25+ Best Bollywood Films of 70s That Revolutionized Indian Cinema

Pakeezah (1972)

Pakeezah is a 1972 cult classic film directed by Kamal Amrohi. The film is considered to be loosely based on the love story of real-life couple; Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari. Meena Kumari also portrays the female lead in the film, whereas Raaj Kumar plays the male lead.

Amar Prem (1972)

Amar Prem is yet another Rajesh Khanna–Shakti Samanta film released in the 70s. It is one of the 17 consecutive hits by Rajesh Khanna in the 70s. The film is the remake of 1970 Bengali film Nishi Padma directed by Arabinda Mukherjee. The film tells us the story about a budding mother-son relationship between a young boy and a prostitute neighbor played by Sharmila Tagore.

Also Read: Old Classic Bollywood Movies You Must Watch Once

Koshish (1972)

Koshish is a 1972 Hindi drama directed by Gulzar. The film features a deaf and mute couple who are leading a happy life spreading joy and hope around them. Starring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan in the lead roles, the film is about hope and determination.

Bawarchi (1972)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Bawarchi is Hindi comedy film starring Rajesh Khanna in the titular role. The film tells a story of a family where all the family members despise one another. However, when a Bawarchi (Chef) enters the scene, the tensions and hatred among the family members turn to love and care. The film also stars Jaya Bachchan as the female lead, whereas Asrani, Usha Kiran, A.K. Hangal, Durga Khote, and Harindranath Chattopadhyay also play pivotal roles.

Bobby (1973)

Bobby is directed by Raj Kapoor and the debut film of his son, Rishi Kapoor, as a male lead. Bobby also happens to be the debut film for Dimple Kapadia as well. The film began the trend of teenage romance with the rich vs. poor class as the biggest hurdle in the love story.

Abhimaan (1973)

Yet another Hrishikesh Mukherjee film that makes it to our list of best Bollywood films of the 70s is Abhimaan. The film stars the real-life couple Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan and is themed around the life of playback singers. As per author Raju Bharatan, the film was based on Kishore Kumar and his first wife, Ruma Ghosh.

Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

Yaadon Ki Baaraat is a 1973 action drama film starring Dharmendra in the lead role. Directed by Nasir Hussain, the film is based on the popular lost and reunite trend in Bollywood. The film has become immortal in the history of Indian cinema for its soundtrack composed by the legendary composer R.D. Burman.

Garm Hawa (1973)

Garam Hawa is an Urdu film starring Balraj Sahni in the lead role. Directed by M.S. Sathyu, the film is written by Kaifi Azmi and Shama Zaidi. The film was actually adapted as a feature film from an unpublished short story by noted Urdu writer Ismat Chughtai. The film is set during the partition of India in 1947 and focuses on the dilemma of Salim, portrayed by Sahni, whether to join other family members and move to Pakistan or stay back.