This Deepavali is going to be quite a different affair, seeing as many are cooped up at home, and there’s only so much that can be done to get into the festive spirit.
On the bright side, this is the perfect time to snuggle up to your loved ones and gear up for a full-blown movie marathon.
Take your pick of these beloved classics, grab some muruku, boil a pot of chai and get comfortable.
1. Khabi Khushi Khabie Gham
Get stacks of tissue boxes and Deepavali snacks ready if you’re planning on watching this iconic three-hour melodrama. This film, otherwise known as K3G, beautifully portrays every aspect of human emotion and poignantly addresses familial relationships, romance and conflict.
K3G is also famous for its recognisable soundtrack, so no one will judge you if you spent your entire childhood trying to master the choreography behind ‘Bole Chudiyan’ and ‘Savva Savva’. You’re not alone.
At the time of its release, K3G became the highest-grossing Indian film ever worldwide and won several popular awards as well.
2. 3 Idiots
‘3 Idiots’ is quite possibly one of the most entertaining movies to watch with the family.
But don’t let the title and premise fool you, as it is chock-full of social commentaries and valuable lessons.
Watch this if you’re in the mood for a hard-hitting movie with some comical elements thrown into the mix.
3. Mohabbatein
If you’re a hopeless romantic and enjoy nothing more than a really good love story, then Mohabbatein is a must-watch.
This classic masterpiece highlights the endearing moments of a relationship and proves that love truly does conquer all. The storyline is beautifully-written and its impressive background will tug at your heartstrings.
Again, keep a tissue box – or a few – lying around, just in case.
4. Om Shanti Om
Quite possibly one of the best Bollywood romantic-comedies ever made, Om Shanti Om is a parody of Bollywood’s golden era set in the 70s.
With a talented cast, great music and shameless drama, this movie is perfect for those looking for a light-hearted yet witty movie.
5. Housefull
Tired of crying during Bollywood movies? Here’s a solid comedy to get you howling and doubling over with laughter.
Housefull gives you a whole new comedic experience and will tickle your funny bone, regardless of how old or young you are.
Plus, if you can’t get enough of the first one, there are several sequels you can watch after.
6. Sivaji: The Boss
‘Sivaji: The Boss’ is a complete entertainer package. Despite being a full-on commercial feast, this movie provides an insight into India’s corrupted education system and poverty issues.
Featuring the uber-popular and beloved Rajinikanth, this action flick will surely get the adrenaline pumping and keep everyone on their toes.
7. Endhiran
Every now and then, it’s good to swap a tear-jerking Bollywood film for an action-packed sci-fi movie.
Endhiran is one such movie, with a narrative on the ethical dilemma of human versus robot. What makes us human? Is it our ability to experience emotions, of which robots are devoid?
Give this movie a go and come up with your own theory; you’ll be glued to the screen!
8. Indian
While this movie isn’t your typical Tamil light-hearted movie, it is still well-designed and beautifully written.
It also highlights a powerful social message about corruption. In fact, it was selected by India as its entry for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ for the Academy Awards in 1996. Although it wasn’t nominated, it is still a winner for reasons you’ll notice once you watch it.
With the ancient lethal martial art Varma Kalai thrown into the mix, you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie.
9. Padayappa
This is one of the movies you will never get sick of watching. The jokes and one-liners hit all the right notes.
Plus, this movie had managed to influence how an entire generation talks. The memorable dialogues have paved its way into the Malaysian vernacular, which makes this movie quite an unforgettable one.
10. Panchathanthiram
Panchathanthiram is a heartfelt comedy about friendship, with a dose of romance and adversity thrown in for good measure.
The story follows a womaniser who gets entangled in a murder mystery with his friends and ends up with smuggled diamonds in his possession.
However, its comical presentation makes it such a classic cult in the comedy genre and is guaranteed to leave the entire family in stitches.