The year 2024 has firmly established itself as a milestone for re-releases in Indian cinema, with audiences flocking to theaters to relive the magic of classic films. From evergreen blockbusters like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Veer- Zaara to gems like Tumbbad and Laila Majnu, the re-release trend has not only rekindled nostalgia but also brought in significant box office earnings.
The re-release wave gained momentum earlier this year with the resurgence of films like Rockstar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,Jab We Met, and Chak De! India. Films that had once been iconic for their time found a new lease of life, attracting cinephiles and first-time viewers alike. Notably, Tumbbad, which earned critical acclaim but limited box office success during its original run, surpassed its lifetime collection within days of its re-release. The film in its first run earned only Rs 13.50 crore but in the second run the film added Rs 30.50 crore in 4 weeks of which the film minted Rs 13.15 crore in the first week itself. And same was the case with Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary’s Laila Majnu which initially had earned only Rs 2.70 crore and during it’s release it minted Rs 10.50 crore.
This November, the phenomenon continues with the much-anticipated re-release of Karan Arjun, bringing together Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan on the big screen once again, alongside Kal Ho Naa Ho. And in the last few months one saw releases of films like Tum Bin, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Pardes and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.

Talking about the re-release of Karan Arjun, Rakesh Roshan said , “ Karan Arjun’s release is like an experiment to see if today’s generation gets excited about the film or not. It is to test that the emotion or story which was made 30 years ago, does it connect or not with the audience and it will help us to know should such films not be made or such films can also be made.”

What’s Driving the Trend?

Audience nostalgia and the craving for a collective cinematic experience are at the heart of this re-release trend. Devang Sampat, Managing Director of Cinepolis India, explains, “The re-release of older films is driven by audience nostalgia and the desire for a cinematic experience of beloved classics. We’ve observed a positive response to re-releases, especially for movies like Rockstar, ZNMD earlier this year and now with Laila Majnu and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. “
“ We view this trend positively, as it allows a new generation to experience iconic films on the big screen and provides long-time fans with an opportunity to relive cherished memories.Re-releases does highlight the enduring appeal of classic cinema. Audiences appreciate the assurance of a familiar and beloved story, which can be particularly comforting in uncertain times” he added.
Affordable ticket pricing, with tickets ranging from Rs 99 to Rs 150, has also been a significant factor. This accessibility has opened doors for college students and budget-conscious audiences to indulge in these classics.

A Cinematic Community Experience

Beyond nostalgia, the communal experience of cinema remains a powerful draw. Cinegoer Shashwat Mathur reflected, “I was a child when I first watched Hum Aapke Hain Kaun in theater. Seeing it again with my family this time brought back the sheer joy of laughing, crying, and celebrating together.” Similarly, Khushi Bhuta, who watched Kal Ho Naa Ho with friends, shared, “When the song ‘Maahi Ve’ played on the big screen, we were literally dancing in the aisles, joined by the cheers and celebrations of the audience. There’s no other experience quite like that.”
Why Now?
The trend has also been fueled by the legacy of past initiatives, such as the Film Heritage Foundation and PVR’s 2022 celebration of Amitabh Bachchan’s 80th birthday, which brought back classics like Deewar and Amar Akbar Anthony. The initiative was a resounding success, paving the way for subsequent events, including re-releases of Dev Anand classics on his 100th birth anniversary.
While the re-release trend highlights enduring love for classics, it also reflects a muted supply of new releases in the 2024. Yet, the success of these re-releases underscores the timeless appeal of Indian cinema’s rich heritage.
As 2024 draws to a close, with the re-release of Karan Arjun and Kal Ho Naa Ho, it’s clear that the year has been a celebration of Indian cinema’s legacy, reminding us that some stories, emotions, and memories are truly evergreen.
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