International Friendship Day 2023: 10 must-watch Bollywood films celebrating friendship

Bollywood films are popular for showcasing human emotions on-screen, whether it be depicting a romantic relationship or portraying the bond of friendship between childhood buddies. Time and again, filmmakers create cinematic marvels that leave a lasting impression on the audience's psyche. Films like 3 Idiots, Rang De Basanti and Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara are streaming on various OTT platforms and are perfect choices to watch with your friends this International Friendship Day.

Chhichhore

Nitesh Tiwari’s 2019 film Chhichhore is a family entertainer that revolves around the camaraderie between students living in a college hostel, while also marking a critical take of pressure on young minds. Starring the late Sushant Singh Rajput, Shraddha Kapoor and Tahir Raj Bhasin, among others, the film takes you back and forth in time. Chhichhore is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

Veere Di Wedding

Shashanka Ghosh's 2018 multi-starrer film, Veere Di Wedding, features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Shikha Talsania and Swara Bhaskar in lead roles. The movie follows the journey of four childhood friends reuniting to celebrate Kalindi’s (Kareena’s) engagement and embarking on a trip to Thailand, where they rediscover their bond and love for each other. Veere Di Wedding is available on ZEE5.

Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety

Director Luv Ranjan’s 2018 film, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety - starring Kartik Aaryan, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Sunny Singh - is a family entertainer that beautifully portrays the strength of friendship. You can now stream Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety on Amazon Prime Video.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

In Ayan Mukerji’s 2013 film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, feelings of nostalgia and friendship goals take center stage. Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur, this family entertainer was a blockbuster hit. It celebrates love and friendship. You can watch Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani on Amazon Prime Video.

Fukrey

Mrigdeep Singh Lamba’s 2013 film, Fukrey - featuring Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha and Pulkit Samrat in key roles - beautifully captures the essence of North Indian culture and friendship on screen. Its sequel, Fukrey Returns, was released in 2017. The third part of the successful franchise is set to be released later this year. Watch Fukrey on Disney+ Hotstar.

Student of the Year

Marking the acting debut of Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar depicted the complexities of love, friendship, angst and ambition in his 2012 film Student of the Year. It is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar share screen space in Zoya Akhtar's 2011 film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The movie follows the lives of three childhood friends, who go on a European road trip. The movie also stars Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin, Naseeruddin Shah and Deepti Naval. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

3 Idiots

Featuring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi, 3 Idiots is a beloved Bollywood cult classic, renowned for its portrayal of friendships and relationships. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani in 2009, the film follows the journey of three friends, Rancho, Farhan, and Raju, who meet at an engineering college. A cinematic masterpiece, 3 Idiots can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

Rang De Basanti

Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Rang De Basanti, released in 2006, set the standards for friendship goals with its heartwarming storyline and impeccable soundtracks. Starring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi and others, the film follows the emotional journey of a group of friends. Watch Rang De Basanti on Netflix.

Dil Chahta Hai

Farhan Akhtar's 2001 film, Dil Chahta Hai revolves around three friends, Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) and Sid (Akshaye Khanna), who embark on a trip to Goa, only to realize that their perspectives on romantic relationships will lead them on separate paths in future. Still cherished for its incredible soundtrack, Dil Chahta Hai is available to stream on Netflix.