Bollywood has a rich tradition of weaving cultural festivals into its cinematic storytelling, and Navratri is no exception. This vibrant festival celebrated with fervour across India, has been depicted in various films, showcasing its significance and the way it intersects with personal and dramatic narratives.
1. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Directed by- Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring- Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Supriya Pathak, Gulshan Davaiah, and Sharad Kelkar
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela is a 2013 romantic tragedy film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali that was based on Romeo and Juliet. A major portion of the film is set in the nine days of Navratri with Padukone’s character daringly professing her love for Singh despite their respective families being arch enemies.
2. Kai Po Che
Directed by- Abhishek Kapoor
Starring- Rajkumar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sad, and Amrita Puri
Based on Chetan Bhagat novel ‘The 3 Mistakes Of My Life,’ Kai Po Che! is a dramedy that revolves around 3 lifelong friends who open a sports shop and run a sports academy. The film is set in Ahmedabad, Gujrat where Navratri is celebrated with full force. The movie showcases the dandiya and garba celebrations.
3. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Directed by- Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring- Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Aishwarya Rai
Based on ‘Shetal ne Kathe‘ by Rashtriyashayar Jhaverchand Meghani, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam tells the story of a newlywed man who tries to unite his wife with her former lover. The song ‘Dholi Taro Dhol Baje‘ from the movie is absolutely iconic and features on most Navratri playlist. The song marks the beginning of the lead character’s love story.
4. Satyaprem Ki Katha
Directed by- Sameer Vidwans
Starring- Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani
Sattu is a good-hearted but good-for-nothing LLB fail guy who dreams of marrying, Katha, a girl out of his league. However, fate has other plans and they end up getting married. Sattu’s tries to make his wife fall in love with him.Sattu meets Katha at a Garba party in Satyaprem Ki Katha.
5. Devdas
Directed by- Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring- Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit
Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas portrays the lives of Shah Rukh Khan (Devdas), Aishwarya Rai (Paro), and Madhuri Dixit (Chandramukhi) in a Calcutta populated by landlords and courtesans.
While the book keeps Paro and Chandramukhi from meeting, the film depicts a significant interaction between them during Durga Puja. This crucial period in the film sees Paro introducing Chandramukhi, a courtesan, to her husband’s household, which leads to Paro being restricted from leaving her home.
6. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani
Directed by- Karan Johar
Starring- Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, and Aamir Bashir
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is a contemporary romantic film about a couple who come from very different backgrounds. The two decide to live with each other’s respective families for three months before committing to each other. A key moment in the film is set against the backdrop of Durga Pooja, when the two leads dance to a rendition of Dola Re Dola.
7. Kahaani
Directed by- Sujoy Ghosh
Starring- Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, and Nawazuddin Sidiqui
Kahaani is a thriller film starring Vidya Balan, a pregnant woman in search of her missing husband. The movie is set against the backdrop of Navratri, with the film ending with Durga Pooja celebrations.
