Ah, it’s that time of year when romance and love are in the air, in our grocery stores, in our drinks, in our food packages — thanks to capitalism.

If you, like me, don’t have a Valentine’s Day date and prefer to spend the day indoors with friends, here’s a list of Hindi movies that celebrate the beauty of friendship to enjoy on your own or with friends.

1. ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (2001)

A film about three friends growing up, “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001) beautifully portrays the value of friendship in one’s life. From road trips to fights to reconciliation, these friends grow as individuals and understand the importance of each other as the movie progresses. This is a classic that will stay with you long after the movie is over. 

Also, don’t forget to dance to “Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe” with your friends when the song comes up in the movie.

Where to watch: “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001) is available on Netflix.

 

2. ‘Dor’ (2006)

Films about female friendship are rare in Bollywood. While homosociality between men is cherished, women in Hindi cinema are always portrayed as each other’s enemies. 

But in 2006 came “Dor” (2006), a sensitive film about female friendship and its power, along with themes of forgiveness, patriarchy, and community. The two female protagonists go through an ordeal that can only be resolved by each other. But they can’t ask each other for help. What follows is a story of hope, resilience, and joy between two friends who need each other.

Where to watch: “Dor ”is available on YouTube.

 

3. ‘Tu Hai Mera Sunday’ (2016)

This is a light, breezy, yet poignant movie that will teach you a thing or two about life.

In the bustling urban jungle of Mumbai, five friends are looking for a place to play football (or soccer, for the Americans). The sport isn’t just a game for them — they find peace in football, as it allows them to escape from their problems. But will they ever find a place to play their favorite game in one of the most densely populated places in the world? “Tu Hai Mera Sunday” (2016) takes this as its main conflict. However, it also touches on several other themes such as sibling jealousy, the innate human search for love, and the need for people to be happy regardless of having all the materialistic goods in their lives.

Where to watch: “Tu Hai Mera Sunday” is available on Hulu.

 

4. ‘Rock On’ (2008)

A movie about an Indian rock band that breaks up due to ego clashes between the band members. Will the members ever get back together? Or are their egos so big that they will never move on and start again? Watch “Rock On” (2008) to find the answers to these questions.

Where to watch: “Rock On” is available on Amazon Prime and Netflix.

 

5. ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013)

A rom-com, “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013) is one of the most popular mainstream Hindi movies of the present times. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapor, the movie takes the audience through a beautiful journey of school friends traveling to different places and through a plethora of emotions that change them as people. 

The locations are stunning, the romance is palpable, and the chemistry between all the actors is magical. This is a full-fledged Bollywood drama. Can’t be skipped.

Where to watch: “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani” is available on Amazon Prime and Netflix.

 

6. ‘Aaja Nachle’ (2007)

On paper, “Aaja Nachle” (2007) does not qualify as a film about friendship. But its central plot revolves around people and how the power of community can solve any problem. 

In the film, Diya, a professional dancer returns to her hometown of Shamli, India. A community dance theater she was a part of growing up is on the verge of collapse because big corporations want to build a shopping mall on the land. 

Diya enlists the help of community members to save the theater and ends up uniting everyone in the process. Before I spoil any more, go watch this movie starring Madhuri Dixit as Diya, whose dance moves will make you fall in love with her.

Where to watch: “Aaja Nachle” (2007) is available on Amazon Prime. You can also rent it on YouTube.

 

7. ‘Axone’ (2019)

One thing I realized after moving to the U.S. is how important it is to have a circle of friends who easily understand you because of your shared experiences. Exploring that type of special friendship, “Axone” (2019) is the story of friends from northeastern India who come together to celebrate a friend’s wedding in Delhi. But there’s a problem — they have to cook akhuni, a pungent dish that smells so strong that no one in their neighborhood will let them cook it. 

Will they be able to cook it? Go and find out!

Where to watch: “Axone” is available on Netflix.

 

8. ‘Three of Us’ (2022)

“Three of Us” is a poetic drama that deals with the memories of the past and how we hold them in the present and the future. Supported by some powerful performances, the film is the story of Shailaja (Shefali Shah), who is struggling with the early stages of dementia. Before she loses her memory, she wants to revisit her childhood home and meet her friends who shaped her early days. What follows is a poignant story about remembering the past and the importance of letting go. 

Trust me. You will be deeply moved as you watch this heartfelt story.

Where to watch: “Three of Us” is available on Netflix.