Some days just feel like a drag, don’t they? When little stresses pile up, and the air doesn’t feel right, you need something to lift your mood and make you smile again. And Bollywood has been delivering for a long time now.
Bollywood is globally known for its vibrant and spectacular stories brimming with heart. Over the decades, Indian filmmakers have mastered the art of translating compelling stories, catchy music, lavish visuals, and memorable dialogues into instant mood boosters. These feel-good flicks are perfect pick-me-ups for when you are having a bad day.
From energetic numbers to romantic flights of fantasy, these movies will drive you to a world of possibilities. They remind you of love, friendship, and hope in life’s joyful moments. These Bollywood movies will give you smiles that reach your eyes and lighten your heart.
‘Baadshah’ (1999)
Have you ever felt like wanting to run away from it all to a world full of mischief? Well, this 1999 comedy is your ticket to laugh-out-loud land. Baadshah follows Raj, a small-time detective waiting for the one case that makes him the best. For now, he is just drifting from one amusing situation to another with his goofy group of friends.
But when the opportunity to escort a hostage back home arises, Raj gets pulled into a bigger, more dangerous scheme. Played by Shah Rukh Khan, Raj is all about having a good time. Even when matters are complicated, his over-the-top personality, slapstick humor, and cheesy dialogue make you smile.
‘3 Idiots’ (2009)
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, 3 Idiots defined college life, friendship, innovation, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. It chronicles the journey of three engineering students – Rancho, the rebellious but brilliant vagabond, Raju, the paranoid and ambitious overachiever, and Farhan, the socially awkward and misplaced guy.
They drift apart after college, and years later, Farhan and Raju are set to find Rancho, whose entire existence seems to have been a lie. The story is narrated by one of the friends while they are on the road. With impressive performances and a friendship that is tested by heartbreak and tragedy, 3 Idiots makes for an unforgettable tale.
‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ (2008)
Forget fairytale romances and meeting your prince charming, and embrace realistic love in all its quirky splendor. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a unique romantic comedy that pairs the charming SRK with the delightful Anushka for a delightfully crazy ride. Their characters are polar opposites, and getting married to one another may never have crossed their minds, but love springs from the most unexpected places.
Surinder is a simple, uncomplicated man, while Tani is an exuberant, carefree girl. To get Tani’s attention, Suri gets a makeover and eventually wins her over. There are no stereotypes or drama here – just two lovable characters and a funny, heartfelt, and fresh story of love.
‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (2001)
Dil Chahta Hai is a celebration of life’s finest joys and an exploration of its deepest sorrows. It follows three childhood friends, Akash, Siddharth, and Sameer, as they graduate from college and leave behind their easygoing youth to experience profound transformations.
For friends who have always been together, it’s strange when one suddenly moves out of the country to take over the family business, one is drowning in his passion for art and navigating an unconventional romance, while one refuses to grow up and spends all his energy wooing a girl. Farhan Akhtar’s direction takes a humorous, honest, and important look at relationships in the modern world in this bittersweet gift of a movie.
‘Jab We Met’ (2009)
Meet Aditya Kahsyap, a headstrong playboy with a world that is crashing down around him. His father has recently passed, leaving a million-dollar business to handle, and his girlfriend is marrying another man. When he can’t take anymore, he ups and gets on a train.
There, he meets Geet Dhillon, a bubbly Punjabi girl with a boundless positivity and thrill-seeking heart who is just returning home from college. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they embark on a crazy adventure, and Geet helps Aditya rediscover the love, hope, and his dreams he thought were long lost. Jab We Met is a vivacious and delightful movie that will fill your soul and warm your heart.
‘Do Dooni Chaar’ (2010)
Do Dooni Chaar is a charming little slice of life that will make you smile, groan, relate, and feel. The movie follows a middle-class family, the Duggals, who desperately want to have a better life. But how do they achieve it? Santosh Duggal, the head of the family, is a school teacher who barely gets paid enough, and the kids are still young and aimless. Yet, it is up to Mr. Duggal to cease the drama and buy the family a new car.
Starring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, the movie is an honest portrayal of class struggle and chasing what you deserve. Archit Krishna and Aditi Vasudev also give brilliant performances as two children navigating their lives, getting into trouble, and learning from their mistakes. Overall, a very lighthearted and hilarious movie that also serves as a deeply moving experience.
‘Queen’ (2014)
Coming of age doesn’t get any better than a female protagonist breaking the norm and setting out on her own. Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen is the story of Rani, a dreamy girl who gets dumped right before her marriage. After being crushed, she decides to embrace the pain and goes on her honeymoon alone.
Kangana Ranaut lights up the screen with her feisty character, taking us on a journey of acceptance and self-discovery. She tackles endless obstacles, pushes herself to try new things, and also breaks down in the process. But it is all a part of growing up. Queen allows you to have a good time from start to finish.
‘The Lunchbox’ (2013)
This gentle gem tells the tale of two strangers whose paths cross through an honest mix-up, finding solace and meaning amidst the charming chaos of Mumbai. In The Lunchbox, Irrfan Khan plays Saajan Fernandes, a widowed accountant who is about to retire. Nimrat Kaur plays Ila, a young housewife whose marriage has fallen into a monotonous routine.
One day, a tiffin carrier mistakenly delivers the lunchbox meant for Ila’s husband to Saajan. From there begins an unlikely platonic friendship with the two, writing letters to each other. A lovely equilibrium develops as they share food, loneliness, and longing, reminding us of love’s ability to nourish the soul.
‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ (2014)
Hasee Toh Phasee is a sparkling and adorable romantic comedy following the trials of Nikhil, an unambitious goofball, and Karishma, his girlfriend and the girl he wishes to marry. The two are dealing with family and society’s expectations when Meeta, Karishma’s younger sister, returns from Japan and wants to reunite with the family.
As Nikhil is tasked with caring for Meeta, he starts spending time with her and falls in love with her quirks, sincerity, and smarts. Their whimsical little world is full of heart and tender humor, buzzing with song and desire. Hasee Toh Phasee is an ode to following your heart and loving freely.
‘Cocktail’ (2012)
Imtiaz Ali weaves magic again with this beautiful story of three friends cruising through relationships and heartbreak in London. Meera is a reserved and recently despairing new girl in town. When a chance meeting leads her to stumble upon party-girl Veronica, she accepts Veronica’s offer to share an apartment, and the two strike up an earnest friendship.
Saif Ali Khan plays Gautam, Veronica’s boyfriend, who is a suave and carefree charmer. Things become chaotic when Gautam develops feelings for Meera. Cocktail is as sentimental as it is flashy, making for a quintessential summer fling of a film that leaves you buzzed with possibility.