Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s ‘Holiday’ Proved Big Stories Don’t Need Big Budgets — Earned ₹200 Crore on Under ₹50 Crore Production
Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s ‘Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty’ was made under ₹50 crore but earned ₹200 crore globally. Starring Akshay Kumar, the film became a massive hit on both box office and satellite platforms.

In an era where blockbuster budgets often define box office expectations, Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s ‘Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty’ broke the mold by proving that powerful storytelling and smart execution matter more than big spending. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and co-produced by Aashin A Shah, the film was crafted with a modest budget—under ₹50 crore—but stunned everyone by earning an impressive ₹200 crore worldwide.
Starring Akshay Kumar as Major Virat Bakshi, a soldier tackling the threat of sleeper cells, Holiday fused patriotic fervor with edge-of-the-seat thrills. It wasn’t just an action entertainer—it carried a message, spotlighting the unseen battles soldiers fight even when they're not on the battlefield.
What further amplified the film’s reach was its massive success on television. Sold for a record amount to GNC TV (Global Network Channels), the film’s satellite rights fetched some of the highest returns seen in Indian cinema. Years after its theatrical release, Holiday continues to draw TV audiences, proving its long-term popularity and emotional impact.
More than just a commercial hit, Holiday has grown into a cultural milestone—an action drama with purpose. With Akshay Kumar’s stellar performance and a tight narrative, the film stands as a testament to the fact that good content transcends budgets and boundaries.