We highlight the top 10 most popular Indian movies, showcasing some of the best films in India. While numerous films have been released, these standout movies have captured widespread attention. Today, we focus on sharing details about these top 10 Indian films, offering a unique insight for movie enthusiasts.
Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies Name
Sholay (1975 )
Andaz apna apna (1994)
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1195)
Mother India (1957)
Mughal-e-Azam ( 1960)
Lagaan (2001)
Pyaasa (1957)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
3 Idiots (2009)
Tare Zameen par (2007
I hope this list of the top 10 most Indian movies helps you find a great one
1: Sholay (1975)
Let’s start with the iconic Sholay (1975), one of the most renowned films in Indian cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, this action-adventure film features pivotal roles for Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan. The story revolves around a police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) assigned to capture the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) in a small village.
Sholay became a cultural phenomenon, and unforgettable dialogues like “Kitne aadmi the?” are still remembered today. The film’s immense popularity made it a commercial success, and it earned numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film. Often regarded as a classic, Sholay is considered a shining example of Bollywood’s golden age.
2 : Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Andaz Apna Apna, released on November 4, 1994, is considered one of the finest Hindi comedy films. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, it stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Paresh Rawal, and Shakti Kapoor. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the film quickly gained popularity and became a cult classic.
The movie follows two slackers who compete for the affection of an heiress and, unknowingly, end up protecting her from an evil criminal. With its unique humor, Andaz Apna Apna stood out from other films of that era. Though it didn’t perform well at the box office initially, earning around ₹5.30 crore against a budget of ₹2.90 crore, it gained immense love and recognition in the years that followed. The characters of Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor were even referred to by their real names in the film.
Today, Andaz Apna Apna is regarded as one of the greatest comedy-drama films of Hindi cinema, cementing Aamir Khan and Salman Khan’s positions as iconic stars.
3: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1195)
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), commonly known as DDLJ, is a landmark Bollywood romantic comedy. Directed by Aditya Chopra, the film tells the love story of Raj and Simran, two young people who fall in love while traveling in Europe but face family opposition when they return to India. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles, the film became a massive hit and continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema.
The movie features six memorable songs, with “Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna” becoming especially iconic and being played at almost every wedding. With a modest budget of ₹4 crore, DDLJ earned ₹86 crore in India and ₹103 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
DDLJ holds the record for one of the longest-running films in Indian cinema, having been shown more than 1,000 times at the Maratha Mandir Theater in Mumbai over nearly two decades. The film’s timeless storyline, memorable dialogues, and standout performances by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have made it a classic, and it remains a must-watch for all movie lovers.
4: Mother India (1957)
Mother India (1957), released on October 25, is a classic Hindi-language drama directed by Mehboob Khan. Starring Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar, the film tells the story of a rural Indian woman who faces numerous hardships to raise her sons and survive the challenges of rural life.
The film features 12 memorable songs that were incredibly popular at the time. With earnings of ₹4 crore, Mother India became an all-time blockbuster. Nargis won the Best Actress award, and Mehboob Khan received the Filmfare Award for Best Director. Additionally, the film won two National Awards and made history as the first Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar.
During the filming, a fire broke out on set, and Sunil Dutt heroically saved Nargis, sparking a relationship that led to their marriage within a year. Mother India is regarded as one of the greatest films in Indian cinema, with its powerful story and remarkable performances. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The film is a remake of the 1940 Indian film Aurat and remains one of the best films of all time.
5 : Mughal-e-Azam ( 1960)
Mughal-e-Azam (1960), released on August 5, is one of the most iconic historical films in Indian cinema. Directed by K. Asif, the movie stars Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Madhubala in lead roles. The film portrays the timeless love story between Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar) and the courtesan Anarkali (Madhubala), set against the grandeur of the Mughal empire. Prithviraj Kapoor plays Emperor Akbar, while Durga Khote portrays Jodhabai, Akbar’s queen.
With a budget of ₹1.5 crore, Mughal-e-Azam earned ₹11 crore at the box office, making it an all-time blockbuster. When adjusted for inflation, the film’s earnings would surpass ₹2500 crore today, outgrossing even modern blockbusters like Baahubali and Dangal. Its immense popularity was reflected in the long lines outside theaters, with audiences eagerly awaiting their chance to see this epic unfold on the big screen.
K. Asif directed only two films in his career, but Mughal-e-Azam remains his most celebrated masterpiece. Its success and cultural impact have solidified its place as one of the greatest films in Indian cinematic history.
6: Lagaan (2001)
Lagaan (2001), released on June 15, is a landmark Bollywood film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Starring Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Rajendra Gupta, the movie tells the compelling story of a small Indian village challenging the oppressive British rule through a cricket match. Aamir Khan not only starred in the film but also co-produced it, while Ashutosh Gowariker wrote the story, screenplay, and English dialogues.
The film features a voice-over by Amitabh Bachchan and unforgettable music composed by A.R. Rahman. With a budget of ₹24 crore, Lagaan earned ₹34 crore in India and ₹65.97 crore worldwide. It went on to win 8 Filmfare Awards and 8 National Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film’s powerful message about resilience, justice, and standing up for one’s beliefs continues to inspire audiences.
Set in a village in Kutch district, the final cricket match required a large crowd of 10,000 to 20,000 extras, who were brought in from the nearby town of Bhuj. Lagaan remains a classic in Indian cinema, celebrated for its storytelling, performances, and cultural impact.
7: Pyaasa (1957)
Pyaasa (1957), released on February 19, is a timeless Hindi film directed by Guru Dutt, starring Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha, and Rehman. The movie tells the story of Vijay, a struggling poet whose work is dismissed and discarded by his family. Despite his brilliance, his poetry is ignored, and even his love is unreciprocated. Frustrated, Vijay leaves his home and lives on the streets, only to be mistreated by the husband of the woman he once loved.
Pyaasa is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian films ever made, praised for its exceptional direction and profound storytelling. The film beautifully explores themes of unrecognized genius, unrequited love, and the harshness of societal rejection. Vijay’s poems, discarded by his family, were later published posthumously after his apparent death, causing a stir in the literary world.
The film had a budget of ₹1.5 crore and earned ₹2.9 crore in India, with a worldwide total of ₹3 crore. Its influence on Indian cinema remains profound, and it is considered essential viewing for fans of Bollywood and Indian culture.
8 : Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) is a classic Bollywood romantic comedy that became an iconic love story. Directed by Karan Johar in his directorial debut, the film stars Shah Rukh Khan as Rahul and Kajol as Anjali, childhood friends who reunite during their college years. The movie’s heartwarming storyline, memorable dialogues, and hit songs made it a massive success.
With a budget of ₹10 crore, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai grossed ₹40 crore in India and a total worldwide collection of ₹106 crore. At the time of its release, it became one of the highest-grossing films, cementing its place as a blockbuster. It struck a chord with the younger generation, especially college students, who loved its portrayal of friendship, love, and emotions.
The film also faced competition with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which was released simultaneously, but Kuch Kuch Hota Hai dominated the box office and remains a beloved classic.
9 : 3 Idiots (2009)
3 Idiots (2009) is a groundbreaking Indian comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani and written by Abhijat Joshi and Rajkumar Hirani. The film stars Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. It became the first Indian film to gross ₹200 crore in India, marking a milestone in Bollywood’s commercial success.
The movie is set in an engineering college in Bangalore and explores the pressures faced by students within India’s education system. Based on Chetan Bhagat’s 2004 novel Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots follows the lives of three friends and offers a satirical yet heartwarming commentary on the challenges of academic life.
Notably, the film’s pregnancy scene, originally intended for Munna Bhai MBBS, was added to 3 Idiots, adding a comedic touch. Shot in 2008, it resonated deeply with college students and the younger generation and became a cultural phenomenon. With a runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes, the film became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of its time, earning rave reviews for its performances and insightful commentary.
It also received critical acclaim and is the highest-rated Bollywood film on Rotten Tomatoes. 3 Idiots continues to be celebrated as one of India’s most successful and influential films.
10 : Tare Zameen par (2007
Taare Zameen Par (2007) is an Indian drama film directed by Aamir Khan. Khan stars alongside Darsheel Safary in the movie. Written by Amole Gupte, it addresses the emotional and educational challenges faced by children, particularly those with learning disabilities like dyslexia.
The story revolves around 8-year-old Ishaan Awasthi, who struggles academically and is misunderstood by his parents and teachers. His world changes when Ram Shankar Nikumbh (played by Aamir Khan), a compassionate art teacher, recognizes his unique talent and helps him embrace his abilities. The film highlights how every child learns differently and how nurturing support can help them realize their potential.
The film’s message about understanding and supporting children with learning disabilities resonated deeply with audiences, making it an emotional and impactful watch. It challenges the societal obsession with academic excellence and encourages a more inclusive perspective.
With a budget of ₹12 crore, Taare Zameen Par earned ₹61 crore at the box office. The film was released across 500 screens and garnered widespread critical acclaim. The majority of the film’s shooting took place in the picturesque Panchgani village, adding to its charm. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music, also widely appreciated, became a hit.
Taare Zameen Par continues to be regarded as one of the most inspiring films in Indian cinema. It illuminates the importance of understanding and supporting children’s emotional and educational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taare Zameen Par about?
Taare Zameen Par is a drama film about an 8-year-old boy named Ishaan Awasthi who struggles with dyslexia. The film depicts how his family and teachers misunderstand him. Still, with the guidance of an art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, he discovers his true potential and learns to embrace his unique abilities.
Who directed Taare Zameen Par?
The film was directed by Aamir Khan, who also played a key role in the movie. It was his directorial debut.
What is the main message of the movie?
The movie advocates for understanding and supporting children with learning disabilities. It emphasizes that every child learns differently and that academic success should not be the only measure of a child’s abilities. The film promotes the idea that with the proper guidance and encouragement, every child can excel in their own way.
Who are the lead actors in Taare Zameen Par?
The lead actors include Darsheel Safary, who plays Ishaan Awasthi, and Aamir Khan, who plays Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the art teacher. Other notable actors include Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma, who are in supporting roles.
What was there Zameen’s budget and box office collection
The film had a budget of ₹12 crore and earned ₹61 crore at the box office.
What is the significance of the film in Indian cinema?
Taare Zameen Par is considered a landmark film in Indian cinema for its sensitive portrayal of dyslexia and its challenge to societal pressures related to academic performance. The movie’s success helped raise awareness about learning disabilities and inspired many to reconsider traditional education methods.
Where was Taare Zameen Par filmed?
The majority of the film was shot in Panchgani, a hill station near Mumbai, which provided the picturesque backdrop for the story.
How was the music of Taare Zameen Par received?
The music of Taare Zameen Par, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, was widely appreciated. Songs like “Maa,” “Taare Zameen Par,” and “Bum Bum Bole” became very popular and contributed to the film’s emotional impact.
Did Taare Zameen Par win any awards?
Yes, the film won several awards, including Filmfare Awards and National Film Awards. Aamir Khan received critical acclaim for his direction and performance in the movie.
What impact did Taare Zameen Par have on Indian society?
The film raised awareness of dyslexia and the need for a more inclusive and understanding education system. It also helped initiate conversations about children’s emotional well-being and the importance of recognizing different learning abilities.
Conclusion
Taare Zameen Par is not just a film but an eye-opener for society. It offers a powerful message about understanding, acceptance, and the importance of nurturing a child’s unique abilities. Through its heartfelt storytelling, the movie brings attention to the struggles of children with learning disabilities, particularly dyslexics; it emphasizes that traditional education methods might not be suitable for every child.
With Aamir Khan’s sensitive direction and a remarkable performance by Darsheel Safary, the film resonates deeply with audiences and continues to inspire people to reconsider the conventional approach to education. The film remains a timeless classic in Indian cinema, encouraging empathy and a broader perspective on childhood development and learning.
