When Cinema Turned Patriotic: Bollywood Hits That Dominated Republic Day

Jan 14, 2026 Aanya Sharma

Fighter (2024)

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone soared high with Fighter, directed by Siddharth Anand. The aerial action drama opened with around ₹22 crore and gained strong momentum over the Republic Day weekend, riding high on patriotic energy and mass appeal. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Pathaan (2023)

Shah Rukh Khan made a historic comeback with Pathaan. The Siddharth Anand directorial shattered records by earning over ₹1,055 crore worldwide, making it the biggest Republic Day release ever and redefining Bollywood’s box office potential. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Chhapaak (2020)

Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak told the powerful story of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Despite its sensitive theme, the Deepika Padukone-starrer collected over ₹55 crore globally, proving meaningful cinema can also find strength on Republic Day. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)

Vicky Kaushal’s Uri struck a deep patriotic chord with audiences. Based on the aftermath of the 2016 Uri attack, the film earned nearly ₹342 crore worldwide, becoming one of the most iconic Republic Day blockbusters. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019)

Kangana Ranaut shone as Rani Lakshmi Bai in this historical action drama. Released around Republic Day, Manikarnika collected over ₹142 crore globally and celebrated courage, sacrifice, and India’s fight for freedom. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Padmaavat (2018)

Despite intense controversies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat emerged victorious at the box office. Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, the film amassed around ₹585 crore worldwide during its Republic Day run. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Raees (2017)

Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees combined action, emotion, and star power. Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film earned about ₹285 crore globally, reinforcing SRK’s strong box office presence during the Republic Day period. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Kaabil (2017)

Hrithik Roshan delivered a compelling performance in Kaabil, a revenge drama that connected emotionally with audiences. Despite stiff competition, the film performed well and remains a notable Republic Day release. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Airlift (2016)

Akshay Kumar’s Airlift portrayed the real-life evacuation of Indians from Kuwait. The gripping patriotic thriller earned close to ₹228 crore worldwide, setting a strong benchmark for Republic Day releases in the years that followed. Image Source: Movie-Poster

Next: 10 Bhumi Pednekar Saree Looks That Redefine Wedding Glamour

Thanks For Reading! Find out More