Friendship is a recurring theme in movies, and Bollywood has presented us with some remarkable classics over the years. These films are gentle reminders of how lines blur between friends and family, and when you find ‘your person’- the one who will always have your back, you don’t need much more. Celebrating the bonds with our chosen family, here are nine Bollywood movies that have redefined friendship in many ways. Go (re)watch them with your squad now!
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Rivalry turns into friendship in this classic. Amar (Aamir Khan) and Prem’s (Salman Khan) competitive nok-jhok brings to the front the most bizarre friendship seen in Bollywood. The fun-loving movie will crack you up every time!
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
The characters Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna) were a representation of real-life people and their complicated relationships. It also gave rise to the ultimate ‘Goa trip’ that every friend circle hopes to take… someday. The film went on to become a pop-culture classic for a reason!
Rang De Basanti (2006)
The interpretation of India’s freedom fighters correlated with the modern-day lives of a group of friends changed the scene for Bollywood’s friendship movies. They literally died for their friend- that’s enough testament to their bond.
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Jay (Imran Khan) and Aditi’s (Genelia D‘Souza) relationship is the ultimate tribute to ‘love is friendship’. Besides that, the connection between their entire gang and Aditi and her brother’s (Prateek Babbar) touched many hearts and is relatable to this day.
3 Idiots (2009)
The blockbuster film about Farhan (R. Madhavan), Raju (Sharman Joshi) and Rancho (Aamir Khan) hit us with uncontrollable laughter, with important underlying messages. It’s a simple story of how three strangers from different backgrounds go on to become life-long friends, just as any other college friend group. We go on to learn, all izz well, as long as we have our friends around!
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
The film that makes us want to take that reunion trip we have been planning forever, ZNMD, is feel-good in every way possible. What makes it one of the most acclaimed movies of all time is how every person from every generation relates to the characters and the story. We all see ourselves or our friends in Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), Imran (Farhan Akhtar) and Kabir (Abhay Deol), and that’s what makes it beautiful.
Cocktail (2012)
The movie teaches us that friendship comes with its own baggage, and sometimes, you have to sacrifice and put your friend’s happiness above yours. The songs Daaru Desi and Yaariyan have also become friendship anthems since then—truly heart-warming tunes.
Queen (2013)
Rani (Kangana Ranaut) makes friends for a lifetime on her life-changing solo trip to Paris. This movie shows that you don’t have to know the same language or be from the same place to be friends. All you need is support and understanding—that goes a long way!
Chhichhore (2019)
Chhichhore brings back so many memories for anyone who’s ever lived in a hostel and makes us re-live competitive college fests that gave rise to many friendships amidst all the rivalry. The fun and light-hearted movie is backed by a strong message and stands true to the saying ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’
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