Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees', 'Deepika Padukone's 'Padmaavat', Hrithik Roshan's 'Agneepath': 5 films that ruled at the box office on Republic Day

Bollywood relies on major festivals and national holidays for the release of films. Needless to say, they have often worked wonders for their films. Often celebrities pre-book the release dates around festivals so that they have the upper hand of a solo release. With 'Pathaan' creating a storm at the box office, we take a look at FIVE Bollywood movies that ruled the box office on Republic Day.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, 'Padmaavat', starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh released on the occasion of Republic Day in 2018. Despite being embroiled in major controversies before its release, the historic drama became one of the highest grossers of the year at the box office. The film reportedly minted a total of Rs 282.28 crore.

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Way before the release of his film 'Pathaan', Shah Rukh Khan had impressed one and all with his look and performance as a pathan in Rahul Dholakia's 'Raees'. The 2017 film, which released on Republic Day' garnered positive reviews from the audience and the critics alike. Not only this, the film also went on to collect Rs 128.77 crore at the box office. 'Raees' was, however, not a solo release as it locked horns with Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam starrer, 'Kaabil'.

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Akshay Kumar brought to life the real life story of Ranjit Katyal, a businessman who rescued 170000 Indians stranded in Kuwait when it was invaded by Iraq in 1990. Very aptly, the film was released on the occasion of Republic Day. The film not only evoked a sense of patriotism in people's minds but also struck a chord with the audience. It went on to collect Rs 123.46 crore at the box office.

Fans were highly sceptical of Hrithik Roshan when he decided to step into the shoes of Amitabh Bachchan for 'Agneepath'. However, his bold decision was rewarded when his performance was lauded by the critics and fans showered him with love. The film, which released on Republic Day, collected Rs 119.98 crore in the domestic circuit. The film also starred Priyanka Chopra, Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles.

Salman Khan played the role of an ex-army officer who is passionate about helping citizens and fighting criminals. The makers of the film released the film on the occasion of Republic Day. The film collected Rs 109.35 crore and turned out to be one of the most entertaining films of 2014. It also starred Daisy Shah, Tabu, Sana Khan, Genelia Deshmukh and others.