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Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated across the country on August 30 and 31, 2023. The festival signifies the bond between siblings. Sisters tie, rakhi, a silk thread or amulet, around the wrists of their brothers. Raksha Bandhan is a major festival for Indian cinema as families take time out to watch their big-screen stars.
As Raksha Bandhan is here, let's take a look at the films that released in theatres and even on OTT platforms during the COVID-19-induced lockdown. From Mission Mangal in 2019 to Raksha Bandhan in 2022 and now, Dream Girl 2 in 2023, celebrities have given wholesome entertainment to their family audience.
Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi
Sonakshi Sinha's Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi released in theatres on August 24, 2018. Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on August 26, 2018. While the film was promoted well, it opened to mixed reviews.
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Mission Mangal
Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Nithya Menon and Akshay Kumar's Mission Mangal released on August 15, 2019. Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on the same day.
Batla House
John Abraham and Mrunal Thakur's Batla House released along with Mission Mangal on August 15, 2019. Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan fell on the same day that year.
Raat Akeli Hai
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte's Raat Akeli Hai released on Netflix on July 31, 2020, and Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on August 3, 2020. It was a perfect entertainer for the family to enjoy.
Bell Bottom
Bell Bottom, starring Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and others, was one of the first Bollywood films to release in theatres post the COVID-19 lockdown. It released on August 19, 2021, and Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on August 22, 2021.
Laal Singh Chaddha
Laal Singh Chaddha opened at the box office with Akshay Kumar's Raksha Bandhan on August 11, 2022. It was a feel-good film starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh, Naga Chaitanya and others.
Raksha Bandhan
Akshay Kumar's Raksha Bandhan clashed with Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha on August 11, 2022. The film was about a brother who goes the extra mile for his sisters and their happiness.
Dream Girl 2
While Dream Girl 2 didn't release on Raksha Bandhan weekend, the film starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Ananya Panday is expected to benefit from the festival. The rom-com is performing well at the box office.
Kushi
Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu's pan-India film Kushi releases on September 1, which is right after Raksha Bandhan. The romantic drama has a strong pre-release buzz and could get the festive weekend benefit.
Goldfish
Kalki Koechlin and Deepti Naval's Goldfish will be releasing on September 1 with Kushi. It could make for a perfect, emotional family outing in theaters.
