Funniest 20 Indian Cinema Laugh Riot Gems to Liven Up Your Mood
Indian cinema has a rich history of comedy, offering a variety of films that capture shifting social norms, break down taboos, and find humour in everyday absurdities. Here's a look at some of the most iconic and well-regarded Indian comedy movies across various genres and decades.
Classic Bollywood Comedies (1950s–1990s)
The golden era of Bollywood comedy began with films like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), a quirky, musical comedy about three brothers running a garage, known for Kishore Kumar’s comic timing. Another classic is Padosan (1968), famous for the humorous story of a man seeking help to impress his neighbour, featuring comic performances and classic scenes like the singing competition. Chupke Chupke (1975), directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, showcases situational humour and Dharmendra's prankster professor character. In the 90s, films such as Deewana Mastana (1997) brought slapstick and situational humour to the forefront, with Govinda and Anil Kapoor delivering memorable performances.
Modern Hits and Genre-Bending Comedies
The new millennium saw the emergence of films like 3 Idiots (2009), a coming-of-age satirical comedy-drama focusing on friendship and critique of the Indian education system. It became one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally, widely acclaimed for its humor and social message. Hera Pheri (2000) and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) are often listed among top Bollywood comedies for blending humor with heart and memorable characters.
Notable Comedic Actors and Their Films
Paresh Rawal has been a staple in the comedy genre, known for his impeccable timing and versatile comic roles. His performances in various films have left audiences in stitches.
Popular Franchise Comedies
Contemporary slapstick and ensemble comedies, such as the Golmaal series and Housefull series, represent popular comedy franchises that have found a home on streaming platforms.
Recent Comedy Hits
More recent releases like Welcome (2007), a comedy about gangsters trying to go legit, added a confused suitor and comic mayhem. Dream Girl (2019) features Ayushmann Khurrana as a man who impersonates a female voice on a hotline, leading to humorous consequences. Badhaai Ho (2018) is a comedy about a young man's life being turned upside down when his middle-aged parents announce an unexpected pregnancy. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) is a horror-comedy that keeps you laughing and guessing, with Akshay Kumar's eccentric performance. Vicky Donor (2012) tackles sperm donation with humor and heart, making it both bold and hilarious.
Cult Classics
Bheja Fry (2007) is a simple story about a dinner guest who turns everything upside down, featuring Vinay Pathak's performance. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) is a dark satire on corruption, filled with outrageous humor and political commentary, and considered a cult classic. Stree (2018) is a horror-comedy with feminist undertones, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. Carry On Jatta (Punjabi, 2012) is a comedy of errors involving secret marriages and mistaken identities, offering regional comedy with universal appeal. Jathi Ratnalu (Telugu, 2021) follows three carefree friends who land in jail for a crime they didn't commit, resulting in madness. Fukrey (2013) is a comedy about four slackers who get into trouble with a local gangster, showcasing youthful energy and quirky storytelling. Andaz Apna Apna (1994) is a comedy with absurd plotlines and hilarious characters, featuring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.
These films showcase a range from intelligent satire to slapstick farce, reflecting the evolving tastes and humor styles in Indian cinema across decades. Many of these top Indian comedy movies, including classics and modern hits, are available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and ZEE5 with English subtitles.
Indian cinema's comedy genre extends beyond Bollywood, encompassing drama, animation, horror, and even animation-comedy-drama films like '3 Idiots' (2009). 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' (1983), a dark satire, offers political commentary and is considered a cult classic. Similarly, 'Stree' (2018) is a horror-comedy with feminist undertones. Animation and comedy can be found in 'Bheja Fry' (2007), a story about a dinner guest who turns everything upside down. The entertainment landscape further includes genre-bending comedies such as 'Hera Pheri' (2000), a blend of humor and heart, and 'Golmaal' (2006), a contemporary slapstick series now streaming on popular platforms.
