There seem to be some days when everything feels heavier than usual: Work seems to drag on forever, the list of tasks doesn’t seem to end, and no matter how much you want to be in a good mood, that mood just doesn’t want to cooperate. Those times are exactly when Bollywood comes to the rescue with its great blend of warmth, humour, and love. These are the movies you don’t just watch; you immerse yourself in them, and you laugh with them, and when you leave, you feel just that much lighter.
Take ‘Hera Pheri’, for instance, it’s just total chaos, but absolutely hilarious, and you can watch this movie over and over again, and the jokes will always be just as funny as the last time. There’s something reassuring about the insanity of this movie; there’s no right way to watch this; there’s just one way, and it’s watching it from the perspective of laughing your ass off. And sometimes that’s all you need.
‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ is another great example of a feel-good movie. This movie follows three friends on a road trip across the country of Spain. After watching this movie you will feel like you took a long deep breath after a stressful day, and you may be inspired to take a break and think about what really brings you happiness and how living life on the fly is different from driving through life on the right path and (realising you are not) and (that you are) only helping yourself.
Then there’s ‘Dear Zindagi’, which will provide you with something of a different nature; it is a softer, more contemplative film that has a comforting and healing (reassuring) quality to it. It felt as though you were engaged in a friendly and casual discussion with Alia Bhatt’s character, who struggled with her issues, and her therapist (Shah Rukh Khan) while watching this movie; it was as if we had been unaware, we needed those types of conversations before seeing this film. The film does not attempt to “fix” all your personal problems or issues but simply indicates that not having an answer to your problem or question is acceptable.
On the lighter side, ‘Jab We Met’ is pure sunshine. Geet’s infectious enthusiasm for life and positive, carefree approach to everyday living are reasons why you could “snap out of” any type of dull mood. This film reminds you that one spontaneous trip or one special person can alter everything. Also, you will continue to smile well after the movie ends.
And of course, ‘Queen’ is the ultimate feel-good movie for those who are on the journey to self-discovery. Rani (Kangana Ranaut) begins a solo honeymoon that begins with bad experiences and ends with empowerment and joy through her courageous and awkward effort. She makes you cheer for her while she grows and becomes a strong, confident woman. By the end, you don’t just feel good, you feel inspired.
So, the next time you feel bummed out when you should be doing something else, do yourself a favour and give one of these films a try instead of endless scrolling. Sometimes, all it takes is the right film to turn your day around.
