The world of Bollywood is no stranger to the high-stakes drama of box office clashes, where two or more big-budget films release on the same day, vying for the audience's attention and hard-earned money. These clashes often become the talk of the town, generating excitement, speculation, and sometimes, even heated debates among fans and industry experts alike. With "War 2" and "Coolie" releasing tomorrow, August 14, 2025, it's a fitting time to look back at some of the most epic box office clashes in the history of Indian cinema.

1. "Lagaan" vs. "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" (2001)

This clash is often cited as one of the most significant in Bollywood history. "Lagaan," directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, was a critically acclaimed film that went on to receive an Oscar nomination. On the other hand, "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha," directed by Anil Sharma, was a massy, action-packed film with strong patriotic undertones. Both films were huge successes, but "Gadar" edged out "Lagaan" in terms of box office collections. However, "Lagaan" is remembered for its cinematic brilliance and Oscar nomination.

2. "Om Shanti Om" vs. "Saawariya" (2007)

This Diwali clash saw Shah Rukh Khan's "Om Shanti Om" go head-to-head with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Saawariya," which marked the debut of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. "Om Shanti Om" was a massive commercial success, crossing ₹100 crore in box office collections, while "Saawariya" failed to impress at the box office.

3. "Don" vs. "Jaan-E-Mann" (2006)

Another Diwali face-off saw Shah Rukh Khan's "Don," a remake of the Amitabh Bachchan classic, clash with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar's "Jaan-E-Mann". "Don" emerged as the clear winner, with "Jaan-E-Mann" failing to make a mark at the box office.

4. "Dilwale" vs. "Bajirao Mastani" (2015)

This clash pitted Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's "Dilwale" against Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra's "Bajirao Mastani". While "Dilwale" performed well internationally, "Bajirao Mastani" received a better response from Indian audiences and was a commercial success.

5. "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" vs. "Son of Sardaar" (2012)

Yash Chopra's last directorial venture, "Jab Tak Hai Jaan," starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma, clashed with Ajay Devgn's "Son of Sardaar" during Diwali. Both films managed to impress audiences, with "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" earning over ₹120 crore and "Son of Sardaar" not far behind at ₹105 crore.

These are just a few examples of the many epic box office clashes that have occurred in Bollywood over the years. These clashes not only provide entertainment for moviegoers but also contribute to the rich history and folklore of the Indian film industry. As "War 2" and "Coolie" gear up for release, it remains to be seen whether one film will dominate the box office or if both will find their own audience and emerge victorious.