Mumbai, the city of dreams, has always been a popular subject for filmmakers. The city’s vibrant culture, diverse communities, and iconic landmarks have inspired some of the top Hindi movies in Indian cinema. From gritty crime dramas to heartwarming comedies,
Here are some of the best films based in Mumbai that perfectly capture the city’s charm.
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Slumdog Millionaire
The film came out in 2008 and was directed by Danny Boyle. Slumdog Millionaire is a critically acclaimed movie that tells the tale of a young boy who lives in the slums of Mumbai and goes on to win the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The movie’s portrayal of the gritty streets of Mumbai, the vibrancy of the city’s markets, and the struggles of the people living in it. Slumdog Millionaire perfectly captures the spirit of the city.
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Salaam Bombay!
Salaam Bombay! is a 1998 film directed by Mira Nair. It is about a young boy who leaves his village and comes to Mumbai to earn money. The movie depicts the harsh realities of life on the streets of Mumbai and the challenges faced by its marginalized communities. The film was critically acclaimed and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
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Bombay
Mani Ratnam’s Bombay came out in 1995. It is a movie that tells the story of a Hindu-Muslim couple during the 1992 riots in Mumbai. The lovers eloped against their family’s wishes and started living happily. However, they find themselves in a world full of caste discrimination and violence. The movie’s depiction of the city’s communal tensions and the resilience of its people in the face of adversity made the film one of the most iconic movies based in Mumbai.
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Wake Up Sid
Directed by Ayan Mukherjee, Wake Up Sid came out in 2009. The coming-of-age movie tells the story of a young man who moves to Mumbai to pursue his dreams. The movie perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the city as well as its challenges and complexities. The movie was critically acclaimed for its honest portrayal of the city’s youth culture. It is easily one of the best Hindi movies depicting Mumbai.
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Black Friday
Anurag Kashyap’s Black Friday is a movie based on the 1993 Bombay bombings. The crime drama depicts the events leading up to the bombings, their aftermath, and the police investigation that followed. Black Friday’s gritty realism and powerful performances made it one of the most iconic movies based in Mumbai.
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Dil Chahta Hai
Dil Chahta Hai is directed by Farhan Akhtar. The narrative revolves around three friends who grew up in Mumbai. In the movie, you will be able to see Mumbai’s culture, its iconic landmarks, and its vibrant nightlife. Dil Chahta Hai is, to date, a cult classic among Bollywood fans.
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Munnabhai MBBS
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Munnabhai MBBS was released in 2003. It is a comedy-drama film that tells the story of a gangster who poses as a medical student to fulfill his father’s dream. The movie shows scenes from Mumbai’s medical community and its iconic landmarks and bustling streets, making it one of the most beloved movies about the city.