4 Bollywood films that showcase the relatable life and struggles of middle-class

Could it be that you believe movies primarily focus on presenting the opulent and glamorous aspects of existence? If that’s the case, you might not realize that numerous Bollywood directors have utilized a middle-class setting as their cinematic canvas. These films delve into the hardships, joys, and ambitions of everyday Indians, offering them a platform in the realm of entertainment. What makes these characters and stories compelling is their authenticity, providing a glimpse into the lives of many Indians on screen. Are you intrigued by movies that portray the challenges and peculiarities of middle-class life? If so, we have a variety of films just for you!

Top 4 Bollywood films that showcase the life of the middle class:

1. Do Dooni Chaar

  • Director: Habib Faisal
  • Runtime: 1h 48m
  • Release Date: October 8, 2010
  • Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Aditi Vasudev, Archit Krishna
  • Genre: Comedy-Drama

In an ordinary, middle-income family, money management is a month-to-month challenge, making the acquisition of any new item a significant hurdle. The film Do Dooni Chaar beautifully portrays this journey, focusing on the Duggal family’s aspirations to elevate their lifestyle. One such step involves replacing their scooter with a car. Rishi Kapoor takes on the role of a school teacher, grappling with the dilemma of providing for his family while considering the purchase of a car. Additionally, the film sheds light on how families in this income bracket operate within budget constraints, prioritize education, and find happiness in life’s simple pleasures.

2. Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai

  • Director: Anurag Kashyap
  • Runtime: 1h 54m
  • Release Date: June 5, 2020
  • Cast: Saiyami Kher, Roshan Mathew, Amruta Subhash
  • Genre: Thriller-Drama

Anurag Kashyap crafted this movie to portray the hardships faced by middle-class families during the demonetization era. The film “Choked” delves into the internal conflict between aspirations and financial strife experienced by Sarita, a bank cashier, who grapples with her family’s money troubles and her husband’s shattered dreams. On a fateful day, she discovers some concealed cash in her kitchen, only to learn that demonetization has been announced, leaving her in a perplexing predicament. The movie highlights the grit of the middle class, as they navigate economic pressures and confront life’s challenges with courage, presenting a daily facade of resilience.

3. Love Per Square Foot

  • Director: Anand Tiwari
  • Runtime: 2h 13m
  • Release Date: February 14, 2018
  • Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Angira Dhar, Alankrita Sahai
  • Genre: Romantic Comedy

Purchasing a property is both an accomplishment and a hurdle for a typical middle-class family. Over many years, they invest both their time and money to acquire their home, and this process becomes even more daunting when they aim to do it in a bustling metropolis. Love Per Square Foot is a delightful and identifiable film that focuses on the struggle of acquiring a home. The narrative follows the story of Sanjay and Karina, colleagues who decide to marry in order to make it easier to secure a housing loan and purchase a home. Throughout their journey, they experience humor, societal pressures, family meddling, and the trials of a young couple striving for independence in Mumbai city.

4. Pagglait

  • Director: Umesh Bist
  • Runtime: 1h 54m
  • Release Date: March 26, 2021
  • Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Ashutosh Rana, Raghubir Yadav
  • Genre: Comedy-Drama

Beyond juggling everyday challenges, navigating family and societal pressures are significant elements in a typical middle-class existence. In Pagglait, I found myself deeply immersed in the life of Sandhya, a young widow grappling with the unexpected demise of her spouse. She’s expected to grieve endlessly rather than forging ahead, but she decides to embark on a quest for self-understanding amidst the tumultuous family drama and societal expectations. This film offers a hilarious yet poignant exploration of certain social norms, heartfelt scenes, and exceptional storytelling that beautifully captures the intricacies of middle-class life, making it an ideal choice for a weekend viewing experience.

Which among these are your Bollywood films showcasing the lifestyle of the middle class in India? 

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2025-01-11 21:52