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What to watch after gadar 2: Iconic bollywood movies from the 2000s

Fresh off the impact of Gadar 2, revisit the era that brought us some of Bollywood's most memorable films. From patriotic epics to defining romances, these movies shaped a generation.

Border
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
Rang De Basanti

The release of Gadar 2 brings back memories of a golden age for Bollywood, particularly the late 1990s and early 2000s. This period wasn't just about blockbusters; it was about films that resonated deeply with audiences, whether through fervent patriotism or heartfelt family sagas.

Movies like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Border tapped into strong nationalistic sentiment, becoming cultural touchstones. Lagaan and Swades offered different facets of Indian identity and struggle, earning critical acclaim alongside commercial success.

But this era was also defined by its massive romantic and family dramas. Films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (a phenomenon that ran in theaters for over two decades), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai weren't just hits; they set trends in fashion, music, and storytelling, shaping the very image of modern Bollywood romance. Movies like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Dil Chahta Hai, Veer-Zaara, and Mohabbatein further explored themes of love, friendship, and family with star-studded casts and unforgettable soundtracks.

Even a film like Koi... Mil Gaya pushed boundaries by introducing sci-fi elements into a mainstream Bollywood format. Together, these films represent a diverse and incredibly popular period in Hindi cinema, showcasing powerful performances and music that remains popular today. Revisiting them offers a deep dive into the movies that continue to influence Bollywood and entertain audiences worldwide.

14. Koi... Mil Gaya (2003)

Rakesh Roshan's Koi... Mil Gaya is a pioneering science fiction film in Bollywood, featuring Hrithik Roshan in a National Award-winning performance as Rohit Mehra, a young man with developmental disabilities. His life changes when he makes contact with an alien named Jadoo. The film is a heartwarming story about friendship, acceptance, and finding one's potential, elevated by the introduction of the alien character and special effects. Preity Zinta stars as his friend and love interest. The film was a major success and spawned the popular Krrish superhero franchise. It's a charming and emotional movie that broke new ground for the genre in Indian cinema.

Koi... Mil Gaya

13. Mohabbatein (2000)

Aditya Chopra's Mohabbatein is a musical romantic drama exploring the conflict between love and fear, tradition and modernity. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan as a strict headmaster of a prestigious boys' school and Shah Rukh Khan as a music teacher who believes in the power of love. The story intertwines multiple love stories among the students, challenging the rigid rules of the institution. Known for its grand scale, picturesque locations (especially the Gurukul school), and Jatin-Lalit's popular music, Mohabbatein is a Yash Raj Films signature production that celebrates romance and the spirit of rebellion against oppressive norms. It marked a significant shift for Amitabh Bachchan in playing a more authoritarian role.

Mohabbatein

12. Veer-Zaara (2004)

Yash Chopra's romantic epic Veer-Zaara tells a cross-border love story between Veer Pratap Singh, an Indian Air Force pilot (Shah Rukh Khan), and Zaara Hayaat Khan, a Pakistani woman (Preity Zinta). Their love saga spans decades and continents, facing numerous obstacles including separation and imprisonment. The film is known for its sweeping romance, beautiful cinematography, and the fact that its music was composed by the late Madan Mohan, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, giving it a classic, timeless feel. Veer-Zaara is a testament to enduring love and sacrifice, set against a backdrop of political and social divides, carrying a message of peace and humanity.

Veer-Zaara

11. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, is a groundbreaking film that captured the essence of modern Indian youth and friendship. Starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna as three friends with different approaches to love and life, the film follows their journey from college graduation to adulthood. Set partly in Goa and Sydney, the movie is lauded for its realistic portrayal of relationships, witty writing, and fresh perspective on contemporary urban life. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music was a major hit, perfectly complementing the film's cool and breezy vibe. Dil Chahta Hai became a cultural touchstone for a generation, redefining friendship dramas in Bollywood.

Dil Chahta Hai

10. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

Directed by Nikhil Advani and written by Karan Johar, Kal Ho Naa Ho is an emotional romantic drama set in New York City. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan and is known for its heartfelt story about love, friendship, and living life to the fullest. Shah Rukh Khan plays a charismatic neighbor who brings joy and changes the lives of a troubled family. The film is celebrated for its witty dialogue, strong performances, beautiful cinematography capturing NYC, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's incredibly popular and touching soundtrack. It's a film that masterfully balances humor and pathos, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

9. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Karan Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, is a quintessential 90s Bollywood romance. The film tells the story of college friends Rahul and Anjali, and how their lives intersect years later after a promise made by Rahul's late wife Tina. It popularized friendship as a core theme in romance and resonated strongly with the youth of the time. The film is famous for its catchy title track, stylish college sequences, and the emotional depth brought by its lead actors. It was a massive box office success and won numerous awards, solidifying the star power of its leads and launching Karan Johar's successful career.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

8. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

Karan Johar's multi-starrer family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (K3G) is a grand spectacle exploring themes of family values, love, and reconciliation. Featuring a legendary cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the film follows the story of a wealthy family fractured by a father's rigid principles and a son's love marriage. Known for its lavish production design, emotional depth, catchy music by Jatin-Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya, and Aadesh Shrivastava, and stylish costumes, K3G was a massive commercial success and remains a beloved film for its depiction of Indian family dynamics and emotional storytelling. It's a true celebration of Bollywood's grandeur.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

7. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Aditya Chopra's directorial debut, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), is quite simply a landmark in Indian cinema. This romantic classic starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol redefined Bollywood romance and became the longest-running film in Indian history, playing for over 1000 weeks in a Mumbai theatre. The story of Raj and Simran, two young Indians in Europe who fall in love but must convince Simran's conservative father for their marriage, captured hearts worldwide. Its iconic dialogues, picturesque European and Indian locations, and Jatin–Lalit's timeless songs have cemented its place in popular culture. DDLJ is more than a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon that continues to be loved across generations.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

6. Swades (2004)

Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades is a poignant and inspiring film starring Shah Rukh Khan in one of his most acclaimed performances. He plays Mohan Bhargav, an NRI working as a project manager at NASA, who returns to his roots in rural India to find his childhood nanny. His journey leads him to rediscover his connection to his homeland and become involved in improving the lives of the villagers. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of rural India, its focus on social responsibility, and A.R. Rahman's soulful music. Unlike typical Bollywood fare, Swades is a grounded and introspective film that encourages viewers to think about their own contribution to society.

Swades

5. Rang De Basanti (2006)

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti is a powerful and thought-provoking film that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present. It tells the story of a group of disillusioned young friends in modern India who are cast in a documentary about Indian freedom fighters. As they portray these historical figures, they begin to connect with their revolutionary spirit and are galvanized to challenge corruption and injustice in their own time. The film is celebrated for its unconventional narrative structure, strong performances by actors like Aamir Khan, Siddharth, and Sharman Joshi, and its unflinching look at contemporary social issues. Its soundtrack by A.R. Rahman is also widely popular and contributed significantly to the film's impact.

Rang De Basanti

4. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a cinematic masterpiece that blends historical drama with a thrilling sports narrative. Set in a small village in British India, the story revolves around a group of villagers who accept a seemingly impossible challenge: beat the British in a game of cricket to get their tax (lagaan) waived. Aamir Khan leads the cast in this critically acclaimed and commercially successful film, which was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film's meticulous period detail, compelling underdog story, and A.R. Rahman's incredible music make it a truly special viewing experience that celebrates resilience and unity.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India

3. Border (1997)

J.P. Dutta's Border is a quintessential Indian war film based on the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Featuring an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, and Jackie Shroff, the movie is renowned for its realistic portrayal of soldiers' lives, sacrifices, and the harsh realities of war. The film's patriotic fervor is undeniable, and its emotional depth is enhanced by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy's stirring music, including the widely popular song 'Sandese Aate Hain'. Border isn't just about battles; it delves into the personal stories and bonds between the men serving on the front lines, making their bravery all the more impactful.

Border

2. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha is an absolute classic of Indian cinema, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1947 partition. Directed by Anil Sharma, it tells the epic love story of Tara Singh, a Sikh truck driver, and Sakeena, a Muslim woman, and their struggle for survival and unity amidst communal violence. Sunny Deol's portrayal of Tara Singh became legendary, known for his raw strength and emotional depth. The film was a box office giant and is celebrated for its powerful performances, dramatic storyline, and iconic songs like 'Udd Jaa Kaale Kaawan'. It's a film that resonated deeply with audiences, exploring themes of love, patriotism, and the human cost of historical events.

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha

1. Gadar 2 (2023)

Get ready for the return of Tara Singh! Gadar 2 picks up decades after the events of the original, bringing back Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel in their iconic roles. This sequel dives back into the intense cross-border saga, this time focusing on Tara Singh's journey to rescue his son from Pakistan. Expect high-octane action sequences, powerful dialogue, and a heavy dose of patriotism, all amplified by director Anil Sharma. The film taps into the nostalgia of the first part while attempting to deliver a fresh, compelling narrative for a new generation. It's a mass entertainer that aims to recreate the magic and emotion that made its predecessor a cultural phenomenon.

Gadar 2

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