There are some films that grow with us, and some that grow on us – they are timeless, feel-good movies.
In case you’ve outgrown the classics such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Andaz Apna Apna, here’s a list of 20 comfort films to add to your weekend watch-list:
1. Mr. India [1987]
A superhero family drama for the child in you. Never a dull moment in this off-beat sci-fi film with Mr. India saving the country from Mogambo! Starring Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Amrish Puri, and Satish Kaushik amongst others.
2. Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi [1991]
A cute rom-com for all 90’s kids and slightly bratty daughters with overprotective yet loving fathers. Starring Pooja Bhatt, Aamir Khan and Anupam Kher.
3. Lamhe [1991]
A romantic drama that raised a few eyebrows in its time, but highly praised over the years. A beautiful story of tradition, companionship and complicated emotions. Starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Anupam Kher and Waheeda Rehman.
4. Rangeela [1995]
A charming romantic-comedy about a girl’s big Bollywood dream coming true. Unlike the blockbusters of today, Rangeela plays out in the most authentic and honest way. Starring Urmila Matondkar, Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff.
6. Gupt [1997]
Possibly the best suspense thriller of the 90’s. Even if you know whodunit – its worth a watch again. Starring Kajol, Manisha Koirala and Bobby Deol.
7. Mast [1999]
Remember Aftab Shivdasani? Mast was the actor’s debut. And the film seemed very similar to a real-life fan obsession/love for the celebrity, played by the 90’s diva Urmila Matondkar. A lighthearted rom-com by Ram Gopal Verma!
8. Chal Mere Bhai [2000]
A typical ‘David Dhawan’ rom-com that had its flaws, but deserves a watch with the family on a night-in. Starring Karishma Kapoor, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt.
9. Dil Chahta Hai [2001]
A film that changed the status quo in Bollywood and is still considered one of the most stylish movies of Hindi cinema. A first to show how friends really talk, behave, fight and even travel. Starring Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta and Sonali Kulkari.
10. Rang De Basanti [2006]
A sociopolitical drama with a unique narrative that weaved several issues, that are somehow still relevant even today. Starring Aamir Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth Narayan, Atul Kulkarni, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan and Soha Ali Khan.
11. Aaja Nachle [2007]
Termed as a “comeback” of actress Madhuri Dixit, Aaja Nachle may have failed at the box office, but it’s appreciated by many theatre lovers. A simple story with a big heart… and could easily have a sequel or spin-off today. The ensemble cast includes Konkona Sen Sharma, Akshaye Khanna, Kunal Kapoor and Jugal Hanraj amongst others.
12. Jab We Met [2007]
Boy-meets-girl on a quest to find their purpose and themselves in the process – a romantic drama by Imtiaz Ali that gave Bollywood layered protagonists who were just like us. Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor.
13. Dostana [2008]
First-of-its-kind comedy entertainer in Bollywood that normalized the topic of homosexuality in a humorous and charming way. Starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham.
14. Wake Up Sid [2009]
A heartwarming coming-of-age film for the millenials and how they navigate through life, parents, friends and their independence. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Supriya Pathak and Anupam Kher.
15. Band Baaja Baaraat [2010]
A unique story, a fresh star cast, crisp writing and a thorough entertainer all about celebrations; a film that gave India a new profession to explore – Wedding Planning! Starring Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh.
16. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara [2011]
A boys’ bachelor party film that took us on a journey that resonated with the urban fast-paced contemporary lifestyles. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin.
17. Hasee Toh Phasee [2014]
A subtle and delightfully quirky romantic comedy (with a very misleading and irrelevant title) about two people falling in love during a chaotic week involving a wedding and a family reunion. It’s one of the most underrated rom-coms of recent times, starring Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra.
18. Dum Laga Ke Haisha [2015]
The simple and sincere rom-com that shows (not just talks) about defying the conventional notions of beauty or love. Although it rests on the usual stereotypes and is fairly predictable, it still makes you root for a happy ending. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar.
19. Dil Dhadakne Do [2015]
A family drama coated with cliches of rich Delhiites, but with its heart in the right place – showing the complexities of basic relationship and family dynamics. It’s fun, its glossy, its entertaining! The ensemble cast includes Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ranvir Singh, Anushka Sharma and Farhan Akhtar amongst others.
20. Dear Zindagi [2016]
A coming-of-age drama for GenNow – a group of people who are overworked, overstressed, overachievers and perhaps over distressed. Dear Zindagi is light, breezy and relatable with some hardcore life lessons. Starring Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan.
BONUS:
21. Karan Arjun [1995]
A revenge-drama about two brothers with a loving mother, a greedy uncle and the miracle of reincarnation. Watch it for the memorable songs, iconic dialogues (if you know, you know!), and the two beloved Khans before all the stardom. What’s not to love?
Most of these films are available either on subscription based OTT channels and/or can be rented on Youtube.
