It won’t be an exaggeration if we say celluloid has the power to manoeuvre emotions. There are movies that make you laugh while others leave you sad and despondent. Then there are movies that simply urge you to pack your bag and hit the road, on a
journey to explore exotic locales. Such films are eye-openers and mind-openers where the journey and the road are no less important than the characters. In fact, they define the story. So let us take a close look at some of the most popular ‘road movies’ of
Bollywood and find out what they offer.
1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD) You must have been overcome by a strong urge to go on a road trip after watching this big daddy of Bollywood’s travel movies. Shot in some of the most picturesque locations of
Spain, it is the story of three
friends and their coming of age during a life-changing adventurous road trip. But the beauty of the film lies at the core although the scenic background wows all.
2. Anjaana Anjaani Yet another flick that thrives on travel. The protagonists, played by
Priyanka Chopra and
Ranbir Kapoor, have decided to end their lives on the last day of the year but want to try out everything they have ever dreamt of before the D-Day. And that leads to a unique journey across New York, Las Vegas,
San Francisco, Malaysia and
Thailand. The movie brings forth some really thrilling moments that a travel freak will absolutely love.
3. Chalo Dilli
What happens when opposite personalities are forced to turn travel partners? Well, you have a spicy expedition on the cards and some rare insight into human relationships and psychology. While the hero is a happy go lucky
desi man from Chandni Chowk, the heroine is an elite corporate chic who constantly talks nothing Guccis and Pradas. It is intriguing to watch how the two experience an image overhaul and change in perspective during an eventful journey from Jaipur to Delhi.
4. Jab We Met You can’t call this a classic travel movie but travelling is a major catalyst here that pushes the story further. Geet (
Kareena Kapoor) and Aditya (
Shahid Kapoor) bump into each other on a train and the ensuing journey changes their lives forever. From mysterious Ratlam to colourful Kota and lively Bhatinda to snow-clad
Shimla, the breathtaking locations help weave a magic tale of love and friendship.
5. Road, Movie Directed by Dev Benegal, this one introduces you to a different Rajasthan – rustic yet captivating, rural yet enigmatic. Vishnu (
Abhay Deol) is on a journey across the scenic state to deliver his father’s antique, colourful truck to a local museum. Packed with
subtle humour, crisp dialogues and a fascinating backdrop, it is a treat for anyone who loves to travel but prefers to get off the beaten path.
6. Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. Directed by
Reema Kagti, the movie is about six honeymooning couples and packs a punch as each displays his/her unique individuality. This eventful journey of love transforms the equations and redefines relationships between the couples.
7. Mr. and Mrs. Iyer History can speak volumes about love stories born out of travelling together. This bus journey is one such outing that has brought two strangers together forever. A reluctant Brahmin mother, (Konkona Sen) and a Muslim
wildlife photographer (
Rahul Bose) find emotional refuge in each other, when she saves his life from Hindu extremists aboard the bus by introducing him as Mr. Iyer, her husband. Next comes a trip where they find a way into each other’s hearts.
8. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge Even this isn’t a travel film
per se, but you just can’t ignore the fact that the train travel, bus rides and car cruises are an integral part of the plot. Raj and Simran (Shah Rukh and
Kajol) meet for the first time on a train and their love story begins as they travel across scenic Switzerland.
9. Bombay to Goa When listing road movies of Bollywood, you just can’t miss this one starring a lanky
Amitabh Bachchan and the beautiful
Aruna Irani. It is one hell of a movie complete with twists and turns, comedy, drama and an ensemble characters playing the passengers. Everyone who boards this bus from Bombay to Goa makes it a memorable journey for the audience.
