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Must see Bollywood movies on Netflix

November 13, 2020

The only language I’m fluent in is English but I’m pretty sure I was watching Hindi movies before I was watching English ones. Bollywood films are definitely an acquired taste. Many of them can be hit or miss.

Nevertheless, I was so excited to see that Netflix expanded their selection of Bollywood movies and I thought why not compile a list of some of the classics (and my personal favourites) for anyone interested in exploring the Bollywood section on Netflix, just in time for Diwali! For those who don’t know, Diwali is the Hindu celebration of lights that signifies the triumph of good over evil! Happy Diwali to those celebrating!

Disclaimer: when you commit to watching a Bollywood film just know that you’re going to experience:

Laughter

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Tears

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Over exaggerated action sequences

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Plot twists

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Elaborate dance sequences in various locations accompanied by multiple outfit changes

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Remember when I said this was an acquired taste?

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Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Translation: Sometimes there is joy, sometimes there is sorrow

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham follows the trials and triumphs of breaking free of societal norms, falling in love, and the reunion of a broken family. It was a big deal for me as a kid. The songs are iconic, the cast is perfect, and the dialogues are legendary.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Translation: Tomorrow May Never Come

Kal Ho Naa Ho follows the story of a family whose lives are turned around for the better by a new entrant into their lives, Aman. I genuinely laughed (the comedy is hilarious), I cried (actual tears, because they really tug at the heartstrings with this one), and was thoroughly entertained by this film.

Main Hoon Na

Translation: I Am Here

Main Hoon Na is a musical treat. It deals with going undercover, the military, brotherhood, college life, makeovers, relationships, and so much more. I loved the quirkiness of the film and although romanticized, it is a visually stunning depiction of the life of a college student.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Translation: Something Happens

This movie was released in October, 1998 and I was born in January, 1999. Needless to say that this movie and soundtrack have followed me from birth until now. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has a famous line: “Love is friendship”. This becomes very evident if you watch this movie. This film explores young unrequited love, marriage, having children, loss of a partner, and moving on. There are so many iconic lines and scenes in this movie, it is truly an enjoyable watch!

Om Shanti Om

Translation: This is actually a Hindu mantra which means, “peace be with you”. The main characters happened to also be named Om and Shanti in this film.

Where do I start with this one? A lot happens. There’s two characters who love each other and can’t be together, there’s falling chandeliers, fires, reincarnation, seriously whatever you can think of... it’s probably in there. I watched this movie in theatres with my family and it was an unforgettable experience (and I don’t mean that sarcastically). I loved the songs, the dances, the visuals, and everything about it. This is one you don’t want to miss!

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

Translation: Will You Marry Me?

I never forgot this movie after I watched it. I was obsessed with it. I loved the songs (are you noticing a trend? Bollywood is big on the musical scores and dances). It’s the oldest story in the book, two guys fighting over a girl. But, what I couldn’t understand is why they went to the lengths that they did to win the girl over. Luckily, it all makes sense in the end. This is such a fun watch, I’d definitely recommend it!

Chalte Chalte

Translation: On the Way

This movie is hazy to me because it came out in 2003, which places me at 4 years old when it was released. I do remember that it explored the two main characters' journey through marriage and the conflicts that arose between them. But, the main reason I had to include it was because of the (you guessed it) soundtrack! Seriously though, before getting married, the two main characters are expressing their love for each other through these beautiful songs in Greece… it’s amazing!

Duplicate

My brother and I watched this over the winter break and the title is a pretty fitting description of the plot. This film depicts what happens when a person has an evil gangster twin running around wreaking havoc on the city. Pretty typical, standard, everyday kind of situation, right? Just kidding. But, this was a fun watch. It was thoroughly entertaining to see the two characters from different worlds interact with each other!

Humko Deewana Kar Gaye

Translation: You Made Me Crazy

The translation sounds aggressive, but it really implies being made crazy in love (in a romantic way). I rewatched this movie over the summer and it’s one of my favourites. The opening song linked above shows the main character, Aditya’s engagement party. Aditya and his fiance have to spend some time apart for different work projects. During this time he meets another engaged woman and that’s when the movie takes off as they navigate friendship and the potential for something more. The plot is engaging, the songs are beautiful, and the cast is amazing!

Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?

Translation: Why did I fall in love?

Have you ever seen the movie Just Go With It starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston? Well, this movie has a similar premise which totally confused me because Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya was made before Just Go With It was. Upon further reading, I found out that they’re both inspired by the 1969 film, Cactus Flower. The Hindi adaptation gives you the run around with little white lies that turn into big lies. There’s also an additional love triangle thrown into the mix, picturized in the song linked above. All in all, it’s an entertaining movie that is so much fun to watch!

Bhool Bhulaiyya

Translation: Maze

The main character Aditya, is a comical psychiatrist brought into a palace to help someone. However, during his time there paranormal things start happening. The genre is comedy-horror and boy oh boy is that an accurate summary. I remember experiencing equal parts of laughter and fear while watching this. This movie is truly unforgettable.

Honourable mentions:

I know that these six are Bollywood classics, but I haven’t watched them in full to give an authentic description of them. Nevertheless, I thought they’d be good to include and are worth checking out!