Comedy films are considered ‘family films’ in India. No point in guessing that they do exceptionally well at the box office. So much so, romantic and comedy films are pegged evenly in the popularity charts. While comedy films today are mostly ‘escapist’ in nature, some old gems from back in the day boasted impeccable storylines. Nevertheless, there are good comedy films made even today. We’ve made a list of the 20 funniest films from Bollywood history. Watch any of these and we guarantee ticklish ribs and hysterical laughter for sure. Let belly aches begin!
1. Badhaai Do (2022)
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar
With talented actors such as Bhumi Pednekar and Rajkummar Rao taking over our screens, it doesn't come as a surprise that Badhaai Do was a must-watch. The thought of sensitively narrating the story of lavender marriage was done nicely, coupled with gentle humour and it struck a chord with the audience just how it was supposed to.
2. Doctor G (2022)
Director: Anubhuti Kashyap
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Shefali Shah, Rakul Preet Singh
Who can beat Ayushmaan Khurrana when it comes to being versatile? Doctor G in 2022 was yet another feather in the cap when he played the role of the sole male student in a gynecology department and the madness that followed was a laughter riot indeed. A funny portrayal imbued with important lessons for society was well-received by the audience.
3. Govinda Naam Mera (2022)
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani, Bhumi Pednekar
Commercial cinema can never go wrong and Govinda Naam Mera was one of the funniest rides toward the end of the year. Vicky Kaushal who portrayed the role of Govinda Waghmare has an abusive wife, a girlfriend, and then a court case to juggle with and sort out his life, what ensues is a lot of plotting and then murder. The dialogue delivery, comic timing, and impeccable acting made this one a fun watch.
4. Jug Jugg Jeeyo (2022)
Director: Raj Mehta
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Neetu Kapoor, Maniesh Paul, Prajakta Koli
With an ensemble cast featuring Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Neetu Kapoor, Maniesh Paul, and Prajakta Koli - comedy was well spread throughout the film. A movie based on love, happiness, and family ties and all that comes to the surface with a wedding taking place was a complete entertainer. A killer playlist and hilarious situations made this one of the finest comedy films to have come out of Bollywood last year.
5. Good Newwz (2019)
Director: Raj Mehta
Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Akshay Kumar and Diljit Dosanjh
This comedy of errors follows two completely opposite couples who get caught in a mix-up during their IVF treatment, and what follows is a laughter riot. Varun Batra (Akshay Kumar) and Deepu Batra (Kareena Kapoor) are the hip, urban couple whereas Honey Batra (Diljit Dosanjh) and Monika Batra (Kiara Advani) play the traditional, happy-to-lucky duo. The interactions between them are hilarious, and by the end also heartfelt. With top-notch performances and the funniest moments, Good Newwz definitely promises a good time!
6. Bareilly Ki Barfi
Director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Cast: Kriti Sanon, Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana and Pankaj Tripathi
This film is the epitome of talent and versatility with a number of good actors coming together. The plot is light-hearted and sweet, with a number of comedic moments that will make you laugh and smile. After reading a book that changes her life, Bitti, played by Kriti Sanon, makes it her mission to meet the author. Her quest takes her on a wild ride, filled with romance, entertainment and heartfelt moments making it a perfect watch for those who enjoy rom-com.
7. Simmba (2018)
Director: Rohit Shetty
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan
If you're looking for a no-brainer, commercial potboiler comedy, Simmba is the way to go. You can leave your brain and basic logic behind, to sit and enjoy a movie filled with action, comedy and melodrama. The movie centers around corrupt cop Sangram, played by Ranveer Singh who does nothing by the book. However, one crime hits home and completely changes his attitude. How he deals with the situation, is a comedic ride with funny dialogues, over-dramatic action sequences and whistle-worthy songs. An action comedy one must watch.
8. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Rajpal Yadav, Ameesha Patel
If you're in the mood for some good-old horror, comedy- Bhool Bhulaiyaa is definitely the way to go. Unlike typical comedy movies in Bollywood, this film has a strong and gripping storyline with humor scattered around it. The story revolves around Vidya Balan who returns to her ancestral home in her superstitious town with her husband. Eventually, things start to go wrong, and they call Akshay Kumar to take care of the problem, and of course, a series of comedic chaos ensues.
9. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2021)
Director: Anees Bazmee
Cast: Kartik Aryan, Kiara Advani, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav
The second installment features Kartik Aryan and Kiara Advani and is based on the theme of black magic. Rajpal Yadav and Kartik Aryan add comedic relief, with their on-point comedic timing! Overall both movies are must-watches when you're in the mood for an interesting film, with a lot of laughs.
10. Mubarakan
Director: Anees Bazmee
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz, Athiya Shetty, Neha Sharma
An out-and-out entertainer, this classic comedy follows the tried and tested formula of a family entertainer with slap-stick dialogues and good music and acting. The story follows the journey of twin brothers, and the comedic disarray caused by some miscommunication. Anil Kapoor has amazing comedic timing throughout and the rest of the ensemble cast also does a great job. Despite the slightly overdone melodrama, a staple in comedy movies in Bollywood, the film is a must-watch for the moments that will truly have you rolling on the floor in laughter!
11. Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Cast: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal
Two loafers (Aamir Khan and Salman Khan) compete to win the heart of an heiress and in turn, end up protecting her from crimes. While the film fared averagely when it hit the screens, it currently holds the reputation of being a cult classic. The dialogue of this movie has been quoted, re-quoted and inducted into modern conversation and culture. That’s the greatness of this quirky comedy.
12. Gol Maal (1979)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Cast: Amol Palekar, Bindiya Goswami, Deven Verma, Shubha Khote, Buaji Kalindi, Manju Singh, Ratna Sharma, Dina Pathak
Raved by critics and audiences alike, Gol Mal is considered one of the best comedy films ever made in Bollywood. A job hunt, a fake mustache, a hockey match… confusion was never so funny. Utpal Dutt’s cacophonous laughter and shrieks are still a legend.
13. Chupke Chupke (1975)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Cast: Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan
This one is fondly remembered for Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan’s comic chemistry which came right after the iconic Sholay. The film is a fun tale of a husband playing a rather practical prank on his wife’s father. One of the best offerings from the undisputed king of situational comedy, Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
14. Munna Bhai Movies
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, Sunil Dutt, Gracy Singh
Munna Bhai will go down as one of the most iconic characters of modern times. While the first installment of this hit series (Munna Bhai MBBS) revolved around an underworld don taking a medical college by storm, the second installment (Lageraho Munna Bhai) was all about Gandhigiri and its relevance to modern society. Hardcore fans are still waiting with bated breath for the third installment.
15. Hera Pheri (2000)
Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty, Tabu, Om Puri, Gulshan Grover, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Mukesh Khanna
A Hindi remake of the 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, Hera Pheri is a cult classic, alright. The film revolves around a troublesome trio and how they get involved in a dangerous case of kidnapping.
16. Khubsoorat (1980)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Cast: Ashok Kumar, Rekha, Rakesh Roshan, Dina Pathak
Things in a strict household change once a feisty girl comes to stay there for a couple of days and stirs up a storm. The film is one of the best rom-com ever made and is remembered for Rekha’s comic genius.
17. Padosan (1968)
Director: Jyoti Swaroop
Cast: Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu, Mehmood
This one’s definitely a top contender in the best comedy films of all time. A simple guy falls in love with his lovely neighbor and takes help from his pals to impress the girl who is getting closer to her music teacher. Fun and music hit the right chords. The singing bouts between Sunil Dutt’s and Mehmood’s characters are legendary. Kishore Kumar is the soul of this comedy.
18. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)
Director: Kundan Shah
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Bhakti Barve, Satish Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Kaushik, Neena Gupt
A dark satire on Indian politics and corruption, the film is about two friends fending off gangsters, mafia and politicians. The characters are insanely hilarious, Naseeruddin Shah and Ravi Baswani raise the laughs as they escort the corpse (played by Satish Shah) in a series of fit-inducing gags. The climax featuring a corny stage recreation of Mahabharata is possibly the funniest scene in Hindi film history.
19. Chashme Buddoor (1981)
Director: Sai Paranjape
Cast: Farooq Shaikh, Deepti Naval, Saeed Jaffrey
Roommates fall for the same girl – two losses, and one wins her heart. All that goes on between the other two trying to split them up and a happy ending is lapped with oodles of laughter. Chashme Buddoor was the perfect college people comedy deeply relevant to the early 80s.
20. 3 Idiots (2009)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani
Inspired by Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots was the highest-grossing film of its time and rage in China too. Two friends are on the lookout for the third ‘idiot’ who was the different one and has been MIA since the last day of college. It’s a roller-coaster ride, to say the least. Watch out for the insane monologue featuring Omi Vaidya delivering a speech in Hindi.
21. Chachi 420 (1997)
Director: Kamal Haasan
Cast: Kamal Hassan, Tabu, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal
A messy plot where a father-in-law falls in love with his son-in-law disguised as a lady… this is one wicked ride. It may have been heavily inspired by Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubfire, but Kamal Hassan brought his best to this extremely loveable comedy.
22. Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)
Director: Satyen Bose
Cast: Kishore Kumar, Madhubala, Ashok Kumar, Anoop Kumar
There’s a no-woman rule in this household of three unmarried brothers. Things take several turns once the younger lads fall in love. That rare madcap comedy, where Kishore Kumar and Madhubala turned up the romantic interludes with some high-tempo comedy. It also featured all three Ganguly brothers, Ashok, Kishore and Anoop in what was India’s more deftly nuanced answer to the Marx Brothers.
23. Bawarchi (1972)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Cast: Rajesh Khanna, Jaya Badhuri, Asrani
No cook wants to work with the always-bickering Sharma family. Cut to Raghu coming into the picture and the family unity. But is Raghu all clean or is there something he’s hiding? Rajesh Khanna as the loveable, quirky and golden-hearted servant was in top form. Bawarchi is a family entertainer of Indian cinema.
24. Vicky Donor (2012)
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Yami Gautam, Annu Kapoor
A fertility expert is on the lookout for a fit and fine sperm donor. He crosses paths with Vicky and convinces him to become one. All’s well until Vicky gets married and his secret is revealed. Plus, his wife can’t conceive. Consider this one of the best comedy yet coming-of-age films made in recent times.
25. Namak Halaal (1982)
Director: Prakash Mehra
Cast: Waheeda Rehman, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan could talk in English, walk-in English and laugh in English too. In an age when CGI was nonexistent, at least in Hindi cinema, Mr. Bachchan and a fly were all it took to draw endless fits of laughter from the audience. There were the usual masala movie tropes in there too. This was like a Deewar with Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh, but with some intense comedy.
26. Bombay to Goa (1972)
Director: S. Ramanathan
Cast: Mehmood, Aruna Irani, Amitabh Bachchan
This one is hands down the most adventurous Bollywood journey you’ll ever take. Can’t miss this one where a young Amitabh Bachchan exchanges comedic notes with Mehmood in top-notch form. The set pieces involving the endless quirky characters were a rage.
27. Angoor (1982)
Director: Gulzar
Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Moushumi Chatterjee, Deven Verma
It’s based on Shakespeare's 'A Comedy of Errors' where two pairs of identical twins are separated at birth and their lives go for a crazy ride once they meet in adulthood. Arguably, it features one of the finest comedic performances by an Indian actor ever. This one was Sanjeev Kumar's greatness!
28. Tere Bin Laden (2010)
Director: Abhishek Sharma
Cast: Ali Zafar, Pradhuman Singh, Piyush Mishra
A desperate reporter casts a fake Osama Bin Laden for a fake video that’ll help him immigrate to America. Things don’t go as planned and the visa office shuts down. To say the least, this one is epic!
29. Delhi Belly (2011)
Directors: Abhinay Deo, Akshat Verma
Cast: Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunaal Roy Kapur
A story of struggling roommates and a ruthless gangster all tangled in heavy doses of wit and action. Delhi Belly was as funny as a donkey humping an autorickshaw.
30. Aankhen (1993)
Director: David Dhawan
Cast: Govinda, Chunky Pandey, Raj Babbar
Munnu, Bunnu and tons and tons of confusion, this one marked the beginning of David Dhawan and his lifelong love of comedy. The madcap bromance between Govinda and Chunky Pandey was phenomenal.
Loading Next Article...
SHOW COMMENTS