New Delhi: The resounding success of ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ (RURKPK) has established beyond doubt that the genre of family dramas will never fade from Indian cinema. Riding high on emotions, melodrama, family values, etc., Indian filmmakers have never gone wrong with the storyline in such movies, touching the emotional chord of the audience where it reacts most. They had been missing from the scene for a few years until Karan Johar bounced back on the scene with RURKPK. In fact, after Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Hum Saath Saath Hain, it was Karan Johar who brought back family dramas in a more opulent avatar with Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.
Here’s a look at some family dramas in Hindi cinema:
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994)
A musical romantic drama film directed by Sooraj Barjatya and produced by Rajshri Productions, it starred Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles. It also had Mohnish Bahl, Renuka Shahane, Anupam Kher, Reema Lagoo, and Alok Nath, among others. The story is of two families and their relationships before and after a marriage between their children. The film is known for its elaborate songs and elaborate wedding sequences, as well as its portrayal of traditional Indian family values and customs. It is a feel-good film that celebrates love, family, and togetherness with several memorable songs such as Didi Tera Devar Deewana and Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai.
Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999)
It is a family drama film directed by Sooraj Barjatya and features an ensemble cast comprising Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Mohnish Bahl. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by a joint family, and the values of love, togetherness, and sacrifice that hold them together. The film is popular for its portrayal of traditional Indian values and family dynamics. The popular songs include like Maiyya Yashoda, A B C D, and Chote Chote Bhaiyon Ke Bade Bhaiyya.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)
It is a family drama, directed by Karan Johar. The film features an ensemble cast of popular actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor. Popular to this day, it is the story of the Raichands, a wealthy and influential family, in which the elder son, Rahul, falls in love with a girl from a poor family, Anjali, but his father opposes the match. Eventually, Rahul leaves home to marry Anjali, causing a rift in the family. Years later, Rahul’s younger brother, Rohan, sets out to reunite the family and bring back his brother. The movie is considered a classic of modern Indian cinema and inspired many a fashion trend.
It is a family drama, directed by Karan Johar. The film features an ensemble cast of popular actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor. Popular to this day, it is the story of the Raichands, a wealthy and influential family, in which the elder son, Rahul, falls in love with a girl from a poor family, Anjali, but his father opposes the match. Eventually, Rahul leaves home to marry Anjali, causing a rift in the family. Years later, Rahul’s younger brother, Rohan, sets out to reunite the family and bring back his brother. The movie is considered a classic of modern Indian cinema and inspired many a fashion trend.
Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005)
The Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar starrer highlights the importance of family values, responsibilities, love, and time. Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, it also has Priyanka Chopra, Shefali Shah, Rajpal Yadav and Boman Irani in lead roles. Ishwar Chandra Thakur (Amitabh Bachchan) is a wealthy businessman, who has a strained relationship with his son Aditya (Akshay Kumar). Aditya is a lazy and carefree person who does not take his responsibilities seriously. However, when Ishwar is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he sets out to teach Aditya the value of time and responsibilities.
Vivah (2006)
A heartwarming family drama, it celebrates the beauty and sanctity of marriage while exploring the complexities of relationships, responsibilities, and expectations in a traditional Indian context. The film is directed and written by Sooraj Barjatya and stars Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher, Alok Nath, Seema Biswas, Samir Soni, Lata Sabharwal, and Amrita Prakash.
Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, the film features Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, and Farhan Akhtar with a voice-over narration by Aamir Khan. The film addressed issues such as gender roles, family dynamics, and societal expectations, making it socially relevant and impactful.
Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015)
A romantic drama film, it celebrates themes of love, family, and loyalty. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, it has Salman Khan in a dual role with Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Armaan Kohli, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar and Aashika Bhatia in prominent roles.
Kapoor & Sons (2016)
A lovable family film directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan Johar, it features an ensemble cast comprising Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Alia Bhatt. The story revolves around the Kapoor family, who reunite after many years to celebrate their grandfather’s 90th birthday. However, the reunion brings to light the family’s deep-seated issues and secrets, which threaten to tear them apart. The film explores themes of family dynamics, relationships, love, and loss.
