Bollywood is the lifeblood of Indian cinema and has become the best from the world of Indian films leading the box office across the globe. However, the audience has now been exposed to deep and meaningful stories of heartfelt characters and soul-stirring music that have swept the hearts of Indian audiences, and this cannot be ignored globally.
With great storytelling skills, compelling characters and unforgettable music, these films have not only ruled the Indian box office but also found global admiration. Here's a look at the top 10 Bollywood movies that have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
The movie from Bollywood that is commonly known as the best yet, Sholay is an action-adventure that became a legendary movie in the narration and characters field in India. It was directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film’s legendary duo—Jai and Veeru—are just as popular today as they were then.
Exploring love and sacrifice in great depths, Mughal-e-Azam was an artistic jewel in the world of cinema that represented the great era of the Mughals in India. K. Asif was the director, and the movie is praised for its excellent eye-candy, brilliant acting, and legendary dialogues.
Lagaan was a film that significantly and experimentally interlaced the world of sports and history. Ashutosh Gowariker was the director, and the movie starred Aamir Khan as the leader of the villagers who challenged the British officers to a cricket match to get rid of the unjust taxes. This movie received an Oscar nomination, which is rare for an Indian film.
A romantic story that set new standards for love on Indian cineplexes, DDLJ went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Aditya Chopra directed the film and Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starred in it, this movie is still being shown in theaters several years after its release.
However, social issues were still addressed in a humorous manner, 3 Idiots went beyond the conventional Indian film industry success and education theme and found a new one. The movie featured unforgettable performances by Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, and reached out to all the age groups.
Mother India, India's main candidate for the Oscars, is a strong visual of a woman's never-ending spirit and ethical standards. Nargis Dutt's astute portrayal of Radha is still one of the most respected characters in Indian cinema history.
Mumbai's underground rap scene was the spark that ignited Gully Boy to blaze it out as the nation's youth's dream of being the best. Zoya Akhtar led the way with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in tow, telling the tale of the youth's aspirations and hardships.
Pather Panchali, a Bengali and not a Bollywood film, is the one Satyajit Ray's masterpiece that deserves special mention for its influence on Indian cinema in general. Its portrayal of rural life in a neorealistic style was the first step towards art-house cinema in India.
In a minimalistic manner regarding dialogues and a maximalist one in terms of emotions, Barfi! is a touching tale of love and acceptance. The film was lauded by Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra as well as the audiences for its innovative storytelling and empathic approach.
Hrithik Roshan gained stardom from this romantic thriller which also gave new life to the Bollywood musical-romance genre. Being under the direction of Rakesh Roshan, this smooth story propelled it into box-office glory along with its catchy numbers.