Thugs Of Hindostan will release this week and is the most expensive film of all time from the Hindi film industry so naturally big numbers are expected. The huge cost is not an issue as far as recovery goes as the film has actually proved to be the first real HIT in China as far as big money coming back to the makers is concerned but more on that on another day.

The real test is as always theatrical and its been a long time since that killer blockbuster has come on Diwali. The last one is probably Kuch Kuch Hota Hai way back in 1998. But Diwali has seen some really big blockbusters in past led by the Muqaddar Ka Sikandar with Amitabh Bachchan in the title role which is bigger than Bahubali - The Conclusion comparing with the Hindi version only and among the biggest films of all time. Next is the biggest Shahrukh Khan blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge which is also a near 500 crore nett film with adjusted rates.

The last fifty years has seen Diwali dominated by two actors, Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan and the former is a factor in Thugs Of Hindostan as well. The big question is where will Thugs Of Hindostan get in the list. A top TEN finish is a MUST while a top FIVE finish will be a GREAT result. A top THREE finish will be the JACKPOT. The list will be updated post the result of Thugs Of Hindostan unless of course it does not do well.

The biggest blockbusters released on Diwali since 1970 are as follows. There could be some big blockbusters before 1970 but that is something to be checked for next Diwali. The list consists of 23 films which have proved to be SUPER HIT or better with a Diwali release. The films before 1994 have not been tabulated to the exact figure so an apprx figure is given.

1. Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) - 550 crore apprx

2. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) - 461 crore 

3. Mard (1985) - 425 crore apprx

4. Raja Hindustani (1996) - 394 crore 

5. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) - 343 crore

6. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) - 325 crore apprx

7. Dil Toh Paagal Hai (1997) - 284 crore

8. Parvarish (1977) - 275 crore apprx

9. Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) - 274 crore

10. Mohabbatein (2000) - 257 crore

11. Tezaab (1988) - 250 crore apprx

12. Dostana (1980) - 225 crore apprx

13. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) - 219 crore

14. Krrish 3 (2013)  - 210 crore

15 Golmaal Again (2017) - 206 crore

16. Sargam (1979) - 200 crore apprx 

17. Happy New Year (2014) - 190 crore

18. Om Shanti Om - 173 crore

19. Golmaal 3 (2010) - 170 crore

20. Ghatak (1996) - 153 crore apprx

21. Baazigar (1993) - 150 crore apprx

22. Veer Zaara (2004) - 129 crore 

23. Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980) - 105 crore apprx

Bairaag (1976), Maang Bharo Sajana (1980), Yaarana (1981), Samraat (1982), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) and Ra.One (2011) are all in the 125-175 crore nett region and the adjusted figures could go above some in the list above but these films were HITS or SEMI HITS while all the above proved to be SUPER HIT or better.

Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980) is not the blockbuster type with low figures but its one of those types which proved to be a SUPER HIT on a low medium budget like a Raazi and Badhaai Ho this year. Actually even Veer Zaara became a SUPER HIT due to a medium budget but it had the projection of a Diwali Blockbuster probably because of the presence of Shahrukh Khan and the huge initial in India and Overseas.