The 1970s was a transformative decade for Hindi cinema, blending intense storytelling with larger-than-life characters. This era saw the emergence of a rebellious hero who challenged societal norms, reflecting the frustrations of the common man. At the same time, colorful and entertaining narratives brought together action, romance, and comedy, creating a unique cinematic formula that became immensely popular. Music remained a crucial element, with unforgettable melodies shaping the emotional depth of films. Alongside mainstream cinema, a new wave of realistic and socially conscious storytelling gained recognition, highlighting issues of rural life, class struggles, and personal conflicts. This decade laid the foundation for many cinematic trends that still influence Bollywood today.
1. Sholay (1975)
Sholay is one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema, blending action, drama, and comedy with unforgettable characters and dialogues. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim-Javed, it tells the story of two small-time criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), who are hired by Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).
The film became a cultural phenomenon, with legendary performances, especially Amjad Khan’s portrayal of Gabbar Singh, whose dialogues like “Kitne aadmi the?” remain etched in pop culture. The friendship between Jai and Veeru, the romance between Veeru and Basanti (Hema Malini), and Jai’s understated love for Radha (Jaya Bhaduri) added emotional depth to the film.
Despite a lukewarm initial response, Sholay went on to become a blockbuster, running for over five years in Mumbai’s Minerva theatre. It is often considered the greatest Indian film ever made, thanks to its gripping storytelling, unforgettable music by R.D. Burman, and a perfect blend of all cinematic elements.
- Star Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan
- Director: Ramesh Sippy
- Year of release: 1975
- OTT Platform: Prime Video
- Movie Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDB Rating: 8.1 / 10
2. Anand (1971)
Anand is a timeless Bollywood classic that beautifully blends emotions, philosophy, and humanity. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the film stars Rajesh Khanna as Anand Sehgal, a terminally ill yet incredibly optimistic man, and Amitabh Bachchan as Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, a serious and introspective physician.
The story revolves around Anand, who suffers from a rare type of cancer but chooses to live his remaining days with joy and laughter, spreading positivity to those around him. His infectious enthusiasm changes the lives of everyone he meets, especially Dr. Bhaskar, who learns the true essence of life from Anand’s unwavering spirit.
With memorable dialogues like “Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi” and an evergreen soundtrack by Salil Chowdhury (featuring songs like “Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye” and “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli”), the film is an emotional rollercoaster that continues to resonate with audiences.
Anand is widely regarded as one of the best films in Indian cinema, with Rajesh Khanna’s heartwarming performance making it truly unforgettable.
- Star Cast: Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Sumita Sanyal, Lalita Panwar, Dara Singh
- Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
- Year of release: 1971
- OTT Platform:Prime Video
- Movie Genre: Darma
- IMDB Rating: 8.1 / 10
3. Gol Maal (1979)
Gol Maal (1979) is a classic Bollywood comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, known for its witty humor, engaging storyline, and memorable performances. The film stars Amol Palekar as Ramprasad Sharma, a simple and honest man who gets caught in a hilarious web of lies to impress his strict boss, Bhavani Shankar (Utpal Dutt), who believes that men with mustaches are sincere and those without are unreliable.
To keep his job, Ramprasad invents a fake twin brother, Lakshmanprasad, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and laugh-out-loud moments. The film also features Bindiya Goswami, Deven Verma, and a brilliant supporting cast that adds to the charm.
With its light-hearted screenplay, R.D. Burman’s delightful music (“Aane Wala Pal” remains a favorite), and Utpal Dutt’s impeccable comic timing, Gol Maal remains one of the best Hindi comedies ever made. Even after decades, its humor feels fresh, making it a must-watch for fans of classic Bollywood cinema.
- Star Cast: Amol Palekar, Utpal Dutt, Bindiya Goswami, Deven Verma
- Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
- Year of release: 1979
- OTT Platform: Prime Video
- Movie Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- IMDB Rating: 8.5 / 10
4. Deewaar (1975)
Deewaar is one of the most powerful and influential films in Indian cinema, directed by Yash Chopra and written by the legendary duo Salim-Javed. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay, a rebellious and angry young man, and Shashi Kapoor as Ravi, his righteous younger brother, portraying the classic conflict between crime and morality.
The story revolves around the two brothers, who grow up in poverty after their father abandons them. While Ravi becomes an honest police officer, Vijay takes the darker path of crime to escape poverty and provide for his mother (Nirupa Roy). This leads to an emotional and intense clash between the two, culminating in some of Bollywood’s most iconic moments.
With unforgettable dialogues like “Mere paas maa hai” and “Aaj khush toh bahut hoge tum,” Amitabh Bachchan cemented his image as the ‘Angry Young Man’ of Bollywood. The film’s gripping narrative, powerful performances, and emotional depth make Deewaar a timeless classic, influencing countless movies and cementing its place in Bollywood history.
- Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy
- Director: Yash Chopra
- Year of release: 1979
- OTT Platform: Zee5
- Movie Genre: Action, Crime
- IMDB Rating: 8 / 10
5. Koshish (1972)
Koshish is a deeply moving and critically acclaimed film directed by Gulzar, featuring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri in one of their most memorable performances. The film explores the lives of a deaf and mute couple, Haricharan (Sanjeev Kumar) and Aarti (Jaya Bhaduri), as they navigate the challenges of a world that often overlooks their struggles.
The film beautifully portrays their love, resilience, and determination to build a life together despite their disability. It highlights their hardships, societal prejudices, and the triumph of human spirit through sheer perseverance. Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri deliver extraordinary performances, making the audience empathize with their silent yet powerful emotions.
With Gulzar’s sensitive storytelling and Madan Mohan’s soulful music, Koshish remains a landmark film in Indian cinema. It played a crucial role in bringing awareness to the struggles of differently-abled individuals and is still remembered as one of the finest portrayals of perseverance and love.
- Star Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bhaduri, Asrani
- Director: Gulzar
- Year of release: 1972
- OTT Platform: Sony
- Movie Genre: Drama
- IMDB Rating: 8.4 / 10
