It is the first Holi since Covid restrictions were imposed. Staying in and not meeting your close ones on the festival of colours is an upsetting prospect. While you might not be with close ones this Holi you can still have a good time at home by munching on gujiyas and savouries and watch these films that celebrate the spirit of Holi
Baghban (2003)
After Sholay and Silsila, Baghban is another Amitabh Bachchan classic which captures the festive mood of Holi uniquely. The song ‘Hori Khere Raghuveera’, sung by Bachchan himself, along with Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan and Sukhwinder Singh is a classic number. Centered around one of the most favourite couples of the Hindi film industry – Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan, the song is in a modern setting among family and neighbours and talks about how the festival of Holi was celebrated in the times of Lord Krishna. The family film is considered a classic among the audience.
Raanjhanaa (2013)
You may have mixed feelings about the character of Kundan (Dhanush) in the film, but Raanjhanaa is a film that captures the unapologetic, light-hearted, and probably one of the most unique Holi celebrations of India in the holy city of Varanasi. Melodies by AR Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil will leave you with tunes stuck in your head. Many regard Raanjhanaa as one of the greatest Bollywood love stories ever made.
Sholay (1975)
You can spend this Holi watching the Hindi film industry’s ultimate cult classic film - Sholay. The film has one of the best Holi sequences. The sequence follows a dramatic shift in the plot, which eventually leads to a nail-biting climax. The song ‘Holi Ke Din’ from the film is also a cult number which is as popular as Silsila’s ‘Rang Barse’, and can be heard in all Holi-meets and celebrations.
Silsila (1981)
Silsila’s famous song ‘Rang Barse’ is a constant track in the Holi playlist of not just the elder folks but also of the Gen-Z. The iconic Holi scene from the film will leave joyous and full of energy.
Toilet - Ek Prem Katha (2017)
Critics called ‘Toilet – Ek Prem Katha’ part film and part propaganda plug-in of the ruling government for the Swachh Bharat Mission. Leaving the propaganda aside, the film captures women’s issues in a unique light. The film also captures the unique ‘Lathmar Holi’ of Braj and Mathura and has peppy, upbeat Holi numbers that will make you shake a leg.
Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
The Holi sequence in the film is not relevant only because it marks a storyline shift in the film’s plot, but also because it portrays the young generation’s Holi celebration accurately. The song ‘Balam Pichkaari’ is a cult number that is heard in every Holi-meet and celebration. The wholesome film is perfect to watch with your loved ones this Holi.