Hindi-language film industry hit the world like a tidal wave as Bollywood movies reached several countries falling only behind Korean, Japanese, and Hollywood movies. But what exactly makes Bollywood movies so irresistible? Some say it could be the swoon-worthy romantic scenes, the musicals, the comedic acts, incredibly good-looking actors and actresses, or maybe the cliché plot twists which may be too predictable but we must admit it – it’s an addiction that’s just too hard to turn away from. So here’s the best Hindi movies you should add to your ‘to watch list’ that will surely keep you coming back for more.
3 Idiots (2009)
This coming-of-age story circles around 3 engineering students and their struggles to pursue their dreams. It reflects the strict educational system and the pressure it puts upon the students as well as heartwarming truths about life and friendship and knowing what matters most. The story continues when two of the friends start looking for their friend Rancho who disappeared after graduation. I bawled my eyes out with this one and I tell you Aamir Khan is on another level of acting prowess.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
You can’t talk about Bollywood without Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which translates to There Goes the Bride in English. This classic has been considered as the golden standard for Bollywood rom-coms featuring the cheeky and handsome Shah Rukh Khan and the beautiful actress Kajol. It’s a story about two people who met on a trip to Europe and finds each other’s company impossibly intolerable. But there’s only one thing they can’t stand aside from each other – being apart.
Love Aaj Kal (2009)
Two lovers played by Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, who are based in London, and whose dreams and careers are pulling them apart. But what if falling apart was actually the only way for them to fall into each other’s arms again? Set in a dual-timeline story between the past and the future, this film will prove that love is indeed timeless. Bonus fact: This film has a remake set in 2020 and Saif’s daughter plays as lead.
Dil Chahta Hai (2009)
This film has been won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and all for good reason – this film has it all. A heartwarming coming-of-age plot about around three friends as they make their way through life and love after graduating college will surely hit your soft spots and leave a mark. Friendship, true friendship does endure through the test of time and the best people we’ll meet in life will be with us at our highest and lowest points.
Barfi!
Are you ready to laugh and cry or cry while laughing? Barfi is a story about a happy-go-lucky man and his misadventures as he makes the most out of life. Now that’s not the only thing the movie has to offer. What if our Cassanova falls for a woman on the autistic spectrum? Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Barfi and Priyanka Chopra as Jhilmil, this film has been a favorite in the history of Bolly-oh-so-good-wood.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
So what if we take the best actors and actresses Bollywood could offer and throw them into one movie? Well that’s what Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was. The story circles around a prominent family based in Delhi as they tried to hold and protect their legacy. It’s more than just a love story. It shows us how important family is and that even the people we hold dear could break us. It’s a movie about relationships that’s just so well-made it’s unforgettable.
The White Tiger (2021)
Born in a poverty-stricken place where becoming a servant is their highest honor, a man finds his way into the lives of a wealthy family and convinces them to hire him as their driver. While experiencing the clear line that divides the poor and the wealthy the driver learns about the injustices in this world. One night while his master and his master’s lover took the wheel from him in a fit of alcohol-fueled fast drive, they get into an accident that changes the driver’s whole life. In order to survive, he must become the creature that gets born once in every generation – the white tiger.
Thapped (2020)
After her all-too-perfect husband slaps her at a party, Amrita’s idea of their perfect marriage is shattered. She started to realize the micro-sexism which she has suffered during the entirety of their marriage. What does it take to be a good wife? A good husband? This film tackles respect and love in a whole new light. There is a fine line between tolerance for love and suffering while losing oneself. The story follows Amrita as she journeys through a divorce and fights for her right to be loved and respected, as all women deserve.
