So, you want to get into “Bollywood” films? // English Language Bollywood Recs

So I love Bollywood, and so here I am to tell you, even though nobody has asked me, where to start if you think you might enjoy Bollywood films.

I know Bollywood is a term that covers the Hindi film industry in Mumbai, but I use the terms to describe Indian Cinema in general, so that can includes films from across the subcontinent and sometimes even in Pakistan. Today, I thought I’d share with you a number of Indian films that are in English, so you don’t have to fully deal with subtitles, which can sometimes be a barrier.

The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

This is honestly such an amazing movie. It’s both heartwarming, entertaining and emotional. It will make your mouth water, from the food and because Manish Dayal is a snack. A great movie if you like food and culture and sweet romance and drama, you will like this movie.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

This movie is kind of timeless, I enjoyed it equally as much at 7 as I do at 17. It’s a beautiful story of family, identity, and passion. Also, it’s a musical and I think that is everything.

Growing Up Smith (2016)

This movie is wonderful and very underrated. It’s a story of first love, culture, identity, and family. It’s full of heart and shows how people from vastly different cultures can come together. An excellent family movie.

The Lunch Box (2013)

This movie isn’t for everybody, but it’s a beautiful movie. It about connections and what really constitutes relationships. There is a lot of delicious food and sweet interaction. It’s a drama, about real people and real problems. It’s amazing. Highly recommended.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

This is dark and mature, unlike most actual Bollywood films, but it shows the darker side of India, and it a very well down movie.

Life of Pi (2012)

It’s been years since I’ve seen this, but like it’s a great movie, and something pretty much everyone can enjoy.

My Name is Khan (2010)

Yes, this is the Italian poster, ignore that.

This film is technically a Bollywood film, but it’s set in America and contains a lot of English as well as subtitles. I think it has a very important message that in a post 9/11 world, we all need to think about. It’s about love, family, friendship, disabilities, mental health, and Islamaphobia, and I was highly impressed. This is NOT a love story, it’s a drama about what it’s like to be Muslim in America post.

Viceroy’s House (2017)

This a period piece about the last Viceroy of the British Empire helping the newly formed Indian government transition through partition. It’s a sad movie, but interesting a story that happened.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

This is a beautiful movie about culture, aging, bonding, friendship and love, and it’s actually quite hilarious. Great comedy for adults and teenagers.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The Sequel of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with the tension and stakes higher. A great addition to the first film.

Lion (2016)

italian again, sorry.

A story about family and love and loss. A story about identity and the remarkable way the world brings things back around. A bit sad, but beautiful, especially since Dev Patel is a bae.

Ones that you may want to check out, but I haven’t watched yet as Basmati Blues, Monsoon Wedding, Hotel Mumbai, Mississippi Malasa, Million Dollar Arm, Bride & Prejudice, The Namesake, and or The Midnights Children. If you have any recs for me, please let me know, I love this kinds of movie. Can be a Hindi or English movie. Have you watched any of these or do you a rec? Please, let me know, in the comments!

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