26+ Most Excellent Bollywood Movies of the 80s You Shouldn’t Miss

Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986)

Chameli Ki Shaadi is a light comedy film starring Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh in the lead roles. Although an average grosser at Box Office, the film gained cult status over the years. The film tells the story of aspiring wrestler Charandas who falls in love with Chameli.

However, due to caste differences, both their families oppose their union. The rest of the story is how they get married facing so many hurdles and obstacles set by their families.

Mr. India (1987)

Another Shekhar Kapur directed film; Mr. India was first of its kind sci-fi film in Bollywood cinema. The film tells the story of an orphan young man named Arun, who takes in other orphan children and looks after them like an elder brother despite his own financial troubles.

One day, he comes across a gadget that could make a man invisible once activated. From thereon, Arun takes up the identity of Mr. India and helps people in need. However, the bad guys are after the gadget as well. Whether Arun continues his mission of helping people in his new avatar or the bad guys get their hands on the gadget forms the rest of the story.

Mirch Masala (1987)

Directed by Ketan Mehta, Mirch Masala is a 1987 social drama film starring Naseeruddin Shah and Smita Patil. The film is set in the colonial India of the 1940s and tells the story of a young woman Sonbai, played by Smita Patil, who takes a stand against the tyrant subedar, played by Naseeruddin Shah.

The film also stars Om Puri, Suresh Oberoi, Deepti Naval, Dina Pathak, Paresh Rawal, Benjamin Gilani and Mohan Gokhale.

Pushpak (1987)

Pushpak or Pushpaka Vimana is a 1987 Indian silent, black comedy film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, who has delivered one of his best performances in this film. Written and directed by Singeetam Srinivas Rao, Pushpaka Vimana is considered as the first full-length silent film. T

he film tells the story of a young unemployed man, who stumbles upon a millionaire drunk and his fortunes change completely. The film is full of comedy and humour, making it a must watch for everyone.

Qayamat se Qayamat Tak (1988)

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is the Indian version of Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet play starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla in the lead roles.

Directed by Mansoor Khan, the film turned Aamir and Juhi into superstars overnight owing to its huge box office success. The film is also responsible to start the trend of young love stories and brought back the romance trend in Bollywood.

Salaam Bombay (1988)

India’s second film to be nominated at the Academy Awards in the Foreign Language film category, Salaam Bombay is directed by Mira Nair. The film is about a young boy who comes to Mumbai to make 500 rupees so he can return to his home.

However, it turns out to be a difficult task and he gets tangled into a life from which he can’t get out easily. Whether he earns 500 rupees and returns to his home or not what forms the rest of the film.

Dayavan (1988)

Dayavan is a Hindi remake of the 1987 Tamil blockbuster film Nayagan starring Kamal Haasan. Vinod Khanna replaces Kamal Haasan in the Hindi version and Feroz Khan plays a supporting character in the film.

Directed by Feroz Khan, the film also stars Madhuri Dixit, Aditya Pancholi, Amrish Puri, Amala, Aanjjan Srivastav, Tinu Anand, and Alok Nath in important roles.

Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)

Maine Pyar Kiya is a musical romantic film produced under Rajshri banner and directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya in his directorial debut.

The film stars Salman Khan and Bhagyashree in the lead roles and revolves around a love story between a rich boy and a poor girl. The film launched Salman Khan’s career and he became the lucky mascot and favourite star under Rajshri banner.

Chandni (1989)

Chandni is a 1989 Bollywood Romantic drama film directed by Yash Chopra. The film features a love triangle between the characters portrayed by Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna.

Sridevi plays the titular character that becomes the love interest of the two male leads in the film. Whether she chooses Rohit, played by Rishi Kapoor, or Lalit, played by Vinod Khanna is what forms the crux of the film.

Parinda (1989)

The 1989 crime drama film Parinda tries to draw our attention to the real life of Indian underworld gangsters and the general lifestyle of the residents in Mumbai city.

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra; the film stars Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Nana Patekar, and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles. The film became the turning point in Hindi cinema and encouraged filmmakers to make realistic films and explore the real Indian lifestyle.

Your Turn!

These are the Best Bollywood Movies of 80s, if you think we missed some movies then you can mention them in the comment section or you can create your own favorite Bollywood movies list of 1980s in the comments.