List of popular Bollywood films
Popular Bollywood films (in reverse chronological order)
No claim is made that these are the best Bollywood movies, though many of fans' all-time favorites will be found on this list. However, the non-Indian explorer of Bollywood cinema will learn a fair bit about Bollywood history and conventions by watching these films.
The capsule reviews are written in the usual brief television-film-schedule style. More complete reviews, lists of stars and director, &c., can be found by clicking on links to films that have their own pages.
- Shahrukh Khan plays an army major assigned to protect a general's daughter from terrorists.
- Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003): A dying man (Shahrukh Khan) tries to bring happiness to others.
- Devdas (2002): 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. He then dallies with a courtesan, Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit) while drinking himself to death. Lavish sets and costumes made this the most expensive movie ever made in India, at least as of 2002.
- Lagaan (Tax) (2001) (a. k. a.: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India): Indian villagers beat the British oppressors at cricket. Aamir Khan produced and starred. Film was a nominee for Best Foreign Film at the U.S. Oscar ceremony.
- Taal(1999): Romance (Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor).
- Salman Khan) falls for his teacher's daughter (Aishwarya Rai).
- Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) Yet another love triangle (Shahrukh Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit).
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): Raj (Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) unexpectedly fall in love on a trip across Europe. However, Raj must win over the hearts' of Simran's family members if he is to win Simran's hand in marriage.
- Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1991)
- Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) Tragic Romeo and Juliet story that launched Aamir Khan's career.
- Mr. India (1987) a heartwarming sci-fi drama starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi.
- Swarg Se Sundar (1986) a family drama.
- Kalyug (1981) directed by Shyam Benegal.
- Shaan (1980) starring Amitabh Bachchan.
- The great Gambler (1979).
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977). On many people's list of best-loved masala movies. Triplets are separated at birth and raised as a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian. Amitabh Bachchan stars.
- Sholay (Flames) (1975): The film narrates the story of an ex-cop Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) who hires two jail birds (Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra) to save a town and neighbouring villages from the menace of Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) and his band of dreaded dacoits. Based on American spaghetti westerns, it became the most successful film in Indian film history.
- Jai Santoshi Maa (1975). A good woman is abandoned by her husband and mis-treated 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.
- Zanjeer(1973) starring Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh as an angry young man.
- Guide (1965) starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. A scoundrel becomes a saint despite himself.
- Meena Kumari turned in a great performance as the long-suffering daughter-in-law.
- 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 fine score by Naushad and poetic Urdu dialogue.
- Mother India(1957): Heroic peasant woman (Nargis) does her duty by her husband and sons despite heart-breaking obstacles.
- 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).
- Sikander (1941) starring Prithviraj Kapoor.
