Looking for inspiration for your next movie night? Here’s a selection of the best Bollywood movies ever made, many of which are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. Yes, it’s not too bad to discover or rediscover classics, check them out in this article!
Table of Contents
The Indian Family
Original title: कभी खुशी कभी ग़म
Genre : Melodrama, Romantic
The Indian Family or Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is an Indian film directed by Karan Johar and released in India in 2001. It tells the story of a wealthy family that is broken up by the marriage of the eldest son and then reunited by the youngest. The lead roles are played by several of Bollywood’s biggest stars: Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. This prestigious cast and the careful direction of the film set new standards for popular cinema, and the film topped the Indian box office and won numerous awards. This film is ideal for introducing Bollywood film to people who are not familiar with it.
Veer-Zaara
Original title : वीर-ज़ारा
Genre : Drama, Melodrama, Musical, Romance
Released in 2004, this film is produced and directed by Yash Chopra, released in 2004. The film deals with the conflict between India and Pakistan, and follows the impossible love between an Indian Air Force officer, Veer Pratap Singh, and a young Pakistani woman, Zaara Hayaat Khan, who have been separated for 22 years… The story begins with the arrival of Saamiya Siddiqui, a Pakistani lawyer, who finds Veer in prison and patiently listens to his story. The music, based on the old Madan Mohan compositions and composed by Yash Chopra, with lyrics written by Javed Akhtar, is also what made the film unique. Veer-Zaara was a commercial success, earning a budget of Rs 750 million. It won numerous awards, including four Filmfare Awards in 2004, including Best Film. This is a poignant film that looked at the conflict between India and Pakistan in a new and caring way. Even though it was released 18 years ago it is still worth watching.
Teen Patti
Original title : तीन पत्ती
Genre: Thriller, Drama
This film released in 2010 is a remake of the American film “21”.This film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley. The first plays a gifted mathematics professor who is writing a thesis on probability and has a passion for teen patti. To test his hypotheses, he plays teen patti on the internet at the online casino in India His theories prove to be correct and eventually his students benefit from his prodigious gifts to win in casinos, like those in Las Vegas. This is a thrilling film that plunges us into two fascinating worlds that end up coming together: mathematics and the casino. This film is immersive and breathtaking and is a demonstration of the need to believe in one’s talents. Ideal for a boost!
New York Masala
Original title : कल हो ना हो, Kal Ho Naa Ho
Genre: Romantic Drama
Shot in New York, this film follows Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity Zinta), a young Indian immigrant living in New York whose life is not very cheerful and indeed has never been, since her father’s death. Between the constant bickering within her half-Catholic Punjabi family, the attention her younger brother and sister require, her grandmother’s mood swings and her mother’s financial troubles, which she tries to help as best she can, the young girl has no time for herself. Her life is turned upside down when Aman Mathur, a young man, moves in next door… The film was produced and co-written by director Karan Johar, known for such hits as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and The Indian Family. It earned the lead actress, Preity Zinta, the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 2004. A fresh and light film to have a good time, ideal for an evening with friends!
Khal Nayak
Genre: Crime, Romance
Released in 1993, it was the biggest hit of the year in Indian cinema. The film is best remembered for Madhuri Dixit’s performance and the “scandalous” song Choli Ke Peeche sung by Alka Yagnik & Ila Arun and the accompanying dance sequence. This song earned its performers the Best Female Vocalist Award at the 1994 Filmfare Awards. Ballu, played by Sanjay Dutt, is a daringand seductive criminal wanted for a multitude of crimes. Inspector Ram manages to arrest him after the murder of a politician, but Ballu immediately escapes. To help him restore his reputation, his fiancée Ganga decides to go incognito on Ballu’s side. The situation is complicated when he falls in love with her, a feeling he at least partly shares, and finally unmasks her. As the film progresses, Ballu reconnects with his former accomplices and a series of flashbacks reveals what led him into a life of crime, causing suffering to his family. The vintage feel of the film is really enjoyable!
