
The vibrant hues of Holi is already filling the air, and watching movies that capture the essence of this joyous festival is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in its cultural splendour. Seeing the colors, music, and merriment come alive on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon intensifies the festive atmosphere, evoking a deep sense of connection to the traditions, symbolism, and stories that weave the fabric of Holi. These films offer a visual gateway into the heart of the celebration, reminding us of the rich heritage and meanings behind this beloved Indian festival.
Rating: 7.3 / 10
Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (YJHD), is a 2013 Hindi-language most searched rom-com movie.
YJHD revolves around 4 friends who were schoolmates, and they create the most memorable memories while on a trip to Manali. Naina (Deepika Padukone) falls in love with Kabir Thapar (Ranbir Kapoor) on the trip, but Bunny, aka Kabir, has bigger expectations of life.
This movie is a popular choice for Holi because of its vibrant Holi song sequence, “Balam Pichkari.”
Catch YJHD from the comfort of your home, available on Netflix.
Ratings: 6.4 / 10
Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, also simply known as Ram-Leela, is a 2013 Hindi-language romantic tragedy film written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
This movie was a commercial hit and the first major hit for the director since his 2005 film Black.
The film has a significant narrative that revolves around the festival Holi, including a song sequence “Vaddi Sharaban,” with a love story between Ram (Ranveer Singh) and Leela (Deepika Padukone).
The movie is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
This movie is exclusively streaming on Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription.
Ratings: 6.1 / 10
Badrinath Ki Dulhania, translated to Badrinath’s Bride, is a 2017 Hindi-language romantic comedy movie written and directed by Shashank Khaitan.
The story is about Badiranth Bansal (Varun Dhawan) from Jhansi and Vaidehi Trivedi (Alia Bhatt) from Kota and what happens when a wealthy patriarch pursues a young woman who dreams of becoming an air hostess.
A long weekend and the festival of colors! This movie is a good match, and it’s title track, “Badri Ki Dulhania,” is a Bollywood masala dance number, especially during Holi.
Don’t miss Badrinath ki Dulhania this Holi, available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Ratings: 7.1 / 10
Padmavaat is a 2018 Hindi-language historical drama film written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali based on an epic poem by Malik Muhammed Jayasi.
The story revolves around Queen Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), who is married to a Rajput Sultan (Shahid Kapoor) until he gets killed by Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh).
The movie has a song called “Holi Manganiyars,” and Langa’s folk is often associated with the festival of colors, Holi.
Despite a huge controversy, Padmaavat was a big box-office hit.
The cinematic work is worth watching, only available on Amazon Prime Video.
Ratings: 5.9 / 10
Malaal is a 2019 Hindi-language romantic drama written and directed by Mangesh Hadawale in his Hindi directorial debut.
Astha Tripathi (Sharmin Segal) and Shiva (Meezan Jafri) fall in love despite their contrasting family backgrounds. However, they fear falling apart.
The songs were composed by Shail Hadam and Shreyas Puranik, in which one of the songs named “Udhal Ho” evokes a sense of festivity and celebration.
Malaal has landed its OTT presence on Netflix. Do watch it!
Ratings: 8.2 / 10
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a 2011 Hindi-language road comedy-drama film directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar.
The movie revolves around three best friends, Kabir Dewan (Abhay Deol), Arjun Saluja (Hrithik Roshan), and Imraan Qureshi (Farhan Akhtar), who take a vacation to Spain, an opportunity to heal wounds and fall in love with life.
Arjun Saluja meets Laila (Katrina Kaif), a diving instructor, and falls in love with her.
All four of them start exploring Spain and end up in La Tomatina festival, often said to be “Spain walo ka Holi,” translated to Holi for Spanish people.
Dive into ZNMD this Holi, now on Netflix.
Ratings: 8.1 / 10
Sholay is a 1975 Hindi-language action-adventure film directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim Javed.
Two ex-convicts, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), are hired by Thakur Baldev (Sanjeev Kapoor) to help him nab a dacoit.
Sholay’s iconic Holi scene is unforgettable, featuring the timeless song “Holi ke Din Dil Mil Gaye.”
This film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Ratings: 7.2 / 10
Silsila, translated as continuation, is a 1981 Hindi-language musical romantic drama film written, directed, and produced by Yash Chopra.
This movie revolves around Amit’s sacrifice of his love and getting married to his deceased brother’s pregnant fiancee.
Amitabh Bachchan’s soulful song version of “Rang Barse” cannot be missed this Holi.
Watch it this Holi on Amazon Prime Video.
Ratings: 8.1 / 10
Rang De Basanti is a 2006 Hindi-language revolutionary movie written and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
It follows a British film student traveling to India to document the story of five freedom fighters of the Indian revolutionary movement.
The film themes around the concept of color, central to the festival of Holi.
Don’t miss Rang De Basanti this Holi, available on Netflix.
Ratings: 7.6 / 10
Raanjhanaa, translated Beloved One, is a 2013 Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Aanad L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma.
Kundan (Dhanush), son of a Hindu Pandit, discovers that his childhood love Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) loves city-bred Akram (Abhay Deol). However, he persistently seeks to win her.
This film’s title track, "Raanjhanaa,” complements the festive atmosphere of Holi.
Find this movie on Amazon Prime Video.
As the colors of Holi blend together in a vibrant celebration, the perfect movie is the one that brings a splash of joy to your heart. Whether you're swept away by the classic charm of 'Sholay' or the modern romance of 'Raanjhanaa', let the spirit of Holi shine through. The true magic of this festive season lies in finding a movie that resonates with you, making this Holi a memorable and special one. So, pick your favorite, immerse yourself in the colors and music, and let the joy of Holi fill your heart. Wishing you a Happy Holi!