Bollywood classics to revisit during coronavirus quarantine

With social distancing and self-isolation becoming the new normal, we are drumming up novel ways to be entertained. While you may be up to date with the current crop of Bollywood films, there may have been a few gems that you missed or want to revisit. And what better time than now? So, here’s a list of Bollywood films movies that have immense repeat value. Our picks, spanning various genres, are all available on various streaming platforms in the UAE. Here’s a round-up:

Queen (2014): Starring Kangana Ranaut, ‘Queen’ will treat you to one of the most adorable and goofy central characters in Hindi cinema. Ranaut plays a jilted bride who decides to go alone on her European honeymoon and what was meant to be a magical time with her new husband ends up as her journey of self-discovery. A small film with a big heart and a lovable protagonist, watch it for Ranaut. Available on: Netflix

Dil Chahta Hai (2001): In the times of social distancing, hanging out with your best friends or catching up with your mates on a night out may seem like a distant dream. But hope comes in the form of the perennially feel-good friendship saga and bromance, ‘DCH’. This warm and fuzzy film — an ode to friendships stemming from your college days — will get rid of all your blues. Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna play besties in their 20s who go through life, love and all things in between with admirable verve and tenacity. The music is wonderful and the collective acting on display is pure gold. Available on: Amazon Prime and Netflix

Padosan (1968): If you are in the mood for a rip-roaring comedy, then it doesn’t get better than ‘Padosan’. Starring the fabulous quartet Sunil Dutt, Saira Bhanu, Kishore Kumar and Mehmood, this funny tale of a bunch of bumbling young men trying to impress their neighbour is a laughter riot. If you are feeling underwhelmed, then this movie will instantly lift your sagging spirit and mood. Available on: Eros Now

Jaane Tu … Ya Jaane Na (2008): Remember Aamir Khan’s amiable nephew Imran Khan? Well, this was his debut film that saw his career take off to a blazing start. This feel-good romance between two best friends Jai and Aditi (Genelia D’Souza) is one of those rare films that have long-enduring appeal and charm. Available on: Netflix

Hum Aapke Hai Koun …! (1994): It has more than a dozen songs and a screen time of more than three hours, but if you have time on your hands during this lockdown then why not give ‘HAHK’ a shot? Starring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, you will enter Sooraj Barjatya’s utopian family landscape where majority are perfectly beautiful in and out. Filled with songs, merry neighbours and chirpy relatives, this vanilla film will introduce you to innocent lovers and their rainbow-filled existence. Available on: Eros Now

Kahaani (2012): Indian National Award-winning actress Vidya Balan will have you under her spell in this superb thriller. This tale of Vidya Bagchi, a heavily-pregnant woman in Kolkata, in search of her missing husband has some crazy twists and turns. It’s one of those rare thrillers where you can never see the plot twists coming. Available on: Netflix

Jab We Met (2007): The on-screen couple Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor had split up by the time this movie rolled out into the cinemas, but there is no denying their cracking chemistry in ‘Jab We Met’. All the tropes attached to an Imtiaz Ali film — finding love, adventure and life while you travel — are intact. Kareena as the vivacious Punjabi girl Geet is a delight. Available on: Zee5

Hum Tum (2004): It’s often described as Bollywood’s answer to Hollywood hit ‘When Harry Met Sally’. Saif Ali Khan plays a confident cartoonist who gets on the wrong side of Rhea. It’s hate at first sight, but turns into a passionate love story. Ok, I exaggerate. But watch it for Khan’s interesting hairstyles in this one. Available on: Amazon Prime

Bunty Aur Babli (2005): Spurred by the antics of a couple who con people for a living has a lot going for it. Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji are a hoot in their titular roles. They are crafty and their wily schemes inject fun into this hilarious film. It’s also your chance to see father-son — Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek — embark on a battle of wills in the cat-and-mouse drama. Available on: Amazon Prime

Teesri Manzil (1966): If you are in the mood for a vintage murder mystery, starring Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, then this film is right up your alley. A woman thirsty to hunt down the killer who murdered her sister, a suspicious love angle and deception is all a part of this murky thriller. Available on: Zee5

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): Shah Rukh Khan, who played the immensely lovable Rahul, taught a generation how to love and romance. His chemistry with Simran, played to perfection by Kajol, is also something to admire. It’s a film that will make you believe in love and all its glorious pitfalls. And, this could be your chance to see a youngish Khan in a leather jacket wooing a woman in Switzerland. What’s not to love? Available on: Amazon Prime

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013): If you are looking for a glossy romantic drama, then it doesn’t get better than the superbly-acted Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s ‘YJHD’. Kapoor plays commitment-phobic, flirtatious drifter Bunny who becomes friends with the nerdy doctor-in-making Naina (Padukone). The two hit it off immediately, but will they ever become more than just friends? Aditya Roy Kapur and Kalki Koechlin as Bunty’s close friends from college complete this fun, cool circle of friends for life. Available on: Amazon Prime

Lamhe (1991): Put a ring on this sparkling unrequited love story with the late legendary icon Sridevi in a double role. Anil Kapoor plays a London-based rich tycoon who falls in love with a woman when he returns to his native Rajasthan in India. It’s a one-way street and he turns into this brooding singleton. But what happens when that woman’s daughter ends up falling in love with him. Dubbed as a film that was way ahead of its time, Lamhe was a late bloomer and was appreciated after it bombed at the box office. Available on: Amazon Prime

Mera Naam Joker (1970): Raj Kapoor plays Raju, a clown who can light up anyone’s life with his funny antics. This movie, which took more than six years to make and is said to be semi-autobiography of director-actor Raj Kapoor, is a crash course on how to deal with life, love and heartbreak. The songs also add a fatalistic twist to the times we live in. Available on: Zee5

Rang De Basanti (2006): Directed by Ram OmPrakash Mehra and starring Aamir Khan in th lead role, ‘Rang De Basanti’ will evoke the patriot in you. Without being jingoistic, the tale of a group of disillusioned college students taking on politics is the perfect coming-of-age drama. Well acted by Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan and Atul Kulkarni, watch it for its complex mix of youth politics and corruption. Available on: Netflix