Drama, comedy, action and dance … these are just four of the genres that can be found in a single Bollywood film.
India’s Hindi film industry is incredibly rich and often overlooked by Western audiences. While runtimes may be long (anywhere from 2 and a half to over 3 hours), they are hugely entertaining epics. They can be as funny and action-packed as they are heartbreaking. And don’t forget all the music!
Netflix is a fantastic platform for getting acquainted with Bollywood films, and Watch With Us can be your guide. Check out our three picks, all starring Bollywood’s most famous performer, Shah Rukh Khan.
‘Dil Se’ (1998)
In this political romantic thriller, journalist Amar (Khan) falls head over heels in love with a mysterious woman while reporting in the field, though she displays indifference towards his advances. Amar eventually discovers that the two share a mutual attraction, but the woman, named Meghna (Manisha Koirala), insists she cannot be with him. After promising himself to another bride, Meghan shows up in need of help — and carrying a terrible secret.
Dil Se initially flopped at the Indian box office upon its release in 1998, due to the less commercial nature of its subject matter. Overtly political, complex and quite dark, the film is nevertheless both a sensual and gut-wrenching romance. Still, as with most Bollywood films, Dil Se has a sense of humor, mostly found in Khan, but whose lovesick, happy-go-lucky Amar is often more grating — and obsessive — than endearing. What we can all agree on, however, is that the soundtrack is nonstop bangers.
‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007)
A supernatural love story for the ages and a love letter to Hindi cinema, Om Shanti Om is set in the 1970s and stars Khan as the goofy background actor, Omi. Omi is madly in love with India’s reigning superstar, Shanti Priya (Deepika Padukone), but Shanti is in love with a conniving producer. The producer’s quest for power and money turns into a plot to murder Shanti, leading to a twisty revenge arc that involves reincarnation.
This epic melodrama has a doomed romance, impressive action set-pieces, earworm musical numbers, and the type of light-hearted, goofball comedy that Khan is known for. Om Shanti Om marks the first on-screen partnership between Khan and Padukone, and their chemistry is undeniable. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the magic and heartbreak of Om Shanti Om, and “Dard-E-Disco” is sure to be your next favorite song.
‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ (2003)
Set in New York City, the narrative of Kal Ho Naa Ho follows uptight MBA student Naina (Preity Zinta), as she gradually falls for the new kid on the block, the charismatic Aman (played by Khan). Though Naina and Aman are desperate to be together, Aman harbors a secret that prevents him from being with her. As penance, he gently nudges her to be with her best friend, Rohit (Saif Ali Khan), who he feels can give Naina what he ultimately cannot.
Kal Ho Naa Ho is sure to leave you a blubbering mess by the end, while endearing you with catchy tracks like “Maahi Ve” and “Pretty Woman” — a Bollywood riff on the hit Roy Orbison song. Aman’s character gives Khan what is easily one of the best performances of his career, while Zinta is a perfect and skillful match. Aman’s ill-fated romance with Naina will teach you the real meaning of the word “yearning.”
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