Two new festive releases and seven classics featuring Diwali celebrations, plus where to watch them.
Dubai: Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, and for many families across the UAE, the festive weekend is not complete without a movie night.
Bollywood has featured the festival in its stories for decades, bringing audiences everything from heartwarming family reunions to dramatic moments set against Diwali celebrations. This year, two new releases also draw inspiration from the festive season.
Here’s a selection of films to watch, whether you’re planning a trip to the cinema or a night in at home.
New this Diwali
Ramayana: Part One
One of the season’s major big-screen releases is director Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation of the Ramayana, the first instalment in a two-part film series. Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Rama, alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide IMAX release, with the second instalment expected around Diwali 2027. By October 25, it had generated approximately 20 crore rupees (around Dh7.7 million) in advance bookings worldwide.
When: In UAE cinemas from Thursday, November 5
Languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English
Dilwali Diwali
For those who prefer a film night at home, this new Netflix release unfolds during Diwali itself. Mihir Ahuja plays Ansh Sikka, who has spent years working abroad before buying a high-rise apartment for his middle-class Punjabi parents.
But when he returns home for Diwali, he discovers that a new house does not necessarily mean a new beginning. His family’s vision of a comfortable life soon comes into conflict with his own aspirations.
Directed by Ritesh Menon, the film also features Manoj Pahwa as Ansh’s father, alongside Neelu Kohli and Aurra Bhatnagar.
When: Thursday, November 5
Where to watch: Netflix
The classics with Diwali moments
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Karan Johar’s family drama begins with a Diwali celebration, as the Raichand family comes together for worship. The occasion sets the stage for one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
Nandini, played by Jaya Bachchan, senses that her son Rahul, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, has returned home. She heads towards the door even before anyone else realises he is there.
The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor.
Where to watch: Netflix and Prime Video
Mohabbatein (2000)
Aditya Chopra’s romantic drama arrived in cinemas during the Diwali weekend of 2000. Its Diwali sequence marks a turning point, as six young lovers finally express their feelings in front of Amitabh Bachchan’s stern principal. Shah Rukh Khan makes his entrance with a dhol, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Aishwarya Rai also stars in the film.
Where to watch: Netflix
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
Sooraj Barjatya’s much-loved family drama features Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan. In its Diwali sequence, accompanied by the song Dhiktana, the family discovers that Pooja, played by Renuka Shahane, is expecting a child.
The song almost became the film’s title. According to Wikipedia, Barjatya’s grandfather liked Dhiktana so much that the makers considered using it as the name of the movie.
Where to watch: ZEE5
Vaastav: The Reality (1999)
Diwali celebrations do not always bring happy moments on screen. In Mahesh Manjrekar’s crime drama, Sanjay Dutt plays Raghu, whose life takes a turn as he becomes involved in Mumbai’s underworld.
One of the film’s most memorable scenes shows Raghu returning home on Diwali, covered in gold, and showing his mother his chain. “Ye dekh pachaas tola!” he tells her, meaning “Look at this, 50 tola!” A tola is a traditional South Asian unit of measurement used for gold.
Reema Lagoo plays his mother, while Namrata Shirodkar and Paresh Rawal are also part of the cast.
Chachi 420 (1997)
Directed by and starring Kamal Haasan, this comedy is an official remake of his 1996 Tamil film Avvai Shanmugi.
In the story, a firecracker accident leaves his character’s young daughter injured. He steps in to help her and eventually takes a job as her governess, disguising himself as an elderly woman. The film also features Tabu, Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal and a young Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Zanjeer (1973)
Prakash Mehra’s action drama launched Amitabh Bachchan into stardom, with Diwali playing a central role in the story. As a child, Bachchan’s character, Vijay Khanna, witnesses his parents being murdered on Diwali night. The traumatic memory stays with him into adulthood.
Jaya Bhaduri, Pran and Ajit Khan also star.
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Aamir Khan’s directorial debut tells the story of Ishaan, played by Darsheel Safary, a boy with dyslexia who is sent to boarding school.
In a poignant Diwali sequence, Ishaan remains apart from the celebrations as firecrackers light up the night sky. The scene captures how the festival can feel different for someone who is away from home and missing their family.
Aamir Khan plays Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the art teacher who helps change Ishaan’s life.
