Comedy is perhaps the most popular cinematic genre. Making people laugh, however, is not as easy as it seems. There are dozens of comedy films that release every year, but only a handful over the years can be called classics. This edition, Corporate Citizen presents the best Bollywood comedies of all time
Andaaz Apna Apna is Bollywood comedy at its best. Everything about this classic comedy hit the right note. From the pairing of Aamir Khan and Salman Khan to the iconic villains Teja and Crime Master Gogo, Andaaz Apna Apna is a laugh riot all the way. The 90s was a decade of slapstick comedy, but apart from Andaaz Apna Apna, not many others were memorable, which is why the genre has nearly died. It is a testament to the movie’s popularity that even today, over two decades after the movie released, people are still clamouring for a sequel. These movies can be watched on Youtube, as well as on most of the streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Hotstar.
Starring stalwarts of Indian cinema like Pankaj Kapoor and the recently departed Om Puri, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a classic Bollywood comedy which doesn’t insult its audiences intelligence. This satire based on corruption and bureaucracy will leave you in splits, while simultaneously delivering a powerful message against the rampant corruption in Indian politics. Released in 1983, this movie is way ahead of its time. Watch it for stellar acting and for it being India’s earliest instance of a black comedy.
Munnabhai MBBS is not just one of the funniest movies of all time; it also was a turning point for all the cast and crew involved. Actor Sanjay Dutt completely reinvented his on screen persona from the anti-hero character he portrayed in the 90s to the lovable goofy character he plays as Munnabhai, and it gave his sagging career a new lease of life. The movie also introduced us to Boman Irani as Dr Astana, which is till today one of his most memorable roles. And lastly, the movie was directed by first time director Raju Hirani, who has since gone on to become the most successful director in Indian history, with hits like Lage Raho Munnabhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. But don’t watch it for these reasons. Watch Munnabhai MBBS because in a decade of clichéd comedy, Munnabhai MBBS was that rare gem-a genuinely funny movie which balances drama with comedy in a perfect blend, and makes you want to revisit the movie again and again.
Rohit Shetty may have directed three Golmaal movies (with a fourth one in the works), but it is the original Golmaal starring Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt which makes our list. This 1979 classic is a comedy of errors with a hilarious ensemble cast and rib tickling quips. Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s rendition of a subtle, complex love story involving the Indian middle class has stood the test of time, and is as enjoyable today as it was when it released nearly four decades ago in 1979.
These movies can be watched on Youtube, as well as on most of the streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Hotstar
By Neeraj Varty
