By Rhea Sabherwal
The Hindi film industry, aka Bollywood, has had a huge impact on our lives and how a generation is shaped since a long time. Here’s a list of 10 movies that have acquired the status of classics over time, and if you haven’t watched them, then you should!
1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayengey
Just like Raj, DDLJ is another name you must have heard.There is no denying that DDLJ is probably the most famous love story that Bollywood has given us. Shah Rukh and Kajol’s chemistry combined with the European countryside setting and songs that bring an instant smile to your face assured this movie to be a hit. But no one saw it to be as successful as it did. The “train scene” in itself has become so huge that many adaptations of it are seen in movies even today. Not only that, DDLJ seems to be like a blueprint for most love stories that are made even today. So if you want a head start on watching classic Bollywood movies, this is it.
2. Dil chahta hai
One of the greatest cult films of all times, Dil Chahta Hai, acquired its classic status by being centred around one of the most common, yet complex and important relationships in the world: friendship. Not only was it heartwarming, but it was something that connected with the youth in every aspect. It made groups of friends look at the screen and share the same emotions. The characters, the storyline and the dialogues were made relatable to its core and this is why this movie remains a part of our pop culture till date.
3. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham…
Picture a loving, caring, tight knit family that is loaded with money, yet is very strict about their ‘sanskaars’ and ‘parampara’. You have now successfully envisioned the dream of every Indian family. And this is exactly the sentiment Yash Chopra taps into with K3G. Combine that with a mega star cast, great songs, grand sets and an emotional storyline, and of course, love. You have everything you need to make the Indian audience swoon and cry and remember for years to come.
4. Jab We Met
Jab We Met has great cinematography and brilliant performances by the actors, but it’s USP is Kareena Kapoor’s character, Geet. Geet was such a character that became bigger than the movie itself. While the movie has some iconic scenes and some great songs, Geet is what truly stick with the audience. The candor that Kareena has played her role with makes Geet the biggest strength of this movie. Her iconic role in this movie is the reason why railways and love are not the same anymore. Jab We Met is a heartwarming, relatable love story while still being a fresh take on romantic comedies.
5. Kal Ho Naa Ho
Kal Ho Naa Ho is a classic love triangle, that is until we find out that it isn’t. There are a lot of complex emotional layers that the movie is works with. While it’s first half is very funny and engaging, it is the melancholy of the second half which has stayed with the viewers till date, making it the classic that it is. The casting, the songs, the screenplay, and of course, Aman. Everything about this movie fits perfectly into place to make your heart ache. No doubt that this movie is a tear-jerker, but it takes you on a beautiful wholesome journey that is worth the sadness it ignites in you.
6. Golmaal
Golmaal is one of the most successful comedy movie franchise in Bollywood today. Putting 4 contrasting characters as the main lead, along with some hilarious supporting actors, Rohit Shetty has managed introduce a series of comedic wonders. Including a blind couple and a dumb guy, could be seen as a risk in a movie that is just starting out. But great comic timing and effortless acting ensured that Golmaal (and its successors) became hugely successful.
7. Koi… Mil Gaya
Even today when I sit with my friends and watch this movie, it doesn’t fail to leave me in splits. To some, it may seem stupid now but it became a huge hit for many reasons. Koi Mil Gaya was experimental in many aspects – a blue alien and a mentally challenged lead character weren’t exactly seen as the recipe for success. Hence, in quite a few ways Koi Mil Gaya opened new doors for Indian filmmakers to experiment with their direction and scripts. And maybe it’s originality is the reason why it has registered itself as one of the most loved films in the last decade or so. Or maybe it was ‘jadoo’.
8. Hum Aapke Hai Kaun
A three and a half an hour long movie which has 14 songs sounds like utter torture in today’s day and age. But this didn’t seem to be a barrier to stop people from going to watch Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. In fact, the songs became the selling point. This movie went on to become such a big hit that even Karan Hohar asks questions about Tuffy-the dog in the movie- to his A Lister guest’s on Koffee with Karan. It could be Salman-Madhruri’s chemistry, the songs or the whole “togetherness of an indian family” vibe that made this movie as successful as it is. It has become such a classic that whether you love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it.
9. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S
Munnabhai M.B.B.S is truly what one calls a cult film. It was not only hugely successful at the box office but also became a trendsetter. It’s USP was the tapori language used. Right from Sanjay Dutts ‘Jadoo ki jhappi’ to Circuits style of dressing, everything this movie bought along is iconic till date. If you haven’t seen this classic, you are definitely missing out on a huge part of our pop culture.
10. Kuch Kuch hota hai
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was not just a sales boost for friendships bands and polo sport T-shirts. It also taught an entire generation lessons on perhaps the two most important things in life – friendship and love, because ‘love is friendship’or ‘pyaar dosti hain’. The innocence of the story comes from the fact that no one has been shown as the “bad guy”. We all connect to and empathise with each of the main characters of the movie at some point or the other, making it super fun and relatabe to watch
Many of these movies may not have been considered pieces of cinematic excellence. Yet, they continue to be a part of our pop culture. They all touched upon basic human tendencies and emotions which is why they had this connect with the audience. A connect so humongous that these movies defined parts of a culture for an entire generation and more. Hence, if you’re a Millennial or a Gen Z, it is IMPERATIVE that you have seen these movies. If not, get right to it!
Check out more opinions, here!