Bollywood films have captivated audiences around the world for decades. From extravagant song and dance sequences to larger-than-life stories, Bollywood blockbusters are known for their powerful visual storytelling.
The latest and most popular Bollywood blockbusters include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Dangal, Padmaavat, Baahubali: The Beginning, PK and Dhadak. These movies feature an array of characters that viewers can relate to and inspire with their resilience in the face of adversity.
Through artful storytelling techniques such as musical numbers and unforgettable dialogue scenes, these films offer a unique window into Indian culture while inspiring its audience with themes of courage and strength.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
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Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, released in 1995, has been widely celebrated within Indian cinema as a lasting cultural phenomenon. Its success has been credited with reviving the romance genre of Bollywood and bringing the spotlight back to its industry. It was one of the most successful films of all time in India and proved to be very popular abroad as well.
The impact of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge on Bollywood is still felt today as it set a new standard for romantic comedies and established an international presence for Indian film. The plot and characters from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge have become iconic over time, transcending both language barriers and international cultures. The soundtrack was also highly praised, becoming one of the best-selling albums in Indian music history.
Its popularity outside India can be seen in various countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, United Kingdom among many others where audiences embraced its story and message wholeheartedly. The success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge demonstrated that there was a large potential audience both within India and internationally for Bollywood films that were able to combine romance with comedy effectively while maintaining strong cultural values at their core.
This paved the way for further successes in this genre such as Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani which followed suit in 2013 to great acclaim from fans all over the world.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
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Released in 2013, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani grossed over ₹1.45 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, this romantic drama was an instant hit with moviegoers.
The film follows the journey of two friends Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone) as they explore youth with their friends Aditi (Kalki Koechlin) and Avi (Aditya Roy Kapur). It celebrates friendship while also exploring stardom through its characters:
- Bunny is a carefree traveler who discovers the world beyond his career ambitions;
- Naina is a studious girl who learns to let go of her inhibitions;
- Aditi is an independent woman who seeks liberation from societal norms;
- Avi is a famous actor who yearns for love but finds himself alone.
The film skillfully employs melodrama to tug at the heartstrings while romanticizing friendship and examining stardom. Its stirring soundtrack composed by Pritam further adds to its emotionality.
With its themes still relevant today, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani continues to be celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most popular blockbusters that captures the spirit of youth in India.
Moving on from this classic we will look at another blockbuster – ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
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Bajrangi Bhaijaan, released in 2015, was a commercially successful film directed by Kabir Khan and starring Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra.
The story follows the journey of a mute Indian girl who finds herself lost in Pakistan.
With the help of an unlikely ally, she embarks on an epic adventure to be reunited with her family back home in India.
Relevance of Bajrangi Bhaijaan in modern times is highlighted by its depiction of cultural differences, peace between two countries and religious tolerance.
Through its heartwarming message that even borders cannot constrain true friendship, it has had an immense impact on the Indian movie industry.
Its success at the box office has reminded filmmakers of the potential for intelligent and meaningful stories to capture audiences’ hearts.
As such, Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains one of the most popular blockbusters from Bollywood to date paving way for Dangal which followed soon after.
Dangal
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Dangal is a 2016 Indian sports drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra and Zaira Wasim.
It tells the true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an amateur wrestler who trains his daughters to become India’s first world-class female wrestlers.
The film is an inspiring tale of change and women empowerment that touches upon themes of gender inequality within traditional Indian society.
The movie has been lauded for its realistic depiction of the struggles faced by female athletes in India and how they overcome them with perseverance and determination.
Dangal was a huge commercial success in India as well as abroad, becoming one of the highest grossing films ever released in Bollywood history.
Its impact on popular culture has been immense, sparking conversations about gender roles and inspiring young girls to follow their dreams despite any obstacles they may face.
The film serves as a reminder that anyone can be successful if they have the courage to defy societal norms and strive for greatness.
As such, it sets an example for other aspiring filmmakers looking to make meaningful contributions to cinema through thought-provoking stories like this one.
Moving forward from Dangal’s inspiring tale of change, we look towards Padmaavat – another powerful Indian blockbuster movie which delves into the depths of Indian mythology while exploring themes such as honour, loyalty and self-sacrifice.
Padmaavat
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Padmaavat is a 2018 Indian epic period drama film based on the 16th-century Sufi poem of the same name and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles, it was one of the most anticipated movies in India. It was praised for its grandeur, spectacular visuals and powerful performances. The movie also generated a lot of buzz globally due to its controversial nature as well as its strong box office performance.
The impact of Padmaavat on Indian cinema has been huge with many filmmakers citing it as an example of what a good historical epic should look like. The movie’s success has made it easier for filmmakers to take risks while making big budget films which were previously considered risky investments. In addition, Padmaavat has also made Bollywood films more accessible to western audiences by showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Rajputana culture on an international platform.
The reception that Padmaavat received in the west was largely positive with critics praising it for its artistic value and heart-rending storyline. This further solidified Bhansali’s reputation as one of India’s leading directors while also helping other Bollywood films reach wider audiences around the world through their unique storytelling techniques and captivating visuals.
Moving forward, Baahubali: The Beginning will be yet another installment in this growing line of successful Indian epics that have been pushing boundaries within their respective genres.
Baahubali: The Beginning
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Baahubali: The Beginning is an Indian epic action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli and released in 2015, which tells the story of two warring brothers and their fight for justice.
It was a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences around the world, becoming the highest grossing Indian film ever at the time of its release.
With lavish sets, stunning visuals, and a powerful message, Baahubali: The Beginning left an indelible mark on cinema-goers everywhere.
The legacy of Baahubali lives on today as it continues to be admired for its incredible screenplay and production values.
The behind-the-scenes stories about how each scene was filmed offer fascinating insight into the dedication of its filmmakers as well as their passion for creating something truly special.
From elaborate costume designs to complex stunts and unique camera angles, every aspect of this movie was carefully crafted to provide audiences with an unforgettable experience.
Baahubali: The Beginning proved itself to be more than just another big budget film – it represented a turning point in Indian cinema where mainstream films could compete with Hollywood blockbusters on a global scale.
This monumental success paved the way for future generations of filmmakers who were inspired by its ambition and grandeur, setting the stage for PK – yet another Bollywood blockbuster ready to take center stage in cinemas worldwide.
PK
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PK, an Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a whimsical story of an alien’s journey to explore the complexities and nuances of human relationships.
Starring Aamir Khan in the titular role, PK showcases his versatility as an actor and also features some brilliant comic adaptations, creating a unique blend of laughter and emotion.
The movie was one of the biggest blockbusters of its time and was loved by both critics and audiences alike for its star power and engaging storytelling.
Anushka Sharma plays opposite Aamir Khan in the movie, giving a memorable performance that resonated with viewers around the world.
PK is still remembered today as one of Bollywood’s most successful films and continues to be talked about as one of the best comic adaptations to come out of India.
Transitioning smoothly into our next topic about ‘Dhadak’, it can be said that this film served as an inspiration for many other movies within its genre.
Dhadak
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Dhadak is an Indian romantic drama released in 2018, directed by Shashank Khaitan and starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. The movie was a commercial success at the box office, grossing over ₹90 crore worldwide on its release date.
With its captivating story of two star-crossed lovers from different backgrounds, Dhadak has managed to capture the hearts of audiences all over India. Dhadak has had a significant influence on Indian cinema since its release, inspiring many young filmmakers to pursue their dreams and create similar stories that resonate with the youth of today.
Its impact is also felt within youth culture as it popularized certain values like standing up for one’s beliefs and family honor that are often found in traditional Bollywood films. Moreover, Dhadak served as an inspiration for many aspiring actors who saw the performance of Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor as something they would want to emulate in their own acting career.
The film’s portrayal of two individuals from different backgrounds falling in love without social taboos or judgment resonated strongly with millennials across India, making it an instant classic that will be remembered for generations to come. Its success shows how much potential lies within modern Bollywood productions when combined with great storytelling and talented actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time?
The highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time is the 2019 release ‘War’, which earned over Rs. 542 crore at the box office.
This success has created a trend in Bollywood that is focused on large-scale action films, with increasing budgets and higher stakes for producers.
Despite being produced on an exceptionally large budget, War was able to defy expectations and become one of the most successful movies in India’s history.
It stands as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation when combined with an engaging style of entertainment, appealing to audiences who seek out larger-than-life experiences from their favorite films.
What is the most awarded Bollywood movie of all time?
The most awarded Bollywood movie of all time is Lagaan, released in 2001. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh and Rachel Shelley in the lead roles, this movie was highly acclaimed for its casting decisions, storyline and screenplay.
The box office success of the movie earned it numerous awards in India and abroad including eight Filmfare Awards (including Best Actor for Aamir Khan) as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. With its strong performance at the box office coupled with a plethora of accolades from esteemed juries, Lagaan has become a timeless classic that continues to be remembered by audiences around the world.
What Bollywood movies have had the biggest cultural impact?
One of the most culturally impactful Bollywood films is ‘3 Idiots’ (2009), which has become a global phenomenon, grossing more than $100 million worldwide.
The movie’s success has been attributed to its star power, with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor leading the cast, as well as its powerful musical score.
It has been credited for influencing popular culture by breaking Bollywood’s traditional genre boundaries and inspiring youth to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations.
The film’s message of hope and empowerment resonated strongly with audiences across the world, helping to establish India in the international film market with its unique take on storytelling and star power.
What are the most popular Bollywood songs of the last decade?
In the last decade, a new trend in Bollywood music has emerged with romantic musicals and female-led films leading the way.
Songs such as ‘Channa Mereya’ from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) and ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2 (2013) have been widely praised for their emotionally charged lyrics, stirring melodies, and powerful vocals.
These songs have become anthems for many and are often heard at Indian weddings or other festive occasions.
As these tracks continue to capture audiences’ hearts, they are sure to remain popular for years to come.
What is the most watched Bollywood movie on streaming services?
Although box office success and star power have traditionally been indicative of the most popular Bollywood movies, streaming trends have started to shift the paradigm.
One particular movie has seen a surge in popularity due to its presence on streaming services: Dangal.
Starring Aamir Khan, this sports-drama follows a former wrestler’s journey to train two of his daughters to become world-class athletes.
Its powerful narrative and uplifting message have resonated with viewers worldwide, making it one of the most watched Bollywood movies on streaming services in recent years.
With its clever use of irony and entertaining style, Dangal is sure to remain a beloved classic for years to come.
Conclusion
The success of Bollywood films in recent years has been undeniable. From Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and from Bajrangi Bhaijaan to Dangal, these films have achieved remarkable success.
Padmaavat, Baahubali: The Beginning and PK have also proved to be popular amongst the movie-going public. It is evident that creativity and innovation are essential factors for the making of a blockbuster film.
However, entertainment remains at the core of any successful film. Thus, it could be argued that an effective combination of creativity, innovation and entertainment is crucial in order for a movie to become a box office hit.
