Family Drama films have lost its charm and popularity that it gained over the years in the Bollywood industry.
While the industry saw some of the best family movies during the 90s and 2000s, the trend is slowly diminishing in the industry, thanks to the action packed masala movies and adult comedies.
I still remember those days when I used to go for movies with the whole family and we used to have so much fun just to spend a gala time during the movie. In context with the Indian standards, there were many films produced in the family drama genre during that era.
Today, I am planning to share some of my favourite family drama films, some of which I have watched with my family whereas some I wish to.
Table of Contents
Best Drama Films You Can Watch With Your Family
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Taare Zameen Par is one of the best films I have watched till date. You can only expect brilliance and nothing else when Aamir Khan, the Mr. Perfectionist takes over the direction.
This film tells the story of a dyslexic young boy, who is often demeaned and tagged as dumb until he is noticed by the new art teacher, played by Aamir Khan himself. It’s a beautiful and inspirational movie as well as a must watch for everyone.
OMG – Oh My God! (2012)
OMG – Oh My God! is a 2012 satirical comedy film directed by Umesh Shukla. The film is actually based on a Gujarati play Kanji Virudh Kanji as well as the Australian film The Man Who Sued God.
The film stars Paresh Rawal in the lead role as Kanji, whereas Akshay Kumar plays Lord Krishna. The film exploits the unethical traits of the so-called Godmen in the country and tries to send a message to the people of India.
To understand the message, I urge everyone to watch the film, if you haven’t yet.
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)
The list of best family drama films would be incomplete without the Munna Bhai series. In the year 2003, Rajkumar Hirani introduced us to Munna Bhai and Circuit with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
The film is actually based on the 1998 English movie Patch Adams. The film tells the story of a kind-hearted goon Munna Bhai, played by Sanjay Dutt, who gets admission into a medical school run by Dr. Asthana, played by Boman Irani. From there, a series of comedy and a laughter ride begins.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai is the second installment in the Munna Bhai series. Both Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi reprised their roles as Munna Bhai and Circuit respectively in the film.
Although the second film in the series, Lage Raho Munna Bhai isn’t a sequel to the first film and instead follows a completely new storyline.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai tells the story of Munna Bhai, who starts seeing the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and adopts his philosophy of Gandhism with a pinch of Munna Bhai essence and calls in Gandhigiri. The film also stars Vidya Balan and Boman Irani in important roles.
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)
Although India’s No.1 romantic film of all time, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was loved by people from all generation and become one of the best family movies in the Bollywood industry.
The film made Shah Rukh Khan a star overnight and also gave us the hit pair of SRK and Kajol, which was destined to make history in the industry with 100% success rate with several romantic films over the years. The film also marked as the directorial debut for Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra’s son.
Chupke Chupke (1975)
The list of great family movies can’t be complete without a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film. Hence, we have the 1975 Indian comedy film Chupke Chupke.
The film stars Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore in the lead roles, whereas Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, and others play important roles as supporting cast.
The film released in the same year just before the pair of Amitabh and Dharmendra became popular as Jai and Veeru with Sholay. However, Chupke Chupke gets the credit for pairing the two superstars together and displaying their comical chemistry with one another.
Also Read : Best Comedy Movies of Bollywood Ever
Bumm Bumm Bole (2010)
After Taare Zameen Par, Darsheel Safari starred in yet another children film titled Bumm Bumm Bole. The film was an official remake of 1997 Iranian film Children of Heaven which was even nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language category.
Alongside Darsheel Safary, the film also stars Atul Kulkarni, Rituparna Sengupta, and newcomer Ziyah Vastani. The film is directed by the legendary Priyadarshan.
Khosla ka Ghosla (2006)
Not all films in Bollywood require stars for success. There are many films like the 2006 comedy drama Khosla ka Ghosla that gained popularity and success at the box office merely because of the acting performances and great story.
Directed by Dibaker Banerjee, the film features Anupam Kher and Boman Irani in the lead roles and as rivals. The film also pleased the critics and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for 2006.
Iqbal (2005)
Iqbal is a coming-of-age Hindi film based on the most popular sport in India. The film tells a story about a deaf and mute young boy who aspires to become a fast bowler and get selected in the Indian Cricket Team against his father’s wishes.
The film is directed by one of the most versatile and talented Nagesh Kukunoor and stars Shreyas Talpade in the titular role as Iqbal. The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, Shweta Prasad, Yatin Karyekar, and Prateeksha Lonkar in pivotal roles.
Also Read : Best Bollywood Movies on Cricket
Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
After a long time, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh were paired together in the 2010 Hindi comedy drama film Do Dooni Chaar directed by Habib Faisal and produced by Arindam Chaudhuri.
The film tells the story of a middle class family who dream of buying a car amidst inflationary times. It’s a must watch film as it represents the typical urban Indian middle class family.
English Vinglish (2012)
English Vinglish marks the comeback of Sri Devi in Bollywood after 15 long years. Directed by Gauri Shinde, the film follows the story of a Indian housewife who visits New York to attend her niece’s wedding.
While there, she gets enrolled in an English-speaking course to stop her husband and daughter mocking lack of English speaking skills. The film is a must watch for everyone in order to realize the efforts that Indian housewives put into care and nurture of a family and the respect they deserve.
