Indian cinema has celebrated the spirit of festivals in all their grandeur. Dussehra, the final day of Navaratri which is celebrated across India by burning the giant effigy of Ravana, has inspired some of Bollywood’s iconic cinematic moments. Here’s a look back at five such memorable moments that captured the essence of the festival on screen.
Swades (2004)
1 5
All pictures: IMDb
The Dusshera scene in this film was featured through the Ramlila performance followed by the song Pal Pal Hai Bhaari. The scene marks a pivotal point of the film as Mohan Bhargav (Shah Rukh Khan) addresses the crowd, delivering a powerful message about defeating the modern Ravan of social inequality, caste prejudice, and illiteracy hidden within ourselves.
Ra.One (2011)
2 5
This sequence from Ra.One will remain as the experimental and gripping moments in the Indian cinema as it gives the festival a futuristic, sci-fi twist. The villain Ra.One, played by Arjun Rampal, steps into the real world to chase G.One (Shah Rukh Khan) straight out of the game. Drawing a parallel with the mortal world’s Ravan, Ra.One stepped in front of a giant effigy, creating a stark visual contrast between the demon king and modern digital evil.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
3 5
Sanjay Leela Bhansali sets the grand, high-stakes climax against a massive community Dussehra celebration. As the colossal Ravan effigy burns in a shower of sparks, the star-crossed lovers meet their tragic end, symbolising a fiery sacrifice to burn away generations of clan hatred.
Kalank (2019)
4 5
The Dussehra scene in this film has been utilised to create an atmospheric, visually stunning introduction scene. It comes right after the song Ghar More Pardesiya, when Roop (Alia Bhatt) and Zafar (Varun Dhawan) lock eyes for the first time across a crowded, crimson-hued festival ground while a gigantic Ravan effigy burns in the backdrop.
Brahmastra: Part One Shiva (2022)
5 5
Ranbir Kapoor’s character Shiva was introduced in this film against the backdrop of grand Dussehra celebrations. The track Dance Ka Bhoot plays out entirely in a vibrant festive pandal, concluding with Shiva dancing in front of a massive, glowing Ravan effigy bridging a connection of his superpowers that slowly begins to unravel.