A surge in Chhath Puja imagery is observed in Bollywood: Is it a plot requirement or an attempt to attract viewers?

Large-scale scenes related to festivals are often seen in the Bollywood film industry, but the great folk festival 'Chhath' rarely appeared in mainstream Indian films. Nevertheless, a change in trend is now being observed in Indian cinema.

Within one month, the vibrant cultural and majestic depiction of the Chhath festival was presented in two large and expensive Indian films, which won the hearts of the audience.

Following the film 'The One' starring Siddharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, the new movie 'Ye Prem Mol Liya' by renowned director Suraj Bajaiya also presented the worship of Chhath Maiya with great respect and beauty.

Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia is currently being actively discussed due to her upcoming film 'The One'. A significant part of this film is based on events taking place in Bihar, and in the plot, Chhath is not just used as a background but is explored very beautifully.

Tamannaah Bhatia's traditional look in a red saree, with a long sindoor on her forehead and a basket for offerings in her hands, is very popular on the internet. This is one of the few instances in Bollywood where this important festival of Bihar has received such a significant place in a major project.

Immediately after Tamannaah Bhatia's film attracted attention, footage from Suraj Bajaiya's new film 'Ye Prem Mol Liya' appeared. Suraj Bajaiya, known for creating films about family and cultural values, also paid great attention to the significance of this great festival in his narrative.

'Ye Prem Mol Liya' showcases crowds of pilgrims on the riverbanks, couples adorned in red attire, and the traditional way of making offerings, captured with great cinematic beauty in photos taken from the song, which is suitable for the big screen.

This is the second instance within one month where two major film studios have presented the traditions of celebrating Chhath in such a grand manner in their big movies.

While the film 'The One' featuring Siddharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia is fully ready for release in theaters on September 25, 2026, the film 'Ye Prem Mol Liya' under the direction of Suraj Bajaiya will be released on big screens on November 27, 2026. These traditional and cultural posters and photographs associated with both films have caused huge excitement among fans even before the premiere.

Following the commercial success of the film 'Hanuman Ansh' in Bollywood, a new method for creating successful pictures appears to have been found. Shortly after, the production of a series of films dedicated to religious themes was announced. Let's look at these projects in more detail.

A film titled 'Haare Ke Sahara Khatu Shyam Hamare Naam' has been announced, which will be based on the life of Khatu Shyam Baba and will showcase his greatness, which evokes deep devotion among people.

Additionally, the film 'Rabola' has been announced, which will be directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, known for the film 'Prithviraj Chauhan' starring Akshay Kumar. This project tells the story of the life of the great poet Tulsidas.

Another film about the great poet Tulsidas is planned to be directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the creator of 'Hanuman Ansh'. This is his new project, which is generating great interest among the public.

Next year, Sanjay Mishra and Palash Muchhal will present the film 'Tera Sai Naam', in which viewers will be able to see the life of Sai Baba on the big screen. Although films and series about him have been made before, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop after the success of 'Hanuman Ansh'.

'Shrimad Bhagwatam' has also been announced as a seven-part film. The first teaser poster for 'Shrimad Bhagwatam Part I' was released, showing a fragment of Lord Krishna's hand.

The sequel 'Hanuman Ansh' has also been announced by Vishal Chaturvedi. In this part, the focus will be on the early years of Nim Karoli Baba, which were not as prominently featured in the first part.

This year, 'Krishnavataram Part 1' was released in theaters, causing a great stir among viewers. The film achieved good box office success, leading to the announcement of its second part.

This week, OTT platforms are showing activity from both the Indian and Hollywood film industries, offering viewers many new shows and movies that are generating significant audience interest.

Among the new releases on streaming services is the film 'Ghamasan,' starring Arshad Warsi and Pritik Gandhi. This film tells the story of a police officer tasked with catching a dangerous bandit. The film is directed by Tigmanshu Dulia, who previously directed acclaimed works such as 'Pan Singh Tomar.'

The series 'The Revolutionaries' premiered on Prime Video and features Bhuvan Bam, Gurfateh Pirzada, Rohit Saraf, and Tatbika Ranta. The series chronicles the bravery of Rashbehari Bose, Bagha Jatin, and Sachindranath Sanyal, who participated in the Ghadar movement. Nihil Advani directed this project.

On Jio Hotstar, the horror-comedy web series 'Ali Baba and the 40 Ghosts' is available, starring renowned actors Asha Negi and Vishal Wasisht. The action takes place in a village where people suddenly disappear under the influence of supernatural forces causing strange events.

Also on Jio Hotstar is the comedy-drama 'Prince of Bollywood,' made in Malayalam cinema, which can be watched in Hindi. The film is about a young man who dreams of becoming a superstar in Malayalam cinema, but his dream faces obstacles.

The documentary 'Untold Mr. T: I Pit The Full' is available on Netflix, detailing the extraordinary story of Lawrence Tudor, known as 'Mr. T,' covering his early years, struggles, and rise as one of the most iconic figures of 1980s pop culture.

Additionally, Netflix has released the dark comedy 'Go Tim,' which explores one aspect of office culture. The plot centers on a large and well-known Spanish company producing something significant that eventually becomes obsolete and fights for its market position.

Netflix also offers the seven-episode miniseries 'The Perfect Lie,' based on Saskia Noort's 2007 Dutch novel 'De Eetclub.'