While Christmas is a global festival of joy, Bollywood has often woven its festive spirit into cinematic narratives, using the season as a powerful backdrop for romance, thrill, and emotional drama. From chance encounters under twinkling lights to suspenseful tales in deserted malls, these films integrate Christmas into their core storytelling. Here are six notable Hindi films where the holiday season plays a prominent role, shaping the characters' journeys and the plot's direction.
Romantic Reunions and Festive Fate
The Christmas setting in Rohit Shetty's 'Dilwale' (2015) is far from incidental. The film's vibrant atmosphere, filled with festive decorations and lights, sets the stage for a fateful reunion. Shah Rukh Khan and Varun Dhawan's characters cross paths with Kajol and Kriti Sanon, rekindling old flames and unresolved conflicts. The season of joy perfectly amplifies the themes of love, destiny, and second chances, making Varun's romantic pursuit of Kriti feel even more magical.
Similarly, 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu' (2012), directed by Shakun Batra, begins with an unexpected meeting on Christmas Eve in Las Vegas. Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan's characters, both at personal crossroads, embark on a quirky and heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Their exploration of the city, set to the film's title track, captures the unconventional romance that blossoms during the holiday break, making it a perfect festive watch.
Thrillers with a Festive Twist
Christmas takes a dark turn in the 2010 horror thriller 'Hide & Seek'. Directed by Shawn Aranha, this film is a rare Bollywood entry in the holiday horror sub-genre. It traps six friends inside an empty mall on Christmas, where they are stalked by a killer disguised as Santa Claus. The eerie silence of a typically bustling festive location creates a chilling contrast, turning a season of celebration into a brutal fight for survival, with Purab Kohli in a key role.
The anticipation for Sriram Raghavan's 'Merry Christmas' (2024) was high, given its thematic core. Starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, the film was initially slated for a December 15, 2024 release but was later shifted to January 12, 2024. The plot revolves around a mysterious encounter between a man and a woman on Christmas Eve, spiraling into a gripping narrative of secrets, deception, and survival. Raghavan's signature style promises a thriller deeply infused with the Christmas ambiance.
Emotional Journeys and New Beginnings
In 'Anjaana Anjaani' (2010), the chilly December backdrop mirrors the despair of its protagonists, played by Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Two strangers planning to end their lives on New Year's Eve embark on a final journey, mostly set in Las Vegas. The Christmas season around them subtly underscores their quest to find small joys and reasons to live, transforming their story from one of hopelessness to one of healing and potential love.
Perhaps the most poignant use of the holiday is in 'The Sky Is Pink' (2019). This real-life story of Aisha Chaudhary and her parents, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Farhan Akhtar, uses a Christmas celebration as a powerful emotional anchor. Amidst the family's heartbreaking challenges, the scene where they gather for Christmas highlights their unwavering bond and ability to find moments of pure happiness together. It exemplifies how the spirit of togetherness during the holidays can provide strength during the toughest times.
These six films demonstrate Bollywood's diverse approach to incorporating Christmas. The festival is not just a visual setting but a narrative device that enhances romance, heightens suspense, and deepens emotional connections, offering Indian audiences unique stories framed by the global holiday spirit.
