The months of July and August often see Friendship Day celebrated across the world, presenting an ideal opportunity to dive into the world of on-screen bromance, sisterhood, platonic love, and everything in between. This piece explores the vast landscape of films and television series that paint a vivid picture of friendships and relationships that transcend romance.
In Bollywood, the genre of friendship-driven narratives has become somewhat oversaturated in recent years. S.S. Rajamouli’s testosterone-fueled brotherhood in “RRR” and “Baahubali” has inspired a spate of similar films—some mildly enjoyable, most dithering to a halt. Yet, classics like “Dil Chahta Hai” and “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” hold their ground as go-to rewatchable gems. Among them, “Jhankaar Beats” from 1993 holds a special place in many hearts, thanks to the charming performances of Sanjay Suri and Rahul Bose, their chemistry set alight by the soulful tunes of R.D. Burman.
Down South, several new-age gems serve as refreshing entries in the buddy-comedy genre. Telugu films like Vivek Athreya’s “Brochevarevarura” and Anudeep KV’s “Jathi Ratnalu” stand out as masterclasses in situational humor, presenting a breath of fresh air amidst a sea of star-driven vehicles.
In Kerala, the 2013 film “Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi,” starring Dulquer Salmaan and Sunny Wayne, heralded a wave of road adventures among youth, inspiring many to take up bike trips across scenic routes. The film’s inherent charm contributed to an increased popularity of Bullet bikes in the state. Additionally, the coming-of-age dramas “Classmates” and “Notebook” from 2006 remain significant in discussions about Malayalam cinema themed around friendship. Not to be overlooked, Kannada films like “Gaalipata” and “America! America!!” also share the spotlight for their commercial success and enduring cult status.
In Kollywood, the industry will always remember Mani Ratnam’s “Thalapathi,” featuring stellar performances by Rajinikanth and Mammootty.
. Equally cherished is Kamal Haasan’s “Panchatanthiram,” a film that continues to entertain audiences with its sharp wit. More recent contributions include Shankar’s “Nanban,” where Vijay returns to his comedic roots, and M. Rajesh’s laugh-out-loud films like “Boss Engira Bhaskaran” and “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” which showcase Santhanam in peak comedic form. Let’s not forget Susi Ganesan’s 2002 debut, “Five Star,” which follows the intertwined lives of five friends post-college.
Turning attention to English-language media, it’s notable that reruns of “Friends,” “Sex and the City,” and “The Office” were among the most-watched shows during the pandemic. Yet, newer series like the British “Extraordinary,” “Sex Education,” and “Derry Girls” offer their own unique takes on friendship and platonic love, inviting all kinds of fuzzy feelings in viewers. Meanwhile, “Broad City” and “Insecure” have been rightfully praised for their progressive portrayal of contemporary friendships and breaking numerous stereotypes.
We must also acknowledge Judd Apatow’s golden era with productions such as “Freaks and Geeks,” “Crashing,” “Superbad,” “Girls,” and “Bridesmaids,” which delivered numerous comedic albeit heartfelt explorations of friendships and relationships.
On the big screen, films like “50/50,” featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen as friends battling cancer together, provide an emotional, happy-cry experience. Greta Gerwig’s “Frances Ha” and Olivia Wilde’s sharp-witted “Booksmart,” featuring standout performances by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, serve as dazzling reminders of navigating friendships through life’s ups and downs. The ever-raucous “Hangover” trilogy provides an over-the-top R-rated comedic take on male friendships.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning Apple TV’s “Platonic,” a delightful exploration of modern adult friendships between men and women post-marriage. This series artfully navigates the intricacies of midlife crises and late millennial angst. And though Sofia Coppola never reveals what Bill Murray whispers to Scarlett Johansson at the end of “Lost in Translation,” the film remains one of the most intimate portrayals of platonic love ever told.
For fans and viewers, the celebration of Friendship Day is not just a day of shared memories but an opportunity to revisit—or discover anew—the rich tapestry of films and shows that masterfully depict the many shades of friendship. From heartfelt moments to uproarious laughter, these stories remind us of the invaluable bonds that enrich our lives.
