sikandar also featured Vinod Khanna, Rekha, Rakhee, Nirupa Roy, Amjad Khan, and Ranjeet. It was declared a blockbuster upon release raking in Rs 17 crore, highest of the year, at the time.
 

While the amount seems modest today, adjusting inflation, as per reports, it amounts to over Rs 800 crore. This is more than the collection of recent blockbusters such as Animal, Gadar 2, Kalki 2898 AD, Pathaan, Jawan and Stree 2. However, the box office record was held by the film for 17 years until Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge hit the big screens, surpassing Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. What sets the Amitabh Bachchan headliner apart is that it was reportedly made on a budget of Rs 1 crore, and remains one of the most profitable Diwali releases to date.

Clash of the Titans this Diwali 

The festival of lights is here again and big filmmakers have queued up to reap the festive gains. Ajay Devgn starrer Singham Again will hit the big screen on November 1 alongside Kartik Aaryan's horror comedy Bhool Bhuliayaa 3. Both films are part of big, established franchises, audiences will be spoilt for choice on the big screen this Diwali. A box office comparison between the two biggies is also imperative. It would be interesting to see which film triumphs over others and which emerges as a bigger hit.