Sholay to Dil Chahta Hai: 10 Bollywood films based on friendship

SHOLAY

This all-time cult classic Indian film features one of the most iconic friendships in Indian cinema between Jai and Veeru, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, respectively. The film follows their adventures as they battle a ruthless dacoit, Gabbar Singh, highlighting the sacrifices true friends make for each other.

DIL CHAHTA HAI

This iconic film is one of Bollywood's earliest portrayals of modern friendships. It follows the lives of three close friends with different personalities, who navigate love, relationships, and misunderstandings, all while realising the enduring nature of their friendship. Dil Chahta Hai marked Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut in 2001. It starred Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna in lead roles.

3 IDIOTS

This comedy-drama revolves around three engineering students navigating academic pressure, friendship, and life’s challenges. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film stars Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi in lead roles.

RANG DE BASANTI

A group of carefree college friends finds themselves inspired by historical revolutionaries after participating in a documentary. The film depicts how friendship can lead to powerful social and political changes. It featured performances by Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Kunal Kapoor, and Sharman Joshi, and others.

ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA

Featuring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol in lead roles, this road-trip movie explores the bond between three childhood friends who reunite for a bachelor trip across Spain. Along the way, they face their fears, rekindle old friendships, and rediscover life’s meaning.

YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI

Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this coming-of-age story is about a group of friends who embark on a trekking trip, where they learn valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship. The film beautifully captures the joys and challenges of maintaining friendships as life takes different turns. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapur.

CHHICHHORE

Starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Sharma in key roles, alongside a stellar cast, the thought-provoking film gave the audience a nostalgic look at the lives of a group of friends during their college days. As they reunite years later, they reminisce about their misadventures and discover how their bond helped them overcome life’s challenges. 

ROCK ON

Starring Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, this film is about a group of college friends who reunite after several years to rekindle their passion for music. The film celebrates friendship, second chances, and the joy of following one’s dreams.

KAI PO CHE

Featuring Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh, this film tells the story of three best friends who start a sports academy, facing personal struggles and political tensions. It explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and brotherhood.

VEERE DI WEDDING

Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, and Shikha Talsania, this film is a vibrant and contemporary take on friendship, relationships, and societal expectations, told through the lives of four childhood friends.