Jingle bells are ringing, sales are swinging and lights are twinkling as Christmas is finally here. At this time, TV is packed with special shows and films which strike joyful and sentimental chords with audiences.
As for films, Bollywood has presented us with many feel-good films. This festive period, we gear up for two awaited blockbusters 83 and Jersey which are set to release in cinemas.
Furthermore, there are numerous cinematic works that one can choose to escape from our mundane realities.
In anticipation of Christmas, Filme Shilmy presents another list of a few Indian movies to lift your spirits high!
Bawarchi (1972)
Hrishikesh Mukherjee is one of the torch-bearers of family entertainment and has featured a few other works on our Christmas list, Bawarchi is another such title.
A dysfunctional middle-class family is transformed due to the influence of their new multi-talented household help (Rajesh Khanna) – but he might be too good to be true.
One of the highest-grossing movies from 1972, Bawarchi provides the humour and warmth required for the festive season.
Ishq (1997)
Celebrating its 24th year, Ishq is a nostalgic revisit for every 90s kid and certainly a humorous venture.
The film stars Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Juhi Chawla and Kajol as four young people from different social classes fall in love with partners who do not meet with their parents’ approval.
With a strong message on classism, romance with subtle references to violence, the movie’s slapstick appeal makes it a fun watch.
Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000)
Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor’s pairing exude spunk and excitement every time they emerge on screen.
This comedy is about an orphan Sapna (Kapoor) who falls in love with Raja (Khan) during a foreign retreat. She has to convince her three uncles to approve of their relationship, however.
With chartbuster songs and snowy vacations to escape our miseries of life, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge has it all to be ideal for holiday viewing.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Friendships are the most beautiful relationship to exist in this world. Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai is a perfect ode to this.
The film focuses on three college-graduate friends (Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan) and Akshaye Khanna) on a significant transition period in their romantic lives (Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni and Dimple Kapadia as female protagonists).
Laughter, tears and contemporary human relationships, with a rare ensemble cast. All of these aspects make this a wholesome movie.
Hum Tum (2004)
Hum Tum is a trailblazer as it tackles gender inequality and modern-day romance, an evergreen rom-com that brightens any day.
Spread over years, it follows the encounters of Karan (Saif Ali Khan) and Rhea (Rani Mukerji) who run into each other on several occasions under circumstances ranging from friendly to hostile to loving.
This is the type of movie which exudes romance, coming-of-age and comedy, all in a candy cotton-sweet approach. Your Christmas will be merry.
Golmaal series (2005-Present)
Rohit Shetty’s movies are sure-shot entertainers which can be enjoyed with family and loved ones. The Golmaal films are a franchise that always tickles the funny bones.
Beginning from the first one in 2005, it shows four runaway crooks who take shelter in a bungalow owned by a visually-impaired couple.
The other movies in the series see an increase in production value, with more laughs and action stunts. In fact, Golmaal Again (2017) even has a spooky touch to it!
Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (2009)
Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif’s pairing is so popular, even now. They present cuteness and youthful romance quite well.
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani in style is reminiscent of Ishq, but it tells the story of a good-for-nothing golden-hearted young man (Kapoor) who falls in love with an orphaned young woman (Kaif).
This Rajkumar Santoshi entertainer provides plenty of laughs, some tears and romance… A truly wholesome film.
Hasee Toh Phasee (2014)
Hindi cinema has presented several rom-coms but Hasee Toh Phasee is quite dynamic and fresh.
Chopra’s character and transformation journey in the film is very intriguing. The family dynamics, peppy songs and heart-warming chemistry begs for a viewing.
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019)
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is an unexpected but important love story around same-sex relationships.
Sweety (Sonam Kapoor) has to contend with her over-enthusiastic family that wants to get her married, a young writer who is completely smitten by her and a secret that she harbours close to her heart. Ultimately, Sweety bears in mind that the truth of her true love might not find acceptance in her family and society.
This heart-warming and uplifting film revolves around an important societal issue but yet is rooted in familial values and love. It’s a precious gem that will make you cry and smile at the same time.
Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021)
Simplicity is key and Meenakshi Sundareshwar is a testament to unembellished romance within a modern landscape.
Forced to live apart due to a unique job prospect, two newlyweds (Abhimanyu Dassani and Sanya Malhotra) face the hassles, hiccups and hilarity that arise from their long-distance marriage.
This film is one which can be watched on a cold evening whilst sipping a hot chocolate. It’s a truly sweet one.
As such, these are a few of our favourite films which you will definitely enjoy watching – many of which are not just entertaining but are high on sentiments as well as social themes.
