New Delhi, Oct. 3 -- India's months-long festive calendar-from Dussehra and Diwali to Christmas-has long been the sweet spot for film releases. Traditionally, some of the biggest blockbusters-from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in 1995 to Pushpa 2 in 2024 have released during this period.

Filmmakers usually aim to capitalise on long holidays and the celebratory mood in India and overseas. Experts say the last quarter accounts for up to a-third of box office earnings. "The contribution of these three months (October-December) is approximately 30-35% of the entire box office earnings for the year," said Atul Mohan, a film analyst.

A Mint analysis of movie releases between 2000 and 2024 shows that in 17 out of 25 years, the top-money spinner ...