Mumbai is buzzing with anticipation as Republic Day approaches, a time when patriotism sweeps the nation. The Hindi film industry has long embraced this fervor, timing major releases to coincide with January 26. This year, ‘Border 2’, the much-awaited sequel to the 1997 classic, is set for January 23, priming theaters for a patriotic surge just before the national holiday.
For Bollywood producers, Republic Day isn’t just a civic celebration—it’s a box office bonanza. Films dropped around this date tap into heightened national pride, family outings, and extended holidays, ensuring packed houses. Hits like ‘Pathaan’, ‘Fighter’, and ‘Sky Force’ have proven this strategy’s potency, raking in hundreds of crores.
‘Border 2’ revives the saga of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, with Sunny Deol returning in his iconic role. Joined by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and others, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Advance bookings are exploding, signaling a potential record-breaker over the holiday weekend.
Looking back, Akshay Kumar’s ‘Sky Force’, released on January 24, 2025, honored the Indian Air Force’s valor, grossing 112.75 crore net in India and 149 crore worldwide. Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Fighter’ followed suit in 2024, blending high-octane aerial combat with heartfelt storytelling to earn 212.73 crore net.
Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Pathaan’ in 2023 shattered records with 543.05 crore net, marking his triumphant return amid massive hype. Even ‘Padmaavat’ in 2018, a historical epic starring Deepika, Shahid, and Ranveer, pulled in 302.15 crore despite not being overtly patriotic.
This trend underscores why filmmakers view Republic Day as a ‘golden date’. With audiences craving stories of heroism and sacrifice, these releases not only entertain but also unite viewers in shared national pride, setting the stage for ‘Border 2’ to continue the legacy.