The magic of Indian cinema isn’t just on the silver screen; for some films, it spills into years of captivating audiences. While Bollywood churns out new blockbusters every season, a select few movies have earned a special place in theatres, entertaining patrons for years on end. Let’s delve into the captivating world of these long-running champions!
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) – 50 weeks (1 year)
A young girl meets the doppelganger of her deceased boyfriend and now has a chance to find the people who have murdered him.
This romantic thriller marked the debut of a new superstar and revitalized the Hindi film industry, setting new benchmarks for success and stardom.
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Ameesha Patel, Anupam Kher
IMDB Rating : 6.9/10
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai Ran into the Theatres for 50 weeks (1 year)
Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) – 50 weeks (1 year)
After Suman’s father leaves her in the care of another family while he travels abroad, she falls in love with Prem. However, in order to for them to marry, Prem has to prove to Suman’s father that he is not the same as his own dad.
This iconic love story launched the careers of its lead actors and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing romantic narratives for years to come.
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Stars: Salman Khan, Bhagyashree Patwardhan, Alok Nath
IMDB Rating : 7.3/10
Maine Pyaar Kiya Ran into the Theatres for 50 weeks (1 year)
Barsaat (1949) – 100 weeks (2 years)
Pran and Gopal fall in love with village girls while on a holiday. After returning home, Gopal continues to flirt with other girls. But Pran realizes that he has truly fallen in love.
This romantic drama showcased the burgeoning talent of Indian cinema, setting new standards for storytelling and musical excellence.
Director : Raj Kapoor
Stars: Nargis, Raj Kapoor, Premnath Malhotra
IMDB Rating : 7.2/10
Barsaat Ran into the Theatres for 100 weeks (2 years)
Kismet (1943) – 182 weeks (3.5 years)
When Shekhar comes to know that Rani became disabled because of him, he decides to help her by hiding his real identity.
This pioneering film ushered in the era of the Hindi social drama, captivating audiences with its powerful narrative and memorable performances.
Director: Gyan Mukherjee
Stars: Ashok Kumar, Mumtaz Shanti, Shah Nawaz
IMDB Rating : 7.4/10
Kismet Ran into the Theatres for 182 weeks (3.5 years)
Mughal-E-Azam (1960) – 150 weeks (3 years)
A 16th century prince falls in love with a court dancer and battles with his emperor father.
This magnum opus captivated audiences with its grandeur and timeless tale of love and rebellion, leaving an indelible mark on world cinema.
Director: K. Asif
Stars: Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Dilip Kumar
IMDB Rating : 8.1/10
Mughal-E-Azam Ran into the Theatres for 150 weeks (3 years)
Sholay (1975) – 286 weeks (5 years)
After his family is murdered by a notorious and ruthless bandit, a former police officer enlists the services of two outlaws to capture the bandit.
This epic action-adventure set the standard for Bollywood blockbusters, its iconic characters and dialogues etched into cinematic history.
Director: Ramesh Sippy
Stars: Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan
IMDB Rating : 8.1/10
Sholay Ran into the Theatres for 286 weeks (5 years)
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – 28 years and counting
When Raj meets Simran in Europe, it isn’t love at first sight but when Simran moves to India for an arranged marriage, love makes its presence felt.
Continuously enchanting audiences for 28 years, this timeless romance redefined love stories in Indian cinema, inspiring generations worldwide.
Director: Aditya Chopra
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri
IMDB Rating : 8.0/10
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is Running into the Theatres for 28 years and Still counting
These long-running movies showcase the enduring power of Indian cinema. They tell stories that resonate with audiences, weaving together themes of love, family, social issues, and action. The magic lies in the ability to connect with viewers on a deeper level, creating an experience that transcends time.
