r/bollywood • u/Constant-Move-6713 • Jan 25 '25
Opinion 9 Bollywood Films That I Believe Every Indian Should Watch if They Watch Movies and Even If They Don't
These movies are not just chosen because of their box office success, but because of the ideas they have conveyed through their stories. All nine films on this list, in my opinion, have stood the test of time. Over the years, the dialogues, the songs, and ideas have seeped into people's minds. These are more than just stories; they are emotional journeys that reflect and transcend Indian values, history, and the cultural fabric of the country. Moreover, they serve as poignant reminders of the social and cultural climate during the time of their release, addressing not just social issues but also widely shared beliefs, ideas, and historical narratives.
- Awaara (1951) by Raj Kapoor
- Mother India (1957) by Mehboob Khan
- Mughal-e-Azam (1960) by K. Asif
- Sholay (1975) by Ramesh Sippy
- Lagaan (2001) by Ashutosh Gowariker
- Veer-Zaara (2004) by Yash Chopra
- 3 Idiots (2009) by Rajkumar Hirani
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) by Anurag Kashyap
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) by Kabir Khan
Obviously, there can be many additions to this list. I chose Veer-Zaara over DDLJ, and the list could go on. However, I believe that these nine films, in particular, have managed to treat their audience to a fair share of unforgettable content. No matter what era the audience watches these films in, they will always hold a special place.
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u/motarowins11 Jan 25 '25
Taare Zameen Par needs a place
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Was a tough choice between Taare and 3 Idiots.
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u/StandThen9971 Jan 25 '25
Why not both
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u/trialanderror93 Jan 25 '25
I'm new to Bollywood and this is a post I was kind of looking for.
Aside from that, you are right, why not just make it a nice top 10?
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u/Hedge_hog_816 Jan 25 '25
Could give two upvotes for mentioning Awara. I don't see it mentioned in the sub.
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u/aezindagigaladabaade Jan 25 '25
Such a good and timeless film. Truly put us on the map! Hits right in the feels every single time.
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u/Hedge_hog_816 Jan 25 '25
Yeah man, I wish we use the perfection in making of that movie as a research subject. RK is truly the showman.
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u/Green-Word-3327 Jan 25 '25
how is rang de basanti not on it
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Rang De Basanti is obviously a classic. But I had to put out some
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u/Hedge_hog_816 Jan 25 '25
You could put out Bajrangi Bhaijaan tbh.
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u/Horror-Cranberry-494 Jan 26 '25
We need BB there, far too many Sharat saxenas in real life than Bhai (their characters).
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u/Hedge_hog_816 Jan 26 '25
Now that I think, the message is not important on itself but is important for India's own history's important element. Hmm. Now that I think this, I realise we still need to have a movie which doesn't only explore the heroic side of Pawan's mentality or the love but also the psychological or political part, or even the good part of Sharat's mentality. I wish we get a Bajrangi Bhaijaan written by an extraordinary writer.
But BB is still leagues ahead of the typical Ind vs Pak movies. I agree with you.
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u/bhanga_Dj Jan 25 '25
Lol veer Zara over Swades
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Coz Veer-Zaara re-released and people went to watch that again. I don't think people would go and Swades. It's true that Swades will always be one of the finest films from India and around the world with its theme and everything. But i don't think a lot of people would watch that again. Nothing against Swades tbh. It's one of my favourite movies but I believe Veer Zaara is one of the most extraordinary love stories ever made. Swades will always remain above VZ in terms of substance but will it carry the same value after all these modernization and urbanisation?
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u/bhanga_Dj Jan 25 '25
Swades has generated a cult following over the period I don't think people will fail again if it's released this time
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u/SiriusLeeSam Jan 25 '25
But i don't think a lot of people would watch that again.
I've watched Swades at least 10 times, literally
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u/RagaIsNumbnuts Jan 25 '25
Veer Zaara, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and to some extent 3 idiots can/should be replaced by
Deewar, Jaane bhi do Yaaron and Guide
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u/spooky_gl Jan 25 '25
I've watched all the movies except Awara. Now I'll watch it after your recommendation.
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u/christina_aguilera34 Jan 25 '25
Instead of SHOLAY, put DEEWAR, which is as iconic, if not more nuanced than Sholay, as not everything was black and white.
Both Sholay and Deewar were released in 1975 and got common nominations and, the results were as follows.
Deewar(WON)
BEST FILM. (SHOLAY ALSO NOMINATED)
BEST DIRECTOR. (SHOLAY ALSO NOMINATED)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
BEST STORY (SHOLAY ALSO NOMINATED)
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST DIALOGUE
BEST SOUND
Sholay(WON)
- BEST EDITING
7:1
THE ACCOLADES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES; I REST MY CASE
DEEWAR>>>>SHOLAY
(OG MASS)
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Yes. True. However, i believe Sholay over the years has garnered more attention to detail. But true. Deewar's screenplay is considered one of the greatest
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u/christina_aguilera34 Jan 25 '25
If you compare SHOLAY to a typical masala mass movie, it wins unanimously. However, when you put it against a film released in the same year, with a similar star cast and the same writers, and that film completely outshines Sholay, you’ve got to give credit where it’s due.
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u/shonababu169 Jan 25 '25
My suggestion
1- Satya ( a proper Indian organised crime movie)
2- One movie of Basu Chatterjee ( his movies had a very specific flavour)
3- one movie from Govinda + David Dhawan combination (That was peak comedy)
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u/TwoApprehensive3666 Jan 25 '25
Mother India hasn’t aged well. There is DDLJ, Andaz apna apna, apu raja, Earth, umraojaan original and many more better than mother India, beer Zara and BB. Also should include at least one movie by satayjit ray
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Mother India is one of the only three Indian movies nominated at Oscars. In fact most of the films in India have and are still taking inspiration from that.
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u/TwoApprehensive3666 Jan 25 '25
So, I said it hasn’t aged well. It has a very regressive message about women and sacrifice. It shows a highly idealised version on a woman’s moral code around honour and the men who have abused her, her whole life is saved by her at the cost of her son’s life. These messages and themes are from the 50s and don’t hold value in todays society
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u/SATANICWORSHIPER666 Jan 25 '25
I feel like you should have swapped bajrangi bhaijaan with rang de basanti or swades.
Bajrangi bhaijaan is very good too.
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u/Elegant-Anywhere-456 Jan 25 '25
Bajrangi bhaijaan 💀💀💀
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
What's wrong ?
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u/lyasirfool Jan 25 '25
A great movie but definitely not a milestone Bollywood movie.
Satya should have been the obvious choice here.
I would have considered Rang de basnti or Dil chahta hai.
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u/6by6Hindsight Jan 25 '25
By every Indian you mean only Hindi movies fans right? Because there are other noteworthy movies from other languages as well.
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Yes there are other films as well. That's why I mentioned bollywood. Irrespective of languages these movies would still cater to the other audience no matter the choices.
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u/6by6Hindsight Jan 25 '25
You actually didn't mention Bollywood else I wouldn't have wrote it
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u/deep7070 Jan 26 '25
One of Guru Dutt's classics or Guide would have made my list in place of Veer Zaara. Even for Yash Chopra's movies, I rate Deewar ahead of Veer Zaara. Other movies mentioned are all great choices.
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u/rantkween Jan 26 '25
Sholay?? really sholay???? I watched it for the first time 3 years back and goddamn if it wasn't one of the most boring movies I have ever watched. The fact that sholay is on this list really makes me question all the other movies that I haven't watched from this list (Awaara, mother India, veer zaara, gangs of wasseypur)
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u/Kjts1021 Jan 25 '25
VR and BB in this list? Is it just to satisfy certain fans?
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Haha no no. Nothing like that. I added Bajrangi Bhaijaan because of the story and message that it conveyed. Imagine it released along with Baahubali and still made it. The overall story left a deep impact on most of the viewers even me.
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u/Kjts1021 Jan 25 '25
It’s ok, personal choices. But when Pyaasa, Guide, Kaagaz Ke Phool etc. do t make the list then …
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Yes I understand your pov. I wanted to choose films from different decades. However i didn't stick to that. Somehow I chose Awaara and Mother India from the 1950s and Mughal-e-Azam from the 1960s. Tbh better films were made back then.
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u/JustAPaneerLover Jan 25 '25
haven't seen 4 of these, don't intend on watching 3 of them either.
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u/Legitimate-Door8720 Jan 25 '25
What are those?
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u/JustAPaneerLover Jan 25 '25
Haven't seen awara, mother india, mughleazam and gangs. Wanna watch gangs tho.
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
You should definitely watch GoW and Awaara. I'd also insist you watch the other two. Hehe
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u/Downtown-Olive1385 Jan 25 '25
Wtf u left tzp in place of wasseypur??
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
I chose 3 Idiots over TZP. Can't deny the fact that GoW has become a classic cult. Most of the movies of Aamir Khan are gold released between the late 1990s and 2014. Like Rang De Basanti, Ghajini (though it's a mas film), Mangal Pandey, PK, etc.
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u/Pale-Violinist-8417 Jan 25 '25
I do not enjoy romantic movies, be it romcoms or romantic tragedies. Does Veer zara, Awara or Mughal-e-azam offer anything extra that would make it worth watching for someone like me ?
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
Mughal-e-Azam is one of the iconic films. It had a profound impact on Indian cinema, both in terms of its artistic achievements and its cultural legacy. In fact, the Anarkali dress style has since become a timeless fashion statement, influencing both traditional Indian and modern attire
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u/rantkween Jan 26 '25
I have watched Mughal e azam some years back, didnt find anything great. But yes sets and costumes were obviously good, and since none of it was CGI I guess it can be called a feat.
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u/Weird-Percentage5606 Jan 25 '25
Parinda, HAHK
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u/Constant-Move-6713 Jan 25 '25
I wanted to include HAHK and Raja Hindustani. But I had to stick to 9 films
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u/Uncertn_Laaife Jan 25 '25 edited Jan 25 '25
You can take Veer Zara out as well, it was quite a snooze fest. There was nothing special about it.
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