From dance, romance, fight to music, they have it all

Masala film as a genre in Hindi cinema is something that no other world cinema can ever match up to. A masala film offers the audience a piece of, action, drama, melodrama, romance, tragedy, songs, dance, mystery, and comedy, in one hour.  It was in the 70s that this masala Bollywood genre of the film came into prominence in India making it the most loved genre of all time and even continues to be one.

Bollywood has been known to produce some iconic films in the late ’70s. If these films were given a re-run once again we are sure they will continue to set the box office registers clanging at the theaters. Here is our list. Brought to light by director Manmohan Desai, masala films are now an integral part of Bollywood. The onset of the 70s with masala films contributed to making some great stars and classics.

Anand This Hrishikesh Mukherjee masterpiece starred Rajesh Khanna, in the titular role, along with Amitabh Bachchan. From having a good laugh about life and death, the film gives an insight into life. Be it heavy emotional dialogues or the funny enactments by these actors the film is a classic watch.

Pakeezah This Kamal Amrohi film was 16 years under making and narrated the story of dreamy-eyed courtesan played by the legendary Meena Kumari. Subtle dialogues along with elegant sets and narration, Pakeezah is now a cult classic that however initially failed at the box office.

Zanjeer The story of stern-faced upright cop Vijay, played by Amitabh Bachchan is loosely based on the American movie Death Rides a Horse. The story opens with the parents of Vijay being murdered and the child growing up to be a police officer who is haunted by the killer of his parent’s murderer. Revolving around Vijay, played by Bachchan, the film unfolds as it moves forward with suspense.

ChupkeChupke Another of Hrishikesh Mukherjee gems, this masala romantic comedy breaks down the certain image of Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, and Amitabh Bachchan into comic roles. Based on Upendranath Ganguly’s Bengali story Chhadobeshi, the film was an unusual film even for the Bollywood standards at that time, with a quirky take on comedy and become a huge box office hit. From practical jokes to Dharmendra’s Hindi skills and Bachchan’s botany knowledge, the film’s a laughter riot.

Amar Akbar Anthony This Manmohan Desaifilm reuniting three brothers lost as infants is another unusual masala film. With multi-stars, Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Pran, Parveen Babi, and Neetu Singh, the was a blockbuster for its great music, brilliant performances, vignettes, leaps of logic and a grand reunion in the end.

Other films to watch are Bobby, Deewaar and Sholay.