There are days when you're simply exhausted from wallowing in your worries, when all you long for is something that will bring a smile to your face. There are days when you find yourself closing tabs because everything on the streaming platforms feels too harrowing after a blue Monday at work. And then, there are days when you’re in the mood to enliven your day even more after a great celebration. Got a raise? Scored well? Going through a rough patch? Feeling behind or stuck? Many emotions, one solution (sorry, L'Oréal) -Feel Good Movies. On all these days, like an old friend, feel-good movies come to you with the comfort of a warm hug. But as a true cinephile, I won't curate a list of clichés or the well-worn classics like YJHD or ZNMD. Instead, I’ll bring you my favorite lesser-known, light-hearted films that will sweep away all your sorrow.
1. Love Breakups Zindagi on Amazon Prime
I’ve recommended this film to my friends so many times, you'd think the makers were paying me for it. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every shoutout I’ve given this movie, I’d be rich by now! Jokes aside, it stars the effortlessly charming Zayed Khan and the stunning Dia Mirza in the lead roles (convinced yet?). The premise is of two lively people in steady relationships and careers yet are yearning for something more genuine, maybe it is each other. The soundtrack is soothing, my favorite one being Rozanna which is depicted so well that that anybody who sticks to a routine will see a little bit of themselves in the song. And then there’s Cyrus Sahukar, whose comic timing is truly unmatched. This movie is young, refreshing, and full of energy, everything you need for a feel-good watch.
2. Socha Na Tha on Amazon Prime
Well, the internet is inundated with all the adulation for Imtiaz Ali’s movies and the edits may be all over reels yet how did the cinephiles miss this one? This one remains a lost gem. Starring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia in the lead roles, this movie is about self-discovery and love. Both the actors are delightful to watch and not even a single song disappoints. It’s a simple story of boy meets girl, a trip to Goa, friendship blossoms, and then reality sets back in. Yet, there’s something so endearing about the way Abhay Deol plays his character that you can’t help but keep watching. It is its beauty in the ordinary that keeps you hooked.
3. Tu Hai Mera Sunday on Hotstar
It is a heartwarming film about a group of young Mumbai friends who use their Sundays to play football on the beach, escaping their personal struggles. When a game goes wrong and results in a ban, they face the challenge of finding a new place to play. Each character is dealing with issues like work pressures, family dynamics, and loneliness. It has sweet undertones, emotional resonance, and subtle humor. By the end of it, you will be calling your friends to meet up on a Sunday to plan your own get together.
4. Ahista Ahista on Amazon Prime
Another Abha Deol flick on the list, doesn’t take an Einstein to guess I am completely swayed by his boyish charm. How his character saves up money to combat the big ordeal has to be the cleverest part of the movie for me. Soha also plays the demure and naïve girl with sheer earnestness. A basic storyline that does not feel jaded. Hell yes, bring me more! I just found out that this is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s White Nights that I finished reading last week. I am baffled to say the least.
5. Purani Jeans on Hotstar
I think I will be 60 and still my favorite genre would be coming-of-age films (#forever sixteen). Purani Jeans is a film based on the belief that – “friendship is like a pair of old jeans- the older it gets, the better it becomes” This is the belief that protagonist, Siddarth Ray has learnt from his best friend Sam & come to realize as he makes a journey from New York City back to his hometown, a small hill station in India, after 12 long years. Besides, thoroughly enjoying the film, I also wished I lived at that serene hill station and so did my friends!