Creating the best Bollywood comedy movies is a serious business. They are majorly slapstick but often venture into the territories of social drama, creating puns out of the most distressing moments.
Take “Hera Pheri,” for instance—one of the most iconic comedy movies to watch, not just in Bollywood but worldwide. The film masterfully blurs the line between comedy and intense drama. You feel the helplessness of its three leads, even shedding a tear or two over their dire financial situation. Yet, amidst their struggles, the characters make jokes about their predicaments, turning nervous chuckles into full-blown laughter. It’s this delicate balance of humor and pathos that makes “Hera Pheri” a standout.
Bollywood comedy movies take a complete turn with films like “Andaz Apna Apna.”
This film cranks the slapstick humor up to eleven and parodies Bollywood itself. Characters find themselves in absurdly funny yet tense situations, delivering self-aware lines and performing ridiculous antics. The movie ends on a whimsical note, with characters literally hopping into the sunset, embodying the essence of playful, nonsensical fun.
To look at it broadly, these Bollywood comedy movies hold a mirror to society, reflecting its idiosyncrasies with humor and insight. As a result, they seem more intelligent than they try not to be.
Let’s take a journey through the repository of Indian cinema and explore the comedy movies to watch that have left us in stitches, from the timeless classics to the contemporary gems that continue to push the boundaries of comedic storytelling.
10) Madgaon Express (2024) — The Gen-Z Addition to Best Bollywood Comedy Movies List
Madgaon Express, directed by ace actor Kunal Khemu, centers on three lifelong friends: Dhanush Sawant, affectionately known as Dodo, Pratik Garodia, nicknamed Pinku, and Ayush Gupta. These friends have always dreamed of taking a trip to Goa but have faced numerous setbacks and failed attempts over the years. Finally, they manage to plan and set off on their long-awaited vacation, anticipating a carefree and enjoyable time on the sun-drenched beaches of Goa.
However, their dream vacation takes an unexpected turn and quickly spirals into chaos. Upon arriving in Goa, they find themselves inadvertently caught up in a convoluted web of local gangsters, drugs, and mistaken identities. Their attempts to enjoy the serene beaches and vibrant nightlife are constantly thwarted by a series of comically unfortunate events.
Dodo, Pinku, and Ayush navigate through these misadventures, encountering a variety of eccentric characters along the way. These include a group of inept gangsters who mistake them for rival criminals, leading to a series of hilarious chases and misunderstandings. The friends’ efforts to extricate themselves from these predicaments only seem to land them in deeper trouble, creating a domino effect of comedic scenarios.
Watch the Madgaon Express movie trailer here:
9) Stree (2018): Feminism Meets Horror in This Brilliant Indian Comedy Movie
Set in the small town of Chanderi, Stree, directed by Amar Kaushik, follows the subversion of a familiar urban legend of a vengeful spirit who abducts men during an annual festival.
What could have been a straightforward supernatural thriller is elevated by a sharp script that tackles gender dynamics and societal prejudices with both humor and nuance! A special mention to the writers Raj & DK for brilliantly weaving the tale of Chanderi in a whacky yet subtle way that makes for almost a perfect visual treat.
Stree’s true strength lies in its ability to entertain while provoking thought-provoking discussions. The film explores themes of misogyny, consent, and ingrained societal conditioning, all while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained.
Stree is a must-watch for genre fans and casual moviegoers alike for its fresh take on comedy. It stands out as a unique contribution to Indian comedy movies. Interestingly, it also features in our best Bollywood horror movies list.
Watch the Stree movie trailer here:
8) 3 Idiots: A Laughter Riot With Strong Emotional Core
3 Idiots is a heartwarming and humorous film about three friends—Farhan, Raju, and Rancho—studying at the prestigious Imperial College of Engineering (ICE) in India.
The story, told through flashbacks, follows their college years filled with comedic and dramatic incidents, largely driven by Rancho’s unconventional and brilliant approach to life and learning. Rancho challenges the rigid educational system and inspires his friends to pursue their true passions instead of conforming to societal expectations.
The film is framed by Farhan and Raju’s road trip to find Rancho, who disappeared after graduation. They discover Rancho living under a new identity, Phunsukh Wangdu, a renowned scientist and innovator. The reunion is heartwarming and reinforces the film’s core message: success comes from pursuing one’s passions with dedication and integrity, rather than merely adhering to societal norms.
Rancho’s mantra, “All is well,” symbolizes his optimistic outlook on life, making “3 Idiots” a thought-provoking film that celebrates creativity, friendship, and self-discovery.
Watch the iconic ‘What is a Machine’ scene from 3 Idiots here:
7) Dhol (2007): A Rajpal Yadav Show All-And-All
Dhol is one of the best Bollywood comedy movies to watch. Its a story about four lazy friends—Sameer, Pankaj, Gautam, and Martand—who scheme to get rich without working. They plan to marry a wealthy girl, Ritu, hoping to inherit her brother’s fortune. However, they discover that Ritu’s brother’s death is linked to shady dealings and local gangsters.
Their bumbling attempts to solve the mystery lead to a series of hilarious misadventures. Despite their comical failures, they eventually uncover the truth, expose the culprits, and help Ritu claim her inheritance. Along the way, they learn the value of honesty, hard work, and friendship.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Dhol stars Sharman Joshi, Kunal Khemu, Tushar Kapoor, and Rajpal Yadav. Rajpal Yadav’s performance as the bumbling and endearing Martand adds a significant layer of humor to the Indian comedy film, with his impeccable comic timing and expressions making every scene he is in a laugh riot.
Watch a hilarious Dhol Indian comedy movie scene here:
6) Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006): A Bollywood Comedy Movie That Redefined Satire on Celluloid
Khosla Ka Ghosa follows the trials and tribulations of the Khosla family as they find themselves embroiled in a bitter battle with a dishonest developer over a piece of land they purchased.
Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, Khosla Ka Ghosla is a satire that takes a comedic swipe at the alarming corruption and land mafia plaguing Indian society. The film’s strength lies in its sharp writing and stellar ensemble cast.
Anupam Kher delivers a standout performance as the patriarch, Mr. Kamal Khosla, perfectly capturing the exasperation and determination of a middle-class man fighting an uphill battle against the system. The supporting cast, including Parvin Dabas, Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak, and Boman Irani, provide excellent comic relief, breathing life into their quirky characters.
While tackling serious issues like corruption and bureaucratic red tape, Khosla Ka Ghosla never loses its sense of humor. The film perfectly balances social commentary with laugh-out-loud moments, creating a genuinely entertaining and thought-provoking experience.
Khosla Ka Ghosla stands out as a must-watch in Indian comedy movies. It offers a hilarious and insightful look at the struggles of the common man against the powerful and corrupt.
Watch the Khosla Ka Ghosla movie trailer here:
5) Munna Bhai MBBS (2003): A Gangster Wants To Become A Doctor
Munna Bhai MBBS follows the life of Munna (Sanjay Dutt), a former gangster who enrolls in medical school to redeem himself in his parents’ eyes. His unconventional approach clashes with the strict dean, Dr. Asthana (Boman Irani).
This 2003 film by Rajkumar Hirani highlights empathy and kindness in healthcare, drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s principles.
The real strength of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S lies in its heartfelt messaging about treating patients as human beings first. Through hilarious set pieces and touching emotional arcs, the film reminds us of the power of empathy, kindness, and laughter as potent healing forces. Munna’s deep emotional bonds with his patients provide some of the film’s most uplifting moments.
Supported by a stellar ensemble, including Arshad Warsi’s scene-stealing turn as Circuit, the film is an uproarious yet thoughtful exploration of the ideal doctor-patient relationship. With its blend of sharp humor and profound humanity, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. is indeed a healthy tonic for the soul.
Watch the Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. trailer here:
4) Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006): Ever Heard a Chinese Cat Scream?
Golmaal: Fun Unlimited follows the hilarious escapades of Laxman, a bright student, and his mischievous friends—Gopal, Madhav, and Lucky.
Indebted to a local thug, Vasooli, the four friends resort to scams, leading to their expulsion from college. While on the run, they find refuge in the home of a blind couple, Somnath and Mangala, posing as their grandson to uncover a hidden treasure. Misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and a series of comedic events unfold as they thwart a gangster’s attempts to steal the treasure.
This mad ride of a film, directed by Rohit Shetty and written by Neeraj Vora, has memorable characters that will stay with you for decades to come. The film features lively cinematography, sharp editing, and a memorable soundtrack that enhances its humor and charm.
Watch an iconic Golmaal: Fun Unlimited scene here:
3) Hera Pheri (2000): One of The Best Written Bollywood Comedy Movies Ever
“Hera Pheri” is a comedy about three down-on-their-luck individuals: Raju, Shyam, and Baburao. Raju, a perpetually unemployed schemer, Shyam, a desperate job-seeker, and Baburao, a bumbling landlord, accidentally receive a ransom call meant for someone else.
Seeing an opportunity to get rich, they devise a plan to intercept the ransom money. Their plan leads to a series of hilarious and chaotic events involving mistaken identities, bungled exchanges, and run-ins with criminals.
The film is elevated by Priyadarshan’s direction and Neeraj Vora’s clever writing that blends slapstick humor with insightful social commentary on themes like unemployment and the pressures of making ends meet. The film never takes itself too seriously, reveling in its own ridiculousness.
Watch the Hera Pheri movie trailer here:
2. Andaaz Apna Apna: How to Make a Slapstick Bollywood Comedy Movie Right
“Andaz Apna Apna” is a slapstick comedy about two daydreamers, Amar and Prem, who compete to win the heart of a wealthy heiress, Raveena. They embark on a series of misadventures, each trying to outdo the other. Along the way, they encounter a cast of quirky characters, including a bumbling crime boss, Teja, and his henchmen.
Misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and absurd situations ensue as Amar and Prem try to thwart Teja’s plans to steal Raveena’s fortune. Their rivalry turns into an unexpected partnership, leading to a comedic showdown.
This is an iconic Bollywood comedy movie to watch, which surprisingly failed at Box Office but has attained a cult status over the time. Directed by ace filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, this film will forever be renowned for its witty dialogues, hilarious antics, and memorable performances.
Watch the popular police stations scene from Andaz Apna Apna Indian comedy movie here.
1) Gol Maal (1979): The GOAT of All Best Bollywood Comedy Movies
A hilarious tale of deception and mistaken identities, where a young man’s desperation for a job leads him down a comically tangled path of lies and impersonations.
This film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, with a script by Rahi Masoom Raza and Sachin Bhowmick, is in a league of its own. A perfect representation of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, it surpasses all previous expectations while setting a benchmark for other comedy genre films to come.
Amol Palekar as Ramprasad Dashrathprasad Sharma / Laxmanprasad Dashrathprasad Sharma, aka Lucky, shines as he effortlessly toggles between his contrasting personas, keeping audiences in splits with his impeccable comic timing. Utpal Dutta’s stellar supporting turn adds to the madcap fun. Coupled with crisp editing and an evergreen soundtrack, Gol Maal is a classic comedy gem that has stood the test of time.
Notable Mentions
- Lage Raho Munna Bhai
- PK
- Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
- Hungama
- De Dana Dhan
- Welcome
- No Entry
- Garam Masala
- Fukrey
- Baadshah
- Dulhe Raja
What do you think about our list? Did we get them all, or did we miss something? Let us know down below in the comments, and if you’re looking for more amazing Bollywood news updates, come join us at Bollywood Junkies!
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