My favorite random Bollywood movies

OTHER FAVORITE INDIAN MOVIES

I tried to pick some of the ‘best of the best’ from the classics – not necessarily blockbuster hits but important landmarks in Indian cinema.

1. Amar Prem – the best of the Rajesh Khanna/Sharmila Tagore starrers from the 60’s. Great acting & great songs.
2. Aandhi – originally banned because it mirrored the life of Indhira Gandhi a little too closely. Arguably with 3 of the best Lata/Kishore duets ever.
3. Pakeezah – one of the greatest love stories ever told on & off the screen. Kamaal Amrohi (director & producer) spent his life’s savings on this movie (in production for 14 years). His wife (the legendary Meena Kumari) went into a deep depression during filming and drank herself to death before it’s release. Absolutely amazing period piece.
4. Chalti ka naam gaadi – B/W. The 3 brothers Kumar along with Kishore’s future wife (Madhubala) in a very sweet movie with great songs.
5. Andaz – B/W. The only movie ever made starring Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar & Nargis – another all time classic (and another one where the on-screen story was based on the off-screen truth).
6. Mughal-E-Azam – the ‘Citizen Kane’ of Indian Cinema. Recently re-released in India & Pakistan (the 1st Indian movie released there in 41 years). Absolutely amazing Urdu dialogues & the real life love story between Dilip Kumar & Madhubala on/off screen.
7. Arth – Smita Patil & Shabana Azmi owned this movie – the sparks flew between the 2 actresses in real life and it showed.
8. Aakrosh – based on a true story and made Om Puri a star. I couldn’t move for 10 minutes after this movie ended – powerful.
9. Garam Hawa – made in 1975 and originally banned (but later won the National Award) for being the first movie to ever address the painful topic of Partition.
10. Hifaazat (In Custody) – stars Shashi Kapoor as a famous alcoholic Urdu poet in the twilight of his life. A Merchant/Ivory production.
11. Hey Ram – Indian audiences rejected this Kamal Hassan movie about the ideologies of Gandhi and it’s effects on the common man during the pre-Independence days.
12. Mother India – the 1st Indian movie to be nominated for an Oscar – what a performance by Nargis.
13. Devdas (B/W) the movie that made Dilip Kumar a star. The original and the best.
14. Guide – considered Dev Anand’s finest film.
15. Masoom – good movie with the cutest child stars ever (the oldest daughter is none other than Urmila).
16. Padosan – Kishore Kumar’s finest acting hour – a wonderful comedy that is still fresh today.
17. Gol Maal – a great comedy from the 80’s.
18. Mahal (B/W) – an Ashok Kumar/Madhubala (in her first movie) that was way ahead of it’s time. Contains Lata’s first hit song…
19. Achut Kanya (The untouchable girl) (B/W) – starring Devika Rani (India’s first female superstar) this movie from the 30’s tells the story of an untouchable girl and Brahmin boy. Dying to see this one but can’t find it – movies back then took some great chances.
20. Shatranj Ki Khiladi – Satyajit Ray’s first foray into Hindi Cinema (did all his films in Bengali). Limited release due to his ‘arthouse’ reputation but a solid piece of film-making.
21. Chori Chori (B/W) – Raj Kapoor’s ode to old Hollywood (remake of ‘It happened one night’) – one of his biggest hits with his favorite on screen heroine, Nargis.
22. Pyaasa (B/W) - considered Guru Dutt’s masterpiece – a magical film done by one of the true visionaries in Indian cinema.
23. Chakra – another great parallel cinema movie with Smita Patil.
24. Dor – my FAVORITE Bollywood movie of the last 5 years.
25. Iqbal – the cricket version of ‘Lagaan’ – same director as Dor.
26. Chotisi Baat – sweet movie from the 70’s – just lovely.
27. Chashme Buddhor – see #26 but shows life as a college student too.
28. Raja Hindustani – one of my 2 favorite early Aamir Khan movies.
29. Rangeela – my other favorite Aamir movie starring Urmila as well.
30. Socha Na Tha - little seen but great recent movie.
31. Guru - Abhishek & Ash's best film together.
32. Omkara - Saif's, Ajay Devgan & Kareena's finest moments in the retelling of Othello.
33. Chameli - Just when you thought Kareena couldn't act, this movie that takes place over one night convinces you otherwise. Sajna Veh Sajna is an amazing song as well.