Independence Day: Big Bollywood films released in Independence week over the years

Just like all other Indian festivals, Independence Day and Republic Day too are considered as great days for a movie release. In order to mint more at the box office, makers consider these National holidays as best days to release their films. Over the years, though many movies were released around Independence Day, very few got a chance to stand glorified at the box office. Films based on patriotism stand a good chance to be released on such days. Let's take a look at some of the movies that were released around Independence week over the years.

'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' (KANK) was a big release. With a multi star cast that included big names like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta, the film was released on the long weekend of Independence.
Produced by Karan Johar, it had a good opening at the box office, but could not sustain well. The film received mixed reviews from the critics. 'KANK', that starred superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Kirron Kher in pivotal roles, also had Arjun Rampal and John Abraham in cameo appearances. 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' received a number of awards and nominations.

Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor Khan starrer- 'Singham Returns' was released on August 15, 2014. The film, which was a sequel to 'Singham' (2011), was released worldwide on Independence Day. ‘Singham Returns’ collected a decent amount at the box office on its first day and received mixed reviews from the industry. It was also reported that prior to its release, on the eve of Independence Day, a right-wing Hindu organisation wrote to the CBFC asking the film to be banned on grounds of depiction of Hindu saints in a bad light. However, the allegation was denied by Rohit and had said that he has never made anything controversial.

Kabir Khan's spy thriller 'Ek Tha Tiger' was released worldwide on August 15, 2012. The film, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif was awaited by the audience since its announcement and the duo completely charmed the audience with their on-screen chemistry. The film did well at the box office and its Independence Day release helped the makers cash in more moolah at the ticket window. Critics gave 'Ek Tha Tiger' generally mixed reviews with most of the praises going for its action, cinematography, and music. Interestingly, it became the highest grossing Bollywood film of 2012 and the third highest of all time.

Akshay Kumar's 'Rustom' that released in the Independence week was based on the real life story of Naval Officer K. M. Nanavati and businessman Prem Ahuja. It opened well at the box office and did better than other films which released during that period. It gave a blow to Hrithik Roshan's ‘Mohenjo Daro' which released in the same week around Independence Day. 'Rustom' had an essence of patriotism that proved fruitful for the movie to release around the National holiday. Moreover, Akshay Kumar received the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 64th National Film Awards for his performance in the film.

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chak De India' released on Independence Day and the film kept the essence of patriotism with its content. Being an Indian sports film 'Chak De! India' has become an influential film. The title track "Chak De! India", now doubles as a sports anthem in India as well as played at numerous sports event. The film did extremely well at the box office. This multi-starrer has completed 10 years of success and the film is still fresh in minds. 'Chak De! India' topped the Indian box office during its first two weeks and played to full houses during its first two months.