This film is apt for summer lovers.
Summer is the perfect opportunity for Bollywood buffs to relax and unwind in front of a good movie.
Indian cinema is a treasure trove of feel-good blockbusters that are ready to make you smile, laugh, and dance.
Over many decades, Bollywood has thrived on great films that correlate well with the warmth of the sun.
We invite you on a cinematic journey that will take you through films you must watch over the hot season.
DESIblitz presents a curated list of 15 Bollywood films that you need to see in the summer.
Naya Daur (1957)
Director: BR Chopra
Stars: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Jeevan, Ajit Khan
This rustic film stars the legendary icon, Dilip Kumar.
In this outdoor village drama, Dilip Sahab plays Shankar – a villager who takes a stand against Kundan (Jeevan).
Kundan introduces a bus service in the village and this threatens the livelihoods of villagers who drive carts.
Naya Daur also includes a beautiful love angle between Shankar and Rajni (Vyjayanthimala).
The chartbuster ‘Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri’ emboldens their romance.
Reviewing the film, Mansi Dua says: “Naya Daur is almost three hours long, but I couldn’t look away even for a second.”
For Naya Daur, Dilip Sahab won the 1958 Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actor’.
The locations, the breezy music, and the impeccable acting make this classic film an essential watch for both older and younger fans.
Guide (1965)
Director: Vijay Anand
Stars: Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Kishore Sahu, Leela Chitnis
Vijay Anand’s evergreen classic Guide is one of the most enduring films of Indian cinema.
In this masterpiece, Dev Anand takes centre stage as the opportunistic and charismatic tour guide Raju.
Guide is adorned with spell-binding performances, gorgeous cinematography, and historic performances.
It also thrives on its romance, as it explores the love story between Raju and Rosie Marco/Miss Nalini (Waheeda Rehman).
Raju teaches Rosie to be free-spirited and to embrace what life has to offer her. He helps her achieve her ambition of dancing.
However, he is not above using her for his gain.
When one discusses the best films of Dev Anand, Guide always finds its way onto the list.
Its soundtrack, story, and canvas are all aspects that make it a go-to film in the summer.
Bobby (1973)
Director: Raj Kapoor
Stars: Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Prem Nath, Pran
Touted as one of the first ‘young love stories’ of Bollywood, Bobby always leaves a smile on the faces of fans.
The movie revolves around the romantic saga of Bobby Braganza (Dimple Kapadia) and Raj ‘Raja’ Nath.
Great songs, an original story, and a cherubic young star cast are all jewels of the film.
Rishi Kapoor is marvellous as Raja, while a young Dimple is charming and brash.
In 2013 – 40 years after the initial release of Bobby – Dimple reflected on the benefits of the film:
“Till today I am eating from Bobby only. None of my other films was such a hit.
“It is only Bobby that has given me so much for 40 years.
“It is so strong that I am still standing on that soil.”
Sholay (1975)
Director: Ramesh Sippy
Stars: Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan
Within Bollywood, this action-adventure classic is widely regarded as “the greatest story ever told”.
Sholay takes place in the sunny village of Ramgarh, where the dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) is terrorising.
To help get rid of Gabbar, the former police officer Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) enlists the services of two conmen.
They are Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan).
Intertwining themes of bravery, romance, and friendship, Sholay is a textbook for all elements of Indian cinema.
Anyone looking to be introduced to the annals of Bollywood should start with this film.
With brilliant performances from all involved, it is perfect for a summer’s day watch.
By the end of it, you will be swooning, crying, and laughing all at the same time.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Stars: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal
Rajkumar Santoshi’s Andaz Apna Apna is one of the most adored cult classics of Bollywood.
The rib-tickling comedy stars Aamir Khan (Amar Manohar) and Salman Khan (Prem Bhopali).
They are two hapless men who try and woo a rich heiress.
Andaz Apna Apna is famous for its comedic dialogue and the chemistry between Aamir and Salman.
Aamir constantly utters, “Oh, wow!” while Salman says “Oh, my!”
In 2024, Aamir announced that a sequel to the much-loved film is in the works:
“I have just found out that Rajkumar Santoshi is working on the script.
“I’m glad he has started thinking about it because I think it will be a great film for all of us to do and for audiences to watch.”
Until the sequel, however, fans can look forward to watching Andaz Apna Apna while splitting their sides.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Director: Aditya Chopra
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher
Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut takes somewhat of a shift from the usual love stories that were produced in the 1990s.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge stars Shah Rukh Khan as Raj Malhotra.
Meanwhile, Kajol portrays Simran Singh, who meets him while travelling in Europe.
The two fall in love but Simran’s father Chaudhary Baldev Singh (Amrish Puri) has already arranged her marriage to Kuljeet Singh (Parmeet Sethi).
Instead of taking the cliche route of having the lovers elope, Aditya has Raj try and persuade Simran’s father to let him marry her.
At the time, this was a refreshing twist for romances in Bollywood.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is the film that carved SRK’s hugely popular romantic persona onscreen.
With scenic shooting locations in Switzerland, London, and Europe, this film is apt for summer lovers to enjoy.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Director: Farhan Akhtar
Stars: Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, Dimple Kapadia
This film started the ‘cool’ trend in Hindi movies.
Dil Chahta Hai is the gratifying tale of three friends: Akash Malhotra (Aamir Khan), Sameer Mulchandani (Saif Ali Khan) and Siddharth ‘Sid’ Sinha (Akshaye Khanna).
Though very close, the three young men share starkly different ideas regarding love.
Akash doesn’t believe in the concept, Sameer is rather dim-witted and impulsive, while Sid is serious and receptive.
An unfortunate incident ends the friendship between Akash and Sid, but will Akash ever come around to the idea of love?
Topped with great performances from Preity Zinta (Shalini), Sonali Kulkarni (Pooja), and Dimple Kapadia (Tara Jaiswal), Dil Chahta Hai is an ode to friendship and love.
In a 2023 interview, Karan Johar remarks: “What is really cool is Dil Chahta Hai.
“Genuinely, the cool syntax of cinema started with Dil Chahta Hai.”
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Director: Nikhil Advani
Stars: Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta
Nikhil Advani and Karan Johar bring you this romantic drama that is relatable and raw.
Kal Ho Naa Ho takes place in the bustling city of New York – a common summer holiday destination.
The film narrates the saga of Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity Zinta).
She falls in love with the happy-go-lucky Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan) who brings her out of her shell.
He teaches her: “Smile, live, and be happy. For who knows – kal ho naa ho“(There may be no tomorrow).
Also in Naina’s life is her best friend Rohit Patel (Saif Ali Khan).
Unbeknownst to Naina, he also harbours love for her.
A colourful, enigmatic film, Kal Ho Naa Ho is a feel-good film that must be seen by fans.
Dhoom 2 (2006)
Director: Sanjay Gadhvi
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Uday Chopra, Bipasha Basu
The second instalment of the popular Dhoom franchise, Dhoom 2 is a nail-biting heist drama.
It features the cop duo ACP Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan) and Ali Akbar Fateh Khan (Uday Chopra) track down a thief.
Their target is the elusive and cunning Aryan ‘Mr A’ Singh (Hrithik Roshan).
Hell breaks loose when a second thief enters the equation in the form of Sunheri (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan).
Dhoom 2 is loaded with alluring locations like Namibia and Rio de Janeiro, adding to the summer feel of the film.
The infectious chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya is charming and exciting for fans to see.
With great songs like ‘Dhoom Again‘ and ‘Touch Me’, the film makes fans want to get up and party.
Watch Dhoom 2 for an exhilarating ride and a popcorn rush.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin
Excel Entertainment invites you on a journey of fun and self-discovery in the vibrant country of Spain.
This film follows the story of Arjun Saluja (Hrithik Roshan), Kabir Dewan (Abhay Deol), and Imraan Qureshi (Farhan Akhtar).
They meet up in Spain for Kabir’s bachelor party, about his impending nuptials to Natasha Arora (Kalki Koechlin).
Their three-week holiday ends up being a life-changing experience for all three friends.
Arjun must question his outlook on life when the outgoing Laila (Katrina Kaif) enters his world.
In 2019, while celebrating the film’s eighth anniversary, Abhay wrote on Instagram:
“[The film] inspired people to follow their dreams, to take action, to accept who and where they are.
“I couldn’t ask for more.”
Want to feel inspired and rejuvenated? Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a great shout.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kalki Koechlin, Kunaal Roy Kapur
Ayan Mukerji’s coming-of-age drama narrates the tale of the introverted Dr Naina Talwar (Deepika Padukone).
Naina embarks on a trip to Manali, where she forges bonds with her former classmates.
These include Kabir ‘Bunny’ Thapar (Ranbir Kapoor), Avinash ‘Avi’ Shiv Arora (Aditya Roy Kapur), and Aditi ‘Adi’ Mehra (Kalki Koechlin).
Bunny and Naina grow close to each other but they must decide whether being together is the right decision.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a picturesque depiction of discovery, trust, and fun.
The Holi number ‘Balam Pichkari‘ contributes to the sunny vibrations that the film projects.
In 2023, Ayan grew nostalgic as the film clocked a decade of its release.
He said: “Making this movie was one of the greatest joys of my life!
“And what we achieved with it – with all its perfections and imperfections – is a source of great eternal pride for me.”
Queen (2013)
Director: Vikas Bahl
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Haydon
The film follows Rani Mehra (Kangana Ranaut) – a sheltered young woman.
Two days before her wedding, her fiancee Vijay Dhingra (Rajkummar Rao) breaks up with her.
Instead of moping, Rani decides to go on her honeymoon alone.
This leads to a hugely transformative journey for her.
She befriends the vivacious Vijayalakshmi (Lisa Haydon). In her company, Rani becomes more uninhibited and easy-going.
Commenting on the impact of the film, Kangana says: “Queen released, changed my life and Indian cinema forever.
“It marked the birth of a new leading lady and woman-centric parallel cinema.”
If one wants to celebrate summer with feminism and a carefree spirit, Queen is the top choice.
Pathaan (2023)
Director: Siddharth Anand
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana
Stepping into Yash Raj Films’ acclaimed Spy Universe, we come to the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan.
The film marked Shah Rukh Khan’s celluloid comeback after over four years as he dons the avatar of the titular RAW agent.
He must combat the villainous Jim (John Abraham).
In his quest, Pathaan also finds an ally in Dr Rubina ‘Rubai’ Mohsin (Deepika Padukone).
Sharp and sexy, Pathaan is the quintessential Siddharth Anand: a hair-raising plot, thrilling action, and alluring locations.
The song ‘Besharam Rang‘ underscores the sunny feelings of the film, as it is a sexy song that takes place on a beach.
Not only is Pathaan an appropriate film for the summer, but it also marked SRK’s return to stardom after a slew of flops.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)
Director: Luv Ranjan
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor
Adhering to the Bollywood rom-com formula uniquely, we come to Luv Ranjan’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.
The film traces the journey of Rohan ‘Mickey’ Arora (Ranbir Kapoor) and Nisha ‘Tinni’ Malhotra (Shraddha Kapoor).
Mickey secretly works as a break-up consultant and he falls in love with Tinni in Spain.
The result is a high-speed saga of the couple as they navigate the challenges and obstacles of love.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar also explores the concept of brides living with their husbands’ families after marriage.
A refreshing, straightforward entertainer, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar is a fine first outing for the onscreen couple of Ranbir and Shraddha.
It is a glossy film but one that doesn’t take its audience for fools.
Fighter (2024)
Director: Siddharth Anand
Stars: Anil Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone
Advertised as India’s first aerial-action adventure, Fighter depicts a fascinating tale in the skies.
It focuses primarily on three Indian Air Force officers.
They are Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Jaisingh (Anil Kapoor), Shamsher ‘Patty’ Pathania (Hrithik Roshan), and Minal ‘Minni’ Rathore (Deepika Padukone).
Rocky is an authoritative but compassionate leader, while Minni champions equality by defying her family and achieving her dreams in the Air Force.
Meanwhile, Patty is a well-meaning but conflicted squadron leader.
He often places his desires above the needs of his force.
Fighter offers a never-before-seen experience. It is thrilling to see Hrithik and Deepika together in their very first collaboration.
Blending patriotism and passion with aviation, Fighter is a great film to watch in the sunshine.
With original stories and historic acts, these Bollywood movies promise entertainment galore.
Some show colourful holiday destinations, while others take place in the sunny areas of their homeland.
However, all of them have power-packed performances and fun characters.
So, as you enjoy summer, prepare to be dazzled by these exuberant Bollywood films.
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