Diwali, the festival of lights, is a popular theme in Indian cinema, often serving as a backdrop for family reunions, emotional turning points, or grand celebrations.
Here are some notable Bollywood movies that feature Diwali:
Who are you?
Plot: Who are we? is a musical romantic comedy film, considered the biggest Bollywood blockbuster of Indian Cinema. The movie revolves around love and sacrifice for the sake of family.
The movie features a popular and joyous Diwali scene, accompanied by a festive song and a family celebration.
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Sometimes there is happiness and sometimes there is sadness.
Plot: According to Netflix, the iconic movie’s plot is: “Years after his father disowns his adopted brother for marrying a woman of lower social standing, a young man goes on a mission to reunite his family.”
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham features one of the most famous Diwali scenes in Bollywood, showcasing a grand, emotionally charged family reunion and traditional ceremonies.
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor
Mohabbatein
Plot: Mohabbatein is a story of a battle between two men with opposing beliefs: Raj Aryan supports love and would go to any extent for it, while Narayan Shankar stands for fear, believing that love leads to pain and weakness.
A Diwali scene is central to the film’s narrative, set against a backdrop of lights, and serves as a pivotal moment for the young couples.
Cast: Shah Rukh KhanAishwarya Rai, Amitabh Bachchan
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Om Shanti Om
Plot: Reincarnated 30 years after being killed in a suspicious on-set fire, a small-time actor is determined to punish the person who ignited the blaze. Known for its extravagant style, it includes a big, celebratory Diwali sequence.
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal
Singham Again
Plot: Similar to the Ramayana, Singham and his team face a mysterious enemy while trying to rescue his wife. The film’s theme is a nod to the mythological battle of good vs evil, like the Ramayana, which directly ties into the essence of Diwali.
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kareena KapoorAkshay Kumar, Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Plot: In Kolkata, Rooh Baba enters a haunted estate and faces two angry ghosts, both claiming to be Manjulika.
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Triptych Winter
Sisters Season 2, Episode 2
Plot: Sisters, Season 2, Episode 2, centres on the sisters’ experiences and shenanigans during the Diwali festival.
Permanent Roommates
Plot: The web series is focused on the relationship of a young couple. It features scenes where the cultural significance and family traditions of Indian festivals like Diwali are explored.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Greater Kalesh
Plot: This brand-new web series revolves around a quirky family living in Bangalore. It features a Diwali celebration that brings out both the chaos and love that bind the family together.
The Family Man
Plot: Although the web series is not centred around Diwali, The Family Man deals with intelligence and counter-terrorism, while also incorporating major Indian festivals as a backdrop for both the personal and professional lives of the characters.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video