List of top Bollywood films
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This is a list of popular Bollywood films in reverse chronological order.
When box office data is available, this list gives the top-grossing films of the year, or decade. The capsule reviews are written in the usual brief television-film-schedule style. More complete reviews can be found by clicking on links to films that have their own pages.
Contents |
2000 onwards
2008
Top-grossing films of 2008
- Race (film): Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor and Sameera Reddy in an action-thriller about rivalry between two brothers.
- Jodhaa Akbar: Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in a historical film based on Mughal Emperor Akbar and his marriage to Rajput Jodhabai. A marriage starting from an alliance and budding into a love story. 2nd Top-grossing film of the year so far.
2007
Top-grossing films of 2007
- Om Shanti Om: Entertainment targeted film starring Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and directed by Farah Khan.
- Welcome (film): A bachleor gets tangled in a gang after falling in love with their sister. Starring Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan, Mallika Sherawat.
- Chak De India: A story about a hockey coach (Shahrukh Khan) who trains a women hockey team to get his lost pride back. Directed by Shimit Amin. Also starring Vidya Malvade.
- Partner: Comedy by David Dhawan. Starring Salman Khan, Govinda, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif.
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa: A psychological thriller/black comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Amisha Patel and Shiny Ahuja in pivotal roles with Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav in supporting roles.
- Heyy Babyy: A story about three bachelors, their love life, and a baby. Starring Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Vidya Balan and Boman Irani.
- Taare Zameen Par: Story about the struggles of a child Darsheel Safary suffering from dyslexia and a bond of his teacher Aamir Khan helps him succeed in arts. Starring child actor Darsheel Safary and Aamir Khan. Marks the debut of Aamir Khan as a director. The film also critically acclaimed.
- Guru: Hard-hitting rags to riches story of a man named Guru. Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles and directed by Mani Ratnam.
Critically acclaimed films of 2007
- Life In A... Metro: A story about a complex, metropolitan city, where everybody leads his own life. Starring Dharmendra, Shilpa Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Irfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut.
- Gandhi, My Father: Story on Gandhi's son Harilal, focusing on their relationship. Directed by Feroze Abbas Khan.
- Johnny Gaddaar: Crime-drama of a man who tries to work things in his favour but gets himself in too deep. Marks the debut of Neil Nitin Mukesh and also stars Rimi Sen, Vinay Pathak and Dharmendra. Directed by Sriram Raghavan.
- Eklavya: The Royal Guard: Story about a guard who protects the secrets of a royal family. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Vidya Balan and Raima Sen. The film was chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
2006
Top-grossing films of 2006
- Dhoom 2: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Uday Chopra and Bipasha Basu in an a sequel action film to Dhoom. Top-grossing film of the year.
- Lage Raho Munna Bhai: Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi in a sequel to Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.. Amiable Mumbai gangster Munna gets involved in a social protest movement.
- Krrish: Science fiction, a sequel to Koi... Mil Gaya. Stars Rekha, Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. Krrish inherits his father's super powers and must use them to stop a megalomaniac scientist.
- Fanaa: Love story directed by Kunal Kohli, starring Aamir Khan, Kajol. A blind woman falls in love with a man who is hiding a terrible secret.
- Rang De Basanti: The official entry of India into the Oscars is a drama directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, starring Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Madhavan. College-age slackers in Delhi get involved in making a film about the Indian independence movement and shed their cynicism.
- Don - The Chase Begins Again: An action remake of Don by Farhan Akhtar. Starring Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Rampal. An ordinary man finds himself in a terrible fix.
- Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: Drama by Karan Johar. Stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan. Centers on the budding romance between Dev and Maya, who are both married to other people. The film opened well but dropped heavily in India while doing good business overseas.
- Vivah: A family drama directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya starring Shahid Kapoor, as Prem, and Amrita Rao, as Poonam. Prem and Poonam are engaged; then difficulties test their love.
Critically acclaimed films of 2006
- Dor: Two women linked by a tragedy help each other. Stars Ayesha Takia, Shreyas Talpade, and Gul Panag.
- Corporate: Centering around the power games between two industrialists. Starring Bipasha Basu and Rajat Kapoor.
- Being Cyrus: Black comedy and psychological drama starring Dimple Kapadia, Saif Ali Khan and Naseeruddin Shah.
- Omkara: Vishal Bharadwaj's adaptation of Shakespeare's classic Othello stars Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma and Bipasha Basu. Set in Uttar Pradesh, it tells the story of an underworld don and two hitmen.
- Khosla Ka Ghosla: Struggle of a middle-class man (Anupam Kher) to reclaim his own land.
2005
Top-grossing films of 2005
- No Entry: A comedy about infidelity starring Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta and Esha Deol.
- Bunty Aur Babli: Con artists try to go straight. Stars Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in the lead roles.
- Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?: A comedy of errors starring Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen and Katrina Kaif.
- Garam Masala: A routine comedy starring Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.
- Salaam Namaste: Two Indian expatriates in Australia decide to live together without marrying. Starring Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta in the lead roles
Critically acclaimed films of 2005
- Black: An inspired teacher, played by Amitabh Bachchan, reaches out to a deaf and blind girl played by Rani Mukerji.
- Iqbal: A deaf boy makes it onto an Indian cricket team with hard work and perseverance. Stars Shreyas Talpade, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad and Shweta Prasad.
- Parineeta: Romance based on popular novel written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhay. Stars Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Dia Mirza and Sanjay Dutt. Spoiled rich man's son and the poor girl next door fall in love.
- Sarkar: Stars the real life father-son duo Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan as father and son. An underworld "don" helps others. Director calls it a tribute to The Godfather. Directed and produced by Ram Gopal Varma.
2004
Top-grossing films of 2004
- Veer-Zaara: An Indian man and a Pakistani woman share a love that surmounts years and obstacles. Starring Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji.
- Main Hoon Na: An army officer goes undercover as a college student in order to combat terrorists. Stars Shahrukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Zayed Khan and Amrita Rao.
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi: Two men after the same woman set out to ruin each other's chances. Starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Inspired by Anger Management.
- Dhoom: A cop and a biker cooperate to catch a criminal bike gang. Stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Uday Chopra, Esha Deol and Rimi Sen.
- Murder: An unfaithful woman Mallika Sherawat wrongfully accused of murdering her lover. The movie talks about extramarital affairs. Also starring Ashmit Patel and Emraan Hashmi.
Critically-acclaimed films of 2004
- Yuva: Three men meet on a bridge; the meeting changes their lives. Starring Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Esha Deol.
- Lakshya: An Indian soldier does his duty during the Kargil War. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta.
- Maqbool: An Indian adaptation of the Shakespeare play Macbeth. Starring Tabu & Irfan Khan.
- Dev: Two friends are set at odds by politics and communal violence. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Om Puri, Fardeen Khan, and Kareena Kapoor.
- Swades: A successful NRI scientist returns to an Indian village to help his old nanny and in the process rediscovers his roots. Starring Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi.
- Phir Milenge: An AIDS victim (Shilpa Shetty) fights for her rights. Also stars Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan.
2003
Top-grossing films of 2003
- Koi... Mil Gaya: A mentally disabled young man (Hrithik Roshan) befriends an alien from outer space. A love story woven around a science fiction theme. It also stars Preity Zinta and Rekha
- Kal Ho Naa Ho: A romantic love triangle set in New York City. Starring Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta.
- Baghban: Melodrama about an older couple (played by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini) who put their trust in their children and are disappointed.
- Munnabhai M.B.B.S.: Comedy starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi. A Bombay gangster pretends to be a doctor in order to impress his parents. When this fails, he enrolls in medical school.
- Andaaz: A love story starring Akshay Kumar along with debutants Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta.
Critically acclaimed films of 2003
- Pinjar: Based on the novel by Amrita Pritam. A story of the Partition of India. Stars Urmila Matondkar and Manoj Bajpai.
2002
Top-grossing films of 2002
- Devdas: Yet another film rendition of the classic Bengali novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Devdas (Shahrukh Khan) loves his childhood friend Paro, (Aishwariya Rai), but lets family opposition prevent their marriage. Madhuri Dixit is seen in the role of Chandramukhi.
- Raaz: A psychological horror movie. A married couple {Dino Morea and Bipasha Basu) go to Ooty for a vacation and find terror rather than fun.
- Kaante: Six men plan the perfect heist and then start to suspect that one of them is a traitor. Stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty.
- Aankhen: A man enlists three blind men to carry out the robbery of the bank he once managed. Stars Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal and Sushmita Sen.
- Humraaz: Thriller starring Bobby Deol, Akshaye Khanna and Amisha Patel.
Critically acclaimed films of 2002
- Saathiya: Shaad Ali's remake of Mani Ratnam Tamil hit Alaipayuthey examines a conflicted marriage. Starring Rani Mukerji and Vivek Oberoi.
- Company: Fictional exposé of the Mumbai underworld, loosely based on the Indian mafia organization D-Company. Stars Ajay Devgan, Manisha Koirala and Vivek Oberoi.
2001
Top-grossing films of 2001
- Gadar: By far, the highest grossing film of the 21st century. Stars Sunny Deol and Amisha Patel. Love across the Muslim-Sikh divide during the Partition of India. Ultra-patriotic drama
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: Family drama directed by Karan Johar. Amitabh Bachchan as stern patriarch; Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan as his sons; Jaya Bachchan as his wife; Kajol as the wife of Shahrukh Khan; Kareena Kapoor as the girlfriend of Hrithik Roshan.
- Lagaan: Officers of the British Raj and Indian villagers fight each other at cricket. The Film was an Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film.
- Indian: Patriotic drama starring Sunny Deol and Shilpa Shetty.
Critically acclaimed films of 2001
- Chandni Bar: Depicts the gritty life of the Mumbai underworld and a bar dancer. Stars Tabu and Atul Kulkarni.
- Dil Chahta Hai: Debut film for director Farhan Akhtar. College friends (Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna) and their romantic misadventures. Also stars Preity Zinta and Dimple Kapadia.
2000
Top-grossing films of 2000
- Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai: Police thriller turns on mistaken identity. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel in their debut film.
- Mohabbatein: A stern schoolmaster and a music teacher clash, while three students fall in love. Stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Uday Chopra, Shamita Shetty, Jugal Hansraj, Kim Sharma, Jimmy Shergill, and Preeti Jhangiani.
- Mission Kashmir: A mission called Kashmir involves in it father and son who are enemies. Stars Sanjay Dutt, Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta.
- Badal: The movie is set in 1984 when riots were engulfing parts of Punjab and Delhi. Stars Bobby Deol and Rani Mukerji in the lead roles.
- Kya Kehna: A teenage pregnant girl (Preity Zinta} tries to face and overcome the wrong social values, for which she lost her happiness.
- Hera Pheri: A comedy involving three men and a kidnapped child. Stars Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty and Paresh Rawal.
Critically-acclaimed films of 2000
- Astitva: A woman's husband and son reject her after learning she had an extramarital affair. Stars Tabu and Mohnish Behl.
- Fiza: A sister searches for her brother who disappeared during the Mumbai riots of 1992. Stars Karisma Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Jaya Bachchan.
1990s
Top-grossing films
- Biwi No.1 (1999): Another multi-starrer comedy by David Dhawan. Pooja (Karisma Kapoor) and Prem (Salman Khan) are a married couple and parents to two kids. When Prem gets into an affair with a model in his company Rupali (Sushmita Sen), Pooja decides to take Rupali's place.
- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999): Half-Indian, half-Italian music student (Salman Khan) and his music teacher's daughter (Aishwarya Rai) fall in love. Then Ajay Devgan complicates matters. Critically acclaimed as well.
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998): Love triangle involving three college students and their lives after college. Stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji and Salman Khan.
- Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998): Ajay Devgan and Kajol in Anees Bazmee's drama romance.
- Soldier (1998): Young man tries to find his father's killers in Australia. Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta in the lead roles.
- Border (1997): A war story based on the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Stars Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Pooja Bhatt, Rani Mukherjee and Tabu.
- Dil To Pagal Hai (1997): Yet another love triangle. A Yash Chopra film. Stars Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Karishma Kapoor and Akshay Kumar.
- Gupt (1997): A thriller revolving around the story of a young man accused of killing his stepfather. Stars Bobby Deol, Kajol and Manisha Koirala.
- Pardes (1997): The clash of East and West starring Shahrukh Khan and introducing Mahima Chaudhry.
- Ziddi (1997): Sunny Deol and Raveena Tandon in a strong action drama.
- Raja Hindustani (1996): Aamir Khan as a poor and big-hearted and Karisma Kapoor as a rich young girl fall in love, and overcome obstacles.
- Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996): Akshay (Akshay Kumar) comes to London for his brother Ajay's marriage, gets into troubles with a criminal woman who is Maya (Rekha) and falls in love with her sister Priya (Raveena Tandon).
- Rangeela (1995): Bollywood dancer becomes a star. Will she end up with another Bollywood heart-throb, or the boy downstairs? Stars Aamir Khan and Urmila Matondkar. Music by A. R. Rahman.
- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995): Raj (Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) fall in love during a group tour of Europe. However, Raj must win over the hearts' of Simran's family if he is to win Simran's hand in marriage.
- Karan Arjun (1995): A story about reincarnation of two brothers and revenge against the evil done to them in their previous birth. Starring Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Rakhee and Amrish Puri.
- Coolie No. 1 (1995): Yet another successful comedy by David Dhawan. Govinda as the coolie and Karisma Kapoor as his love interest.
- Mohra (1994): A suspence-thriller-action movie starring Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty and Raveena Tandon.
- Krantiveer (1994): Pratap (Nana Patekar), an ordinary man, finds himself as Krantiveer, the admiration object of millions.
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994): Enormously popular family romance. Prem (Salman Khan) falls in love with Nisha (Madhuri Dixit) when Prem's brother marries Nisha's sister. Lavish wedding festivities, with much singing and dancing. Regarded as one of the most successful Bollywood movies ever.
- Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993): Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla, stars of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak fall in love again, this time while Aamir is taking care of three younger siblings.
- Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1991): College kids and cycle racing. Stars Aamir Khan.
- Aaj Ka Arjun (1990): Amitabh Bachchan in K.C. Bokadia's crime drama film.
- Aashiqui (1990): A musical hit from director Mahesh Bhatt.
- Dil (1990): The biggest blockbuster of 1990. Starring Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit.
- Ghayal (1990): A critically acclaimed film by Rajkumar Santoshi with Sunny Deol in the lead.
Critically-acclaimed films
- Taal (1999): A romance with mega-hit music by A. R. Rahman. Stars Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, and Anil Kapoor.
- Sarfarosh (1999): A police officer's fight against border terrorism. Stars Aamir Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Naseeruddin Shah.
- Dil Se (1998): Directed by Mani Ratnam. A journalist falls in love with a beautiful terrorist. This film is known for its music by A. R. Rahman. The movie stars Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Manisha Koirala.
- Hyderabad Blues (1998): Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Set amongst the middle classes in Hyderabad, the film highlights the dilemma of a man who returns to India from the US in search of his roots.
- Virasat (1997): A village love drama starring Anil Kapoor and Tabu.
- Maachis (1996): Terrorism in the Punjab. Stars Tabu and Chandrachur Singh. Directed and written by Gulzar.
- Khamoshi: The Musical (1996): Nana Patekar, Seema Biswas, Salman Khan, Manisha Koirala. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. An unconventional romance.
- Bombay (1995) : Star cast Manisha Koirala,Arvind Swamy A south Indian Hindu man falls in love with a Muslim woman--taboo in the small village from which they hail.
- 1942 A Love Story (1994): Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this movie is set against the historical backdrop of the "Quit India Movement".
- Roja (1992): A man is kidnapped by terrorists; his wife refuses to stop fighting for his return. Dubbed from Tamil original critically-acclaimed.
- Prahaar (1991): Story of an idealistic army officer. Stars Nana Patekar, Madhuri Dixit and Dimple Kapadia.
1980s
- Maine Pyar Kiya (1989): Rich boy Prem (Salman Khan) falls for poor girl Suman (Bhagyashree).
- Chandni (1989): Story of thwarted love. Stars Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Anupam Kher
- Parinda (1989): Story of two brothers played by Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff whose relationship is strained by underworld violence. Dynamic performance by Nana Patekar as a maniac underworld Don. Also stars Madhuri Dixit.
- Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988): Tragic Romeo and Juliet story that launched Aamir Khan's career.
- Salaam Bombay (1988): Raw tale of life in the slums and brothels of Mumbai. Directed by indie film-maker Mira Nair.
- Mr. India (1987): A heartwarming sci-fi drama starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi. Bollywood's first major Sci-fi movie.
- Naam (1986): Story of 2 brothers, one goes to Dubai for a job but gets into trouble.
- Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) : The Raj Kapoor film that launched youngest son Rajiv Kapoor. A film about the exploitation of women that exploits the actress Mandakini.
- Saagar (1985) : Ramesh Sippy's love triangle starring Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and Kamal Hassan.
- Ghulami 1985: J.P. Dutta's classic about feudal Rajasthan, stars Dharmendra, Mithun Chakraborty and Naseeruddin Shah.
- Betaab 1983: Rahul Rawail directs Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh in their debut movie.
- Hero (1983) A criminal is reformed by love. Directed by Subhash Ghai, stars Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Sheshadhri.
- Masoom (1983): Directed by Shekhar Kapur, a story about an illegitimate son.
- Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron (movie) (1983) A take on corruption in Indian society, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Satish Shah. It did poorly when released, but gradually acquired a devoted following. First Hindi film feauring Marathi TV News Reader Bhakti Bharve Inamder
- Woh Saat Din (1983): Stars Anil KapoorPadmini Kolhapure.
- Nikaah (1982): Stars Salma Agha, who after divorce from her husband falls for another man. Life get's complicated when the first husband wants her back.
- Prem Rog (1982): Rishi Kapoor who loves Padmini Kolhapure cannot marry her due to her caste and social status and she get's married to a richer man. She soon becomes a widow and then the story of a clash between old and new social values is well brought out.
- Satte Pe Satta (1982): Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Ranjeeta, Sachin and Amjad Khan star in this story of seven brothers.
- Arth 1982: Mahesh Bhatt's semi-autobiographical film about a neurotic actress who snares and then loses a married man. Stars Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil.
- Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981): Stars Kamal Hassan, Rati Agnihotri
- Kalyug (1980 film) (1981): Directed by Shyam Benegal.
- Kranti (1981) Manoj Kumar's take on the Indian Independence movement. Stars Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha.
- Naseeb (1981): Family drama stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha and Rishi Kapoor. Directed by Manmohan Desai.
- Umrao Jaan 1981: Muzaffar Ali's critically acclaimed film about a Moghul-era courtesan, which won Rekha a national award. Also noted for its ghazals by Asha Bhosle.
- Qurbani (1980) Feroz Khan directed this love triangle, with songs that introduced disco to Indian film music. Stars Feroz, Vinod Khanna, Zeenat Aman and Amjad Khan.
1970s
- Sargam (1979): Jaya Prada's musical Hindi debut with Rishi Kapoor
- Gol Maal (1979): Comedy. Stars Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt.
- Don (1978): Amitabh Bachchan plays a double role in this movie. He plays the role of a simple man put into the role of a crime boss. Also stars Zeenat Aman and Pran.
- Trishul (1978) : Yash Chopra directs Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar in a tale of revenge.
- Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) Prakash Mehra directs Amitabh Bachchan in a tale of unrequited love. Amjad Khan loves Rekha who loves Amitabh who loves Rakhee who loves Vinod Khanna.
- Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978) Raj Kapoor directs Zeenat Aman a village outcast who has burnt her face on one side thereby disfiguring her beauty.
- Dharam Veer (1977): A fairy-tale adventure; maharajas, princely brothers separated at birth, battling pirate ships. Stars Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Neetu Singh, Zeenat Aman, Pran.
- Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977): Nasir Hussain produced and directed this musical thrillerm which stars Rishi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Tariq, Kaajal Kiran and Amjad Khan. Much-loved music by R.D. Burman, including the title track and the song "Yeh Ladka Hai Allah".
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977): Three brothers are separated by a family disaster, adopted by kind strangers, and raised as a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian. Stars Amitabh Bachchan Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, supported by leading ladies Parveen Babi, Shabana Azmi (in one of her few masala-roles) and Neetu Singh. Directed by Manmohan Desai.
- Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977): The critically acclaimed film directed by Satyajit Ray. An aristocrat remains absorbed in chess while the British capture India . Stars Sanjeev Kumar and Saeed Jaffery.
- Kabhi Kabhi (1976): Lavish Yash Chopra production of family saga. Stars Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Rakhee, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh.
- Chitchor (1976): Stars Amol Palekar as a singer. Features songs by K. J. Yesudas and Hemalata and music by Ravindra Jain.
- Julie (1975): South Indian producer Nagi Reddy had a surprise hit in this Hindi film. Stars Lakshmi. The music was very popular.
- Chupke Chupke (1975): Hrishikesh Mukherjee's delightfully directed comedy about a prank played by the newly married hero (Dharmendra) on his brother-in-law (Om Prakash). Also stars Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri.
- Aandhi (1975) : Gulzar directs Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen in this sensitive tale of a female politician choosing her career over marriage.
- Sholay (Flames) (1975): Ex-cop Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) hires two jail birds (Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra) to save his district from Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) and his band of dacoits. Based on American westerns, it became the most successful film in Indian film history.
- Jai Santoshi Maa (1975): A good woman is abandoned by her husband and mistreated by his malicious sisters-in-law, but her devotion to the Hindu goddess Santoshi Maa solves all. This religious B-movie was an unexpected success and elevated a regional deity (Santoshi Maa) to wider fame.
- Deewaar (1975): A story of two brothers who follow different career paths. Stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor.
- Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974): Patriotic drama tackles unemployment and heartless profiteering. Stars Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee.
- Garam Hawa (1973): Directed by M. S. Sathyu. A critically-acclaimed drama of the Partition of India. Stars Balraj Sahni, Farooq Shaikh, Gita Siddharth.
- Daag: A Poem of Love (1973) : Love triangle. Stars Rajesh Khanna, Sharmila Tagore, and Rakhee.
- Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973): Three brothers take revenge on the criminal who killed their parents. Stars Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman. Notable for R.D. Burman's energetic score and especially the song Chura liya hai.
- Abhimaan (1973): Two singers marry. When the wife's career takes off, the husband falls prey to abhimaan, jealousy. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan (whom he later married). Music by S.D. Burman.
- Zanjeer (1973): Stars Amitabh Bachchan as an angry young police man, and Jaya Badhuri as his love interest.
- Bobby (1973): The rich Rishi Kapoor and the working-class daughter Dimple Kapadia of a Catholic sea captain (Premnath) are teenage lovebirds in this Raj Kapoor-directed blockbuster.
- Jugnu (1973): A crook (Dharmendra) on the run, and a father(Pran) looking for a lost son. Also stars Hema Malini.
- Shor (1972) :Manoj Kumar writes, produces, directs, and stars in this family melodrama. Stars Jaya Badhuri, Nanda, Premnath and Kamini Kaushal.
- Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): Identical twins separated at birth grow up and exchange places, with hilarious results. Directed by Ramesh Sippy; stars Hema Malini, Dharmendra, and Sanjeev Kumar.
- Pakeezah (1972): The story of a second generation courtesan's quest for love. This classic was a decade in the making and the lead actress Meena Kumari was on her deathbed at time of release. Also stars Ashok Kumar, Raj Kumar. Directed by Kamal Amrohi.
- Caravan (1972): A Nasir Hussain production, about a runaway heiress travelling with some Gypsies. Stars Asha Parekh, Jeetendra, and Aruna Irani.
- Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971): Hippies discover India, and some Indians discover hippies. Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman star. Source of the hit song "Dum Maro Dum".
- Kati Patang (1971): Shakti Samanta directs Rajesh Khanna, Asha Parekh, and Prem Chopra.
- Anand (1971): Rajesh Khanna as a dying young man who wishes to leave a legacy of love. Also stars Amitabh Bachchan.
- Guddi (1971): Jaya Bachchan (nee Bahduri) stars in this movie about a schoolgirl with a crush on filmstar Dharmendra (playing himself).
- Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971): A jailbird (Dharmendra) asked to help defend a village against a bandit (Vinod Khanna). Also stars Asha Parekh.
- Purab Aur Paschim (1971): East meets West. Stars Manoj Kumar, Saira Banu, Ashok Kumar, Pran.
- Johny Mera Naam (1970) Directed by Vijay Anand. Melodrama about separated brothers. Stars Dev Anand, Hema Malini, Pran, Prem Nath.
- Sachaa Jhutha (1970) Directed by Manmohan Desai. Stars Rajesh Khanna in the dual role of the honest(Sachaa) and the liar (Jhutha). Also stars Mumtaz and Vinod Khanna.
- Mera Naam Joker (1970): A Raj Kapoor classic. Semi autobiographical-tells the story of a romantic aritst ( a circus clown) and all the women he falls in love with.
1960s
- Aradhana (1969): Arjun (Rajesh Khanna) and Vandana (Sharmila Tagore) star in this love story across two generations.
- Do Raaste (1969) Raj Khosla directed this family melodrama which stars Rajesh Khanna as the good son. Also stars Mumtaz and Prem Chopra.
- Khamoshi (1969) Asit Sen directs Waheeda Rehman as a nurse of a patient ( Rajesh Khanna again) she falls in love with.
- Padosan (1968): Comedy about a neighbour (Sunil Dutt) and a music teacher (Mehmood) wooing a beautiful girl (Saira Banu). Famed playback singer Kishore Kumar sings for Sunil Dutt.
- Milan. L.V. Prasad 's story of love and reincarnation. Stars Sunil Dutt, Nutan and Pran. The film won 3 Filmfare awards.
- Ram Aur Shyam (1967): Comedy about identical twins, separated at birth, who later exchange places. Stars Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz (actress).
- An Evening in Paris (1967): Set in Paris. Kidnappers, evil twins, and a complex plot. Stars Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore.
- Jewel Thief (1967): A whodunit with the proverbial twist in the tale. Stars Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, Vyjayantimala. Directed by Vijay Anand.
- Upkar (1967): Two brothers in a poor village are devoted to each other; Manoj Kumar gives up his ambitions so that his brother (Prem Chopra) can stay in school.
- Teesri Manzil (1966): Sunita (Asha Parekh) goes looking for her sister's killer and ends up falling in love with him (Shammi Kapoor). Directed by Vijay Anand. R.D. Burman's film music is regarded as a classic.
- Mera Saaya (1966): Drama. Sunil Dutt plays a widowed lawyer who meets a woman (Sadhana) claiming to be his wife.
- Waqt (1965) : Yash Chopra film about a family separated by an earthquake. Stars Raj Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, Sadhana, and Sharmila Tagore
- Guide (1965): Based on the popular novel, "The Guide" by R.K.Narayan. A scoundrel becomes a saint despite himself. Stars Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.
- Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965): A love story between a poor man (Shashi Kapoor) and a rich girl (Nanda).
- Dosti (1964): Two friends, separated families, a missing sister. Stars Sudhir Kumar, Sushil Kumar, Sanjay Khan, and Leela Mishra.
- Sangam (1964): A love triangle. Stars Raj Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, and Vyjayantimala.
- Haqeeqat (1964): Chetan Anand's war film based on the 1962 India-China war. Stars Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Priya Rajvansh, Vijay Anand.
- Bandini (1963): Bimal Roy tale of love, jealousy, and murder. Stars Nutan, Ashok Kumar, and Dharmendra.
- Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962): A country boy Guru Dutt watches the dissolution of a great family. Meena Kumari plays the long-suffering daughter-in-law.
- Ganga Jamuna (1961) : Dilip Kumar's only production. A story of two brothers on opposite sides of the law. Starring Dilip Kumar and dancer Vyjayantimala.
- Junglee (1961) : A light-hearted musical. Starred Shammi Kapoor (in his rich playboy persona) and introduced Saira Banu.
- Kanoon (1960) : B.R. Chopra's songless courtroom drama. Stars Rajendra Kumar, Nanda and Ashok Kumar.
- Mughal-e-Azam (1960): The son of the Moghul Emperor defies him for love of a beautiful dancing-girl (Madhubala). A lavish production for its time, featuring a score by Naushad and poetic Urdu dialogue. The film was recently colorized and re-issued.
1950s
- Sujata (1959): Bimal Roy directs the story of a lower caste girl adopted by an upper caste family. Stars Nutan, Sunil Dutt, Shashikala .
- Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959): Guru Dutt's meditation on the fickleness of celluloid fame, starring Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman.
- Madhumati (1958): Directed by Bimal Roy. A story of reincarnation and revenge. Stars Dilip Kumar, Vyjayantimala, and Pran.
- Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958): A comedy starring Kishore Kumar, and his two brothers, Anup Kumar and Ashok Kumar. Songs by Kishore and Asha Bhosle, music by SD Burman.
- Pyaasa (1957): Guru Dutt's classic about a poet not appreciated while alive, and famous when presumed dead. The movie starred Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, and Mala Sinha.
- Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957): A former jailer (V. Shantaram) rehabilitates hardened prisoners by welcoming them onto his family farm, where they learn to work and cooperate.
- Mother India (1957): Heroic peasant woman (Nargis) does her duty towards her husband and sons despite heart-breaking obstacles. This movie was nominated in the "Best Foreign Film" category of the Oscars.
- Chori Chori (1956): A runaway heiress (Nargis) and a journalist (Raj Kapoor)fall in love.
- Jagte Raho (1956): A poor villager (Raj Kapoor) travels to Calcutta to find a better life. Alas, he finds only corruption in the city.
- Kabuliwalla (1956): Based on a Rabindranath Tagore story of a poor spice seller from Kabul who befriends a little girl. Stars Balraj Sahni.
- C.I.D. (1956) - Guru Dutt's film team made this crime thriller, starring Dev Anand, Shakila, Waheeda Rehman, and Johny Walker. Directed by Raj Khosla
- Devdas (1955): Bimal Roy's version, the third adaptation (second with sound) of Sarat Chandra's novel. Stars Dilip Kumar , Suchitra Sen and Vyjayantimala. Critically the most acclaimed of the four versions of Devdas to date.
- Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) One of India's first colour films. A lovely courtesan studies dancing under a strict guru, and falls in love in defiance of his orders to think only of dance. Many lavish dance sequences.
- Shree 420 (1955): Raj Kapoor comes to Bombay to find work, and ends up becoming a swindler, or 420. Famous for the opening song Mera Joota Hai Japani.
- Aar Paar (1954): A romance in which two women fall in love with a taxi-driver (Guru Dutt), who is keen to become rich. The film is well known for its songs.
- Do Bigha Zameen (1953): Bimal Roy's classic of a poor farmer ( Balraj Sahni) who becomes a rickshaw puller in Calcutta.
- Aan (1952): Mehboob Khan directed this historical swashbuckling romance, which stars Dilip Kumar, Premnath, Nadira, and Nimmi.
- Baazi (1951): A man (Dev Anand) forced into crime, a gangster moll (Geeta Bali) who dies to save him. Also starring Dev Anand's wife-to-be Kalpana Kartik. Directed by Guru Dutt and written by Balraj Sahni.
- Awaara (1951): A young man (Raj Kapoor, who directed and starred) is rejected by his father, a judge, and turns to crime. He is redeemed, in the end, by his love for a young lawyer (Nargis). The film, especially the title song Awaara Hoon, was famously popular in China, the Soviet Union, Turkey, and much of the Mideast and Africa.
1940s
- Shaheed (1948) : A patriotic film about the Indian independence movement. Stars Dilip Kumar, Kamini Kaushal.
- Barsaat (1949) : A love story, with Raj Kapoor, Nargis, Premnath, and Nimmi.
- Mahal (1949): Ghost thriller. Directed by Kamal Amrohi. Stars Ashok Kumar and Madhubala.
- Andaz (1949): A love triangle. Stars Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Nargis. This is the only film in which Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar appeared together.
- Kismet (1943). Directed by Gyan Mukherjee. Stars Ashok Kumar as a pickpocket trying to make it big.
- Sikander (1941): Historical drama based on Alexander the Great's invasion of India. Stars Prithviraj Kapoor and Sohrab Modi.
1930s
- Pukar (1939): Sohrab Modi directed this historical film, based on the legend of Jahangir's justice. Stars Sohrab Modi and Naseem Banu.
- Achut Kanya ( 1936): A Brahmin boy ( Ashok Kumar) falls in love with a lower caste girl (Devika Rani).
- Devdas (1935): The second movie adaptation of a popular Bengali novel, written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1917. Families concerned only with wealth and social position thwart true love.
- Toofan Mail (1934): Considered to have laid down the basis of filmi music for years to come. Had a classic title track, considered widely as a timeless hit.
- Alam Ara (1931): First talkie movie in India.
External links
Other film lists that may interest readers and cinephiles.
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