The festival of Holi, known widely as the carnival of hues, has once again enveloped the air with a tapestry of vibrant colours and the essence of sweet delight. As the effervescent splash of reds, greens, and yellows herald the arrival of Holi 2024, families are gearing up to celebrate this auspicious occasion with the zest it deserves. The sheer ecstasy of this festival is not just confined to the physical joy of smearing each other with colours or feasting on gujiyas and thandai but extends to the realm of cinematic entertainment that encapsulates the spirit of Holi.
To make the most of this cheerful and dynamic atmosphere, Tata Play Binge presents an array of Bollywood movies that seamlessly blend with the celebration of Holi. These films not only portray the rich tapestry of Indian culture and festivities but also serve as perfect family entertainers during such jubilant times.
Starting with the stirring narrative of ‘Raanjhanaa’, streaming on ZEE5, the film marks a romantic odyssey directed by Aanand L. Rai, starring the charismatic Dhanush alongside Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol. Delve into the effervescent streets of Varanasi where a fervent romance blossoms amidst the challenges posed by societal norms, caste differences, and personal sacrifices. The film resonates with the audience through Dhanush’s acclaimed performance that fetched him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
For those who are in a mood to get their funny bones tickled, ‘Welcome’, available on Lionsgate Play, might just do the trick. Helmed by Anees Bazmee, this comedy caper stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, supported by the dynamic duo of Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor. Experience the mayhem that ensues when a mob boss tries to find a suitor for his sister but instead sets off a chain of hilarity and chaos that has stamped ‘Welcome’ as a comedic classic that continues to command love and laughter on TV screens.
Rohit Shetty’s ‘Golmaal: Fun Unlimited’ on ShemarooMe is undoubtedly a must-watch, especially if — like Holi — chaos, fun and laughter are on the agenda. This comedy franchise introduces us to a motley crew of lovable misfits whose lives are tangled in a web of laugh-inducing situations and mistaken identities. The film’s ability to incite genuine smiles and belly laughs propelled it to a success that spun off a beloved series of films.
Disney+ Hotstar offers ‘Hum Do Hamare Do’ with Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Sanon leading a charming narrative. This light-hearted comedy takes the viewers on a jovial ride where a couple goes to comical lengths to adopt parents, thereby fulfilling their dream of a complete family. The palpable chemistry of the lead actors and the quirky premise makes this film stand out among recent additions to Bollywood’s comedy landscape.
Meanwhile, Karan Johar’s latest entrant ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, adds a contemporary twist to family dramas with its fresh look at romance between Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt’s characters. This romantic comedy is set against the backdrop of contrasting cultures and has captured hearts with Alia Bhatt’s award-winning portrayal of a strong-willed journalist. The blend of laughter, love, and cultural nuances makes it a family favourite.
Rounding off this festive watchlist is ‘Rang De Basanti’, a masterpiece on Netflix directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra featuring Aamir Khan and an ensemble cast. The movie traverses through time weaving the past and present in an intriguing storyline that sees a group of friends catalyzed into action against societal malaises after enacting roles of freedom fighters. With its robust performances and stirring messages, the film has clinched numerous accolades including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.
As the revelries of Holi 2024 unroll, these cinematic treasures become an integral part of the celebration, binding families together in harmony, laughter, and reflection. So gather your loved ones, settle in with some festive snacks, and immerse yourself in the colorful and vivacious world of Bollywood, all the while embracing the true essence of Holi — unity and joy in diversity.
