Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 6 Bollywood Films With Iconic Ganpati Moments

Agneepath (2012) is a remake of the 1990 film of the same name that starred Amitabh Bachchan. The adaptation stars Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor among others. The song Deva Shree Ganesha quickly became an anthem of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities but its presence in the film was more than celebratory. The grand puja sequence of Bappa also played a crucial role in the story with a crime unfolding that becomes a turning point for the characters.

In Farhan Akhtar's adaptation of Don (2006), the Ganpati visarjan scene is one of the most crucial points of the narrative. The scene unfolds right after a high-intensity chase between Don (Shah Rukh Khan) and the police. Severely injured, Don slips into a coma and at this juncture, we are introduced to his lookalike, Vijay, through the song Mourya Re. The scene captures the festive spirit as well as marks Vijay's entry into the plot and sets the stage for the double-identity twist.  

Satya (1998) is regarded as one of the pioneering gangster films of Hindi cinema. It was directed by Ram Gopal Varma and starred JD Chakravarthy, Manoj Bajpayee, Urmila Matondkar, Paresh Rawal and Saurabh Shukla among others. The climax was set against the backdrop of a Ganpati visarjan procession. The celebrations and frenzy served as the perfect cover for the murder of Bhau Thakurdas Jhawle, a powerful politician.

ABCD (2013) is a visual treat for dance lovers and its final act, Sadda Dil Vi Tu, dedicated to Bappa, is a culmination of the group's journey, their struggles and their triumph. Directed by Remo D'Souza, the film starred Prabhu Deva, Ganesh Acharya, Dharmesh Yelande, Salman Yusuff and Lauren Gottlieb among others. The story reaches its peak when dancer and choreographer Vishnu's (played by Prabhu Deva) team realises that their dance routine has been copied by their rival group during the finals of a dance competition. With almost no time in hand, they have to craft a new dance routine on the spot, and who do they turn to? Ganpati Bappa. They deliver a breathtaking Ganpati act, channelling their emotions into dance and paying a heartfelt tribute to Lord Ganesha.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for the grandeur in his films, and Bajirao Mastani (2015) is no exception. The epic historical tragedy starred Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, among others. The Ganpati celebration scene, woven with the song Gajanana, remains one of the most spectacular scenes of the film. During the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, Kashibai (Priyanka) learns of a conspiracy to murder Mastani (Deepika) and her son. She warns Bajirao (Ranveer) and he immediately leaves to protect them. The celebratory visuals are intricately juxtaposed with the battle between Mastani and her conspirators.

My Friend Ganesha



While Ganpati celebrations served as a backdrop in the films mentioned above and were mostly used as a cover for crime, My Friend Ganesha (2007) brought the festival into the realm of children's cinema. It revolved around a boy, played by Ahsaas Channa, who found a friend in Ganesha. An animated version of Lord Ganesha followed him and helped him resolve all his problems. The Rajiv S Ruia directorial blended devotion and fantasy.