The decade was unique and remains evergreen.
For Bollywood, the 2000s was much more than the beginning of a new millennium.
The industry had revived itself in the 1990s, and that reformation spread into the following decade.
This era of Bollywood saw Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan continue their domination at the box office.
However, the dawn of the new decade saw a new superstar emerge in the form of Hrithik Roshan.
Other actors who amazed all included Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ameesha Patel, and Preity G Zinta.
Filmmakers such as Karan Johar, Rajkumar Hirani and Rakesh Roshan dazzled with their original storytelling.
This chapter of Bollywood shines with some of Hindi cinema’s most revered classics.
DESIblitz is delighted to showcase 20 Bollywood films from the 2000s that you must watch.
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Ameesha Patel
The 2000s kicked off with a bang when the industry found its new superstar.
Hrithik Roshan is the son of the actor and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, and the nephew of the veteran music composer, Rajesh Roshan.
In 2000, Rakesh launched Hrithik in the sensational Kaho…Naa Pyaar Hai.
The film sees Hrithik in a dual role – Rohit Kumar and his lookalike, Raj Chopra.
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai also marked the debut of Ameesha Patel, who stars opposite Hrithik as Sonia Saxena.
Hrithik amazes all in the film. Never before had the audience seen such a good-looking man onscreen who was not only a fantastic actor, but a great dancer too.
In his dance numbers, including ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena‘ and ‘Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara’, Hrithik sets pulses racing.
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai swept the Filmfare Awards in 2001, winning ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Director’ (Rakesh), and ‘Best Actor’ (Hrithik), among others.
Kya Kehna (2000)
Director: Kundan Shah
Stars: Preity G Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Chandrachur Singh, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher
This is a somewhat underrated film when it comes to Bollywood movies from the 2000s.
Although Preity G Zinta had made her debut with Dil Se… (1998), it was Kya Kehna that got her noticed as an excellent actress.
The film introduces us to the lively Priya Bakshi (Preity G Zinta), who falls for the womaniser, Rahul Modi (Saif Ali Khan).
Priya’s world turns upside down when Rahul abandons her after she becomes pregnant to him.
The Bakshi family must now face the stigma of illegitimate pregnancy and the ostracisation of their gossiping society.
Against expectations, the film did well at the box office and was praised for breaking barriers and dealing with a taboo subject.
Preity also won widespread acclaim for her performance.
For that, Kya Kehna should continue to be admired and loved.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001)
Director: Karan Johar
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan
Karan Johar’s classic family drama continues to receive reams of adulation as the years pass.
The film narrates the saga of the Raichand family, headed by the egoistic Yashvardhan Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan).
His wife, Nandini Raichand (Jaya Bachchan) loves their son, Rahul Raichand (Shah Rukh Khan).
The family is devastatingly thrown apart when Yashvardhan disowns Rahul for marrying Anjali (Kajol), a woman of a lower class.
Now, it is up to younger son Rohan Raichand (Hrithik Roshan) to unite the broken family.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… was a box office smash in India and abroad, including in the UK and in the US.
It is noted for Kareena Kapoor Khan’s iconic act as the gregarious Pooja ‘Poo’ Raichand.
Opulent, emotional, and musical, this film ticks all the boxes for a pure Bollywood entertainer.
Lagaan (2001)
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Stars: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne
Aamir Khan is often described as the “game-changer” of the Hindi film industry.
That identity was carved with Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic sports film, Lagaan, which Aamir also produced.
Lagaan is about the farmer, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), who accepts a bet from the British regime to beat them in a game of cricket.
This is to cancel the land taxes of the villagers. The film soon transforms into a nail-biting cricket match.
Cinema auditoriums turned into cricket stadiums and cheers echoed in the halls, as Bhuvan rebels against the British.
Lagaan is a transcendent cinematic experience. In 2002, it was shortlisted for an Oscar for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’.
Despite losing the accolade to No Man’s Land (2001), the love Lagaan has received is truly incomparable.
In 2002, Ashutosh and Aamir both won Filmfare Awards for ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Actor’, respectively.
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
Director: Anil Sharma
Stars: Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Amrish Puri, Utkarsh Sharma
Sunny Deol inhabits the world of Tara Singh in Anil Sharma’s everlasting love story.
During the Partition of India, Tara rescues the Muslim girl, Sakeena ‘Sakku’ Ali (Ameesha Patel), from a group of rioters.
Tossing communal issues aside, Tara and Sakeena fall in love and marry. They also have a son named Jeete (Utkarsh Sharma).
Complications arise when Sakeena is reunited with her family. Her father, Ashraf Ali (Amrish Puri) is determined to separate his daughter from Tara at any cost.
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha celebrates the triumph of love over anything. It also highlights that goodness in a human being is all that matters.
Adorned with a beautiful soundtrack, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha is one of the tentpole Bollywood films of the 2000s.
In 2023, a sequel, Gadar 2, was released. It saw Sunny, Ameesha, and Utkarsh all return.
The second instalment amassed just as much love and adulation as its predecessor.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Director: Farhan Akhtar
Stars: Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity G Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, Dimple Kapadia
Another Aamir Khan film believed to have changed the tides of Bollywood is Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai.
In his directorial debut, Farhan creates a unique representation of love intertwined with coming-of-age characters.
We meet the friends, Akash Malhotra (Aamir Khan), Sameer Mulchandani (Saif Ali Khan), and Siddharth ‘Sid’ Sinha (Akshaye Khanna).
All three of them have different thoughts and ideals about love, which drives a wedge between Sid and Akash.
Karan Johar describes the film as the movie that started the “cool syntax of Hindi cinema”.
Aided by strong performances from the likes of Preity G Zinta (Shalini), Sonali Kulkarni (Pooja), and Dimple Kapadia (Tara Jaiswal), this movie provokes a lot of thought in fans.
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s diverse score perfectly illustrates these contrasting representations.
Watch Dil Chahta Hai to be both entertained and thoughtful.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Director: Nikhil Advani
Stars: Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity G Zinta
With a wonderful script by Karan Johar, Nikhil Advani directs Kal Ho Naa Ho to victory.
Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity G Zinta) lives a mundane life in New York, irritated by her bickering family.
She finds peace in one of her best friends, Rohit Patel (Saif Ali Khan).
Naina’s environment changes when she meets the carefree Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan), who lives by one motto:
“Jeeyo, khush raho, muskhurao. Kya pata – kal ho naa ho.” (“Live, be happy, and smile. Who knows – tomorrow may never come.”).
However, Aman also has a dark secret. His only purpose is to spread optimism wherever he goes.
Kal Ho Naa Ho is rousing and emotional. Sonu Nigam’s rendition of the title track remains a chartbuster.
For her splendid performance as Naina, Preity won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actress’ in 2004.
Koi… Mil Gaya (2003)
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Stars: Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, Preity G Zinta, Rajat Bedi
Rakesh Roshan’s Koi… Mil Gaya presents Hrithik Roshan like never before.
In this ageless sci-fi drama, Hrithik plays Rohit Mehra, a developmentally disabled young man.
Rohit is always taunted and mocked for his disability. He soon meets the vivacious Nisha Malhotra (Preity G Zinta).
Moved by Rohit’s innocence, Nisha befriends him, giving Rohit hope that he is not alone.
However, everything is set to change forever with the arrival of the alien, Jaadoo.
Up until the 2000s, Bollywood had been somewhat of a stranger to science fiction.
Koi… Mil Gaya capitalises by creating a unique meld of its values of romance, music, and family with this genre.
The film also marked a comeback for Hrithik after a series of flops. He delivers a spellbinding performance.
Munna Bhai MBBS (2003)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Stars: Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Jimmy Sheirgill, Gracy Singh, Boman Irani
Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial debut features Sanjay Dutt as the titular gangster-turned-medical student.
To fulfil the dreams of his parents, Munna pretends to have ambitions of being a doctor.
He gatecrashes a medical college with the help of his sidekick, Sarkeshwar, also known as Circuit.
Through his kindness, humour, and empathy, Munna wins over patients and staff, while also beginning a romance with Dr Suman ‘Chinki’ Asthana (Gracy Singh).
But how long can Munna keep up his deception, and can he stop hearts from breaking before it is too late?
Munna Bhai MBBS revived Sanjay’s career and personal reputation in the 2000s.
It also introduced viewers to Rajkumar Hirani’s penchant for raising awareness about societal issues through the lens of humour.
The film also spawned a fun-filled sequel, Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006).
Baghban (2003)
Director: Ravi Chopra
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Mahima Chaudhary
Ravi Chopra’s Baghban questions the respect of younger generations towards older ones.
Raj Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan) and Pooja Malhotra (Hema Malini) are a retired couple who hope their four biological sons will support them in their old age.
However, their hearts are broken when it transpires that their sons see them as nothing but burdens.
Raj and Pooja receive love only from their adopted son, Alok Malhotra (Salman Khan) and his wife, Arpita Malhotra (Mahima Chaudhary).
Baghban sheds a light on the treatment that ageing parents receive.
Despite being middle-aged in the 2000s, Amitabh and Hema eclipse the screen. Their pairing is as fresh as it was in the 1970s and 1980s.
The film has key highlights including the stupendous Holi song, ‘Holi Khele Raghuveera‘, as well as Raj’s rousing climactic speech.
Veer–Zaara (2004)
Director: Yash Chopra
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity G Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini
This enthralling love saga marked Yash Chopra’s return to the director’s chair after a seven-year gap.
Veer–Zaara is the story of the Indian Air Force officer, Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) and the Pakistani woman, Zaara Hayaat Khan (Preity G Zinta).
For the past 22 years, Veer has been imprisoned in Pakistan. It is only when the Pakistani lawyer, Saamiya Siddhique (Rani Mukerji), addresses him by his real name that he begins to tell his story.
Veer-Zaara is Bollywood romance at its peak. The audience can’t help but get teary-eyed in the gut-wrenching scenes of heartbreak and separation.
By this point, Yash Chopra had been a director for over four decades. He shows that even though decades may age, his ability to tell enduring stories does not.
This film is decorated with a sublime plot and each song is a musical gem.
Aamir Khan regards Veer–Zaara as his favourite Yash Chopra film, while Preity G Zinta calls it one of her favourites of her own movies.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable Bollywood romance, Veer–Zaara is a top choice.
Dhoom (2004)
Director: Sanjay Gadhvi
Stars: Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Uday Chopra, Esha Deol, Rimi Sen
The inaugural instalment of Yash Raj Films’ thrilling heist series, Dhoom made celluloid stars out of motorcycles and bikinis in 2000s Bollywood.
The film centres on the cop duo ACP Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan) and Ali Akbar Fateh Khan (Uday Chopra).
They set out to catch the thief Kabir Sharma (John Abraham) and his gang of motorcyclist robbers.
Meanwhile, the gorgeous Sheena Rai (Esha Deol) and Jai’s wife Sweety Dixit (Rimi Sen) provide anchors in the film.
The Dhoom series has defined an entire audience. It is perfect for those who wish to enjoy pure popcorn thrillers.
Dhoom did wonders for Abhishek’s career as it signified his first solo hit.
The film led to sequels, including Dhoom 2 (2006) and Dhoom 3 (2013).
While Abhishek and Uday have reprised their roles, Dhoom 2 and Dhoom 3 feature Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan as the primary antagonists, respectively.
Black (2005)
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Ayesha Kapur
Adapted from The Miracle Worker (1962), Black sees Sanjay Leela Bhansali move away from his previous opulent cinema.
This film is about Michelle McNally (Rani Mukerji), a woman who is born blind, deaf, and mute. As a child, she is engulfed in her own darkness.
Her life changes when the alcoholic teacher, Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan) takes responsibility for her.
Debraj stays with Michelle through most of her life, guiding her towards the light.
For its novel concept and high-class performances, Black received large amounts of critical acclaim.
Sanjay, Amitabh, and Rani all won Filmfare Awards for their work on the movie.
Although a difficult watch, Black is a rare offering from Bollywood. The heroine is not glamorous or clad in a bikini.
This is a film that should be viewed with an open mind.
Rang De Basanti (2006)
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Stars: Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, Alice Patten, R Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman
Aamir Khan symbolises patriotism in this historical drama. He plays Daljit ‘DJ’ Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad.
A young British reporter, Sue McKinley (Alice Patten) arrives in India to make a documentary about freedom fighters.
She meets DJ and his group of friends. Initially cheerful and mischievous, the gang learns the importance of patriotism and making changes.
Rang De Basanti contains the line: “There are two ways to live life. One is to accept things as they are. Keep tolerating.
“Or, take responsibility to change them.”
In an interview, Aamir Khan says: “Once, I met Manoj Kumar Ji, whom we call ‘Bharat Kumar’, because he was a know patriot.
“He said to me, ‘In the generation after me, if I consider anyone a true patriot, then that is you’.”
This patriotism is evident in Rang De Basanti which is just as much a salute to India than any war film.
Krrish (2006)
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Stars: Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Manini Mishra, Naseeruddin Shah
Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan reunite for the sequel to Koi… Mil Gaya.
India’s superhero film, Krrish, sees Hrithik reprise his role as Rohit Mehra, as well as star as the character’s son, Krishna Mehra.
After donning a cape and mask, Krishna becomes a superhero named Krrish.
The effort that was put into making Krrish was unparalleled. Rakesh hired special effects supervisors from Los Angeles, US.
To train Hrithik in martial arts, the renowned Chinese action choreographer, Tony Ching Siu-tung was signed.
Krrish marked the first collaboration of Hrithik and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Priya), who make a delightful onscreen pairing.
The film also upholds Hindi cinema’s roots by generating the first cinema superhero who sings and dances.
In 2013, the Roshan family created a third instalment in the franchise, Krrish 3.
Chak De India (2007)
Director: Shimit Amin
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Shilpa Shukla, Chitrashi Rawat, Vibha Chibber
Shah Rukh Khan takes on the role of Kabir Khan in Shimit Amin’s film based on hockey.
A disgraced Indian hockey player, Kabir returns to the game as the coach of the National Indian Women’s hockey team.
After a few teething problems, Kabir manages to assemble a team rich with spirit, grit, and resilience.
As he leads the team onto the pitch for the World Championships, Kabir also battles his own inner demons.
Shah Rukh performs a mind-blowing act, for which he won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actor’ in 2008.
The newcomers who portray the team players are also genuine actresses who infuse the film with determination.
Chak De India is not a typical Shah Rukh Khan film. It has no romance and no lip-synced songs.
This film shows the actor’s versatility, proving he is much more than singing to women and outstretching his arms.
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Director: Aamir Khan
Stars: Darsheel Safary, Aamir Khan, Tanay Chheda, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma
Not only does Aamir Khan star in this brilliant student-teacher drama, he also makes his directorial debut.
Taare Zameen Par is the story of the eight-year-old dyslexic boy, Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary).
His learning difficulty is perceived by his father and teachers to be simple laziness and stupidity.
Therefore, Ishaan is packed off to a strict boarding school, where his life becomes a living hell.
His existence is improved with the arrival of a kind Art teacher named Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan).
Nikumbh develops Ishaan’s reading and writing, while also helping him hone his talent for painting.
Taare Zameen Par utilises the theme of every child being special in their own way.
This film had a profound impact on teachers, parents, and education. It is unquestionably one of the best Hindi films from the 2000s.
Ghajini (2008)
Director: AR Murugadoss
Stars: Aamir Khan, Asin Thottumkal, Jiah Khan, Pradeep Rawat
Continuing with the superstar Aamir Khan, Ghajini showcases him in a brand new avatar.
Inspired from Christopher Nolan’s Momento (2000), Aamir plays Sanjay Singhania in Ghajini.
Suffering from short-term memory loss, Sanjay is tormented by how his girlfriend, Kalpana Shetty (Asin Thottumkal), was brutally killed by gangster kingpin, Ghajini Dharmatma (Pradeep Rawat).
He vows to avenge Kalpana’s murder by killing Ghajini, using photographs and tattoos to lead him to the criminal overlord.
Aamir invests every pore of his being into Ghajini. He created a new milestone in terms of the physiques of actors.
In this film, fans can see Aamir in his first pure action entertainer.
Already respected for his ability to completely disappear into his characters, Aamir proves that genre is no hindrance for him either.
Ghajini was also the first Bollywood film ever to earn Rs 100 crores (£77 million) domestically.
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani (2009)
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif
Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani is perhaps one of the few Bollywood films to fully embrace slapstick comedy.
In the late 2000s, Ranbir Kapoor was the new kid on the block, impressing fans nationwide.
He plays Prem Shankar Sharma in this film. Prem is a happy-go-lucky young man, who falls in love with Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Pinto (Katrina Kaif).
However, Prem lacks the courage to confess his love to Jenny. Will he ever be able to win her love without even saying the magic words, ‘I love you’?
Ranbir and Katrina strike a sizzling chemistry in a film, loved for its unconventional romance as well as countless comedic moments.
Interestingly, Ranbir had little hopes for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani when it was in production.
But lo and behold, out of his three releases in 2009, this one was the biggest money-spinner.
Watch this one for a glorious ride you will smile from long after the rollercoaster ends.
3 Idiots (2009)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Stars: Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Boman Irani, Omi
Rajkumar Hirani joins forces with Aamir Khan for this effervescent social drama.
3 Idiots tackles the issue of Indian parents forcing their children to adopt specific career paths.
We meet the college friends, Ranchoddas ‘Rancho’ Chanchad (Aamir Khan), Farhan Qureshi (R Madhavan), and Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi).
While Farhan and Raju live in fear, Rancho is outgoing and unworried about the future.
Blending comedy with seriousness, 3 Idiots is essential viewing and a glistening emerald in the history of Bollywood.
The film also started Aamir’s unbelievable fanbase in China, as well as gaining popularity in Japan and South Korea.
3 Idiots is considered to be one of the greatest Hindi films ever made. When you watch it, it won’t be hard to see why.
The 2000s is not simply another decade to add to the chapters of Hindi cinema.
These years gave us some of the most enduring and everlasting Bollywood films.
Whether it was romance, comedy, or films pertaining to social themes, the decade was unique and remains evergreen.
Other amazing movies from this decade include Chandni Bar (2001), Tere Naam (2003), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Lakshya (2004), Swades (2004), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), and Om Shanti Om (2007).
All that’s left for you to do is to embrace the Bollywood treasure trove that is the 2000s.
