'Rang De Basanti' To 'Uunchai': Movies That Celebrate The Various Shades Of Friendship

Everybody needs a true friend- a friend who sticks by our side when things go south, a friend who listens for hours about our dreams, and a friend who knows how to keep secrets. Indian cinema has produced and delivered many relatable movies around friendships-  that celebrate the various shades of friendship. On Friendship Day, let's have a look at some of the movies that show the true meaning of friendship. 

'Rang De Basanti'

"College de gate de iss taraf hum life ko nachate hain.. te dooji taraf life humko nachati hai", says Aamir Khan's DJ in this fiery masterpiece, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, which pivots from a campus caper into a serious comment on institutional corruption.  The story begins when a British film student comes to India to document the historical events of the Indian freedom movement and through her friend Sonia, meets Daljeet (DJ),  Sukhi, Ajay, and Aslam on a campus and asks them to act in her film. Initially, the five men struggle to understand the psyche of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ashfaqullah Khan and Rajguru. But then a personal tragedy steers them towards a more personal quest for justice.  No other film transitions this smoothly from themes of love and passionate friendships to larger questions facing the country.  It stars Soha Ali Khan, Alice Patten, Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, and Waheeda Rahman. It is available on Netflix. 

'Super Senior Heroes'

Ganeshan, a gentle soul finds himself adrift and devoid of joy at the age of 65, following the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the delightful news of his 7-year-old grandson Aadith's impending visit to India. In the face of this long-awaited reunion, Ganeshan's newfound zest for life stirs within him but reality is a tad different.  Aadith loves superheroes and can't bond with his grandfather. When nothing works, Ganeshan and his retired friends pretend to have joined a superhero league and Aadith suddenly sees his 'thaatha'  in a new light.  The super senior heroes then get together to solve a kidnapping case and prove that nothing is impossible when friends come together to support each other.  The Karthik Kumar directorial explores themes of loss and grief, love, support, and hope with a simple, heartwarming and wholesome story. It stars Ambika,Bhagyaraj, Chinni Jayanth, Pandyarajan, and Vinodhini Vaidynathan. Be prepared with a box of tissues as you watch it. 

'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na'

If we had to describe this film with a food analogy, it could be compared to a rich and tender chocolate cake with a lingering aftertaste of pure joy. The story begins when a group of friends (Shaleen, Mala, Jiggy, Bombs, and Rotlu) begin to retell the love story of a gentle and modest Jai, aka Rats, with his fearlessly spunky best friend Aditi (Meow). The two find it hard to acknowledge their feelings for each other, having spent years as buddies but eventually fall hopelessly in love.  The Abbas Tyrewala directorial is a dramatic ride ,  filled with multiple nuances and life lessons about friendship like, "Dost hai na, doston ki apni jagah hoti hai." It stars Genelia D'Souza, Imran Khan, Prateik Babbar, Ratna Pathak Shah, Ayaz Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, and others. 

'Tron Ekka'

This is producer Anand Pandit's upcoming Gujarati film, where three friends find themselves in a financial crisis and devise a plan to turn their middle-class home into a gambling den. However, this foolhardy scheme falls flat, leading the three into a mess that they can only come out of if they pool together their ideas and support each other through thick and thin. Starring the superhit trio Malhar Thakar, Yash Soni and Mitra Gadhvi, the film is both an entertaining caper and a depiction of an unconditionally supportive friendship between three young men. This comedy of errors is directed by Rajesh Kumar and also stars  Kinjal Rajpriya, Tarjanee Bhadla, Chetan Daiya and Prem Gadhvi. The film is releasing on August 18, 2023.

'Chhello Divas'

'Chhello Divas' is a superhit  Gujarati comedy from 2015 and revolves around a group of friends who are about to finish college. An accident sends the story in a spin with all the characters recalibrating their choices, mistakes, missed chances, misunderstandings and regrets. The film shot Malhar Thakar, Yash Soni, and Mitra Gadhvi to instant stardom and fans are now awaiting 'Tron Ekka' where they come together again to make some movie magic.   Directed and written by Krishnadev Yagnik, the film also stars Janki Bodiwala, Kinjal, Netri Trivedi and Rahul Raval.

Rock On!

This is a heartfelt journey of friendship where Aditya, Joe, Kedar, and Rob form a rock band fueled by dreams of stardom. However, when their musical aspirations hit a wall, they part ways, tormented by resentment and their own wounded pride. When they unexpectedly cross paths years later, fate intervenes, and they decide to reunite and chase their long-lost dream with a newfound passion. Their unforgettable musical journey exemplifies the healing that friendship can bring, showing that it is never too late to pursue shared dreams when surrounded by friends who lift you higher. The Abhishek Kapoor directorial stars Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli, Shahana Goswami, and Luke Kenny. 

'Uunchai'

To fulfil their late friend Bhupen's last wish, three friends- Amit, Om, and Javed trek to the Everest Base Camp, despite being told that they are too old to undertake such a challenge.  A long-lost love of Bhupen, Mala also joins them on the journey and regrets not defending their love. While battling their physical limitations and discovering the true meaning of friendship, a simple trek turns into a life-changing journey. Directed by Sooraj. R. Barjatya, the film stars  Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Sarika, Neena Gupta, Parineeti Chopra, Danny Denzongpa, and Nafisa Ali.