What makes a Bollywood movie the best?
Well, it could be the latest blockbuster, a timeless classic, or even a quirky indie flick. Honestly, it’s all of the above! Bollywood movies have been smashing box office records for years, and they’re only getting started.
In this blog post, we’re going to highlight 19 of the absolute best Bollywood movies from 2011.
Get ready for action, romance, and comedy that will leave you wanting more!
Read more,
- List of the 10 Best Bollywood Movies of 2013
- The 19 Best Bollywood Films of 2012
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19 Best Bollywood Movies of 2011
1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
- Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin
- Director: Zoya Akhtar
This coming-of-age drama, directed by Zoya Akhtar, revolves around three friends who embark on a road trip through Spain. The film beautifully captures their journey of self-discovery, friendship, and overcoming personal fears. With stellar performances from Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara serves as a reminder to seize the day and cherish every moment.
2. Rockstar (2011)
- Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri
- Director: Imtiaz Ali
Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar follows the turbulent life of Janardhan Jakhar, played by Ranbir Kapoor, as he strives to become a renowned musician. This musical drama showcases the highs and lows of fame, love, and artistic passion. Ranbir Kapoor delivers a spellbinding performance, supported by soul-stirring music composed by A.R. Rahman, making Rockstar a must-watch for any Bollywood enthusiast.
3. Delhi Belly (2011)
- Cast: Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Poorna Jagannathan
- Director: Abhinay Deo
A refreshing departure from conventional Bollywood comedies, Delhi Belly is a raucous and irreverent black comedy directed by Abhinay Deo. Starring Imran Khan, Vir Das, and Kunaal Roy Kapur, the film delves into the chaotic lives of three roommates who find themselves entangled in a web of misadventures after consuming tainted food. Packed with witty dialogues and memorable performances, Delhi Belly is a hilarious roller coaster ride.
4. Don 2 (2011)
- Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta
- Director: Farhan Akhtar
The sequel to the 2006 hit film, Don 2 sees Shah Rukh Khan reprising his role as the charismatic and cunning Don. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, this action-packed thriller takes the audience on a gripping journey filled with heists, twists, and turns. With its stylish visuals and edge-of-the-seat moments, Don 2 cements its position as one of the best Bollywood movies of 2011.
5. RaOne (2011)
- Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Rampal
- Director: Anubhav Sinha
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, RaOne is a sci-fi superhero film that explores the clash between good and evil in the digital world. Shah Rukh Khan takes on a dual role as the villainous RaOne and the virtuous G.One, delivering a spectacle of special effects and high-octane action sequences. With its innovative storyline and groundbreaking visual effects, RaOne became a trendsetter in Indian cinema.
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6. Tanu Weds Manu (2011)
- Cast: R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut, Jimmy Sheirgill
- Director: Aanand L. Rai
A romantic comedy directed by Aanand L. Rai, Tanu Weds Manu follows the tumultuous relationship between an unconventional bride, Tanu (Kangana Ranaut), and an earnest doctor, Manu (R. Madhavan). Set in a small town, the film captures the essence of love, cultural differences, and societal expectations. With its endearing performances and catchy music, Tanu Weds Manu struck a chord with audiences.
7. The Dirty Picture (2011)
- Cast: Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor
- Director: Milan Luthria
Inspired by the life of South Indian actress Silk Smitha, The Dirty Picture explores the highs and lows of a sex symbol’s career in the film industry. Vidya Balan delivers a tour-de-force performance as the bold and unapologetic Reshma, capturing the essence of the character’s struggles and desires. Directed by Milan Luthria, this biographical drama challenges societal norms and showcases the power of women in cinema.
8. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
- Cast: Rani Mukerji, Vidya Balan
- Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Based on the true story of Jessica Lal’s murder case, No One Killed Jessica sheds light on the power of perseverance and the fight for justice. Rani Mukerji portrays a gritty journalist determined to expose the truth, while Vidya Balan plays Jessica’s sister seeking closure. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this gripping thriller highlights the importance of standing up against injustice.
9. Shaitan (2011)
- Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Kalki Koechlin, Shiv Panditt
- Director: Bejoy Nambiar
Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Shaitan delves into the dark underbelly of Mumbai’s youth and their tryst with crime. The film follows five friends who become entangled in a web of deceit and violence, testing their loyalty and morality. With its stylish visuals and compelling narrative, Shaitan offers a gripping portrayal of the consequences of temptation and the pursuit of thrill.
10. Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011)
- Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Divyendu Sharma, Raayo S. Bakhirta, Nushrat Bharucha
- Director: Luv Ranjan
This hilarious romantic comedy directed by Luv Ranjan offers a humorous take on relationships and the battle of the sexes. The film revolves around three friends who find themselves in complicated and comical situations with their respective partners. With its witty dialogues and relatable scenarios, Pyaar Ka Punchnama struck a chord with the audience, particularly the younger generation.
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11. Dum Maaro Dum (2011)
- Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Rana Daggubati
- Director: Rohan Sippy
In the thrilling crime drama Dum Maaro Dum, Rohan Sippy takes us to the sun-soaked beaches of Goa. The film plunges us into a treacherous world of drug trafficking and corruption, entangling the lives of various characters. With Abhishek Bachchan delivering a power-packed performance as a fearless cop, Dum Maaro Dum keeps us on the edge of our seats with its intense storytelling and pulse-pounding action sequences.
12. Stanley Ka Dabba (2011)
- Cast: Partho Gupte, Divya Dutta, Divya Jagdale
- Director: Amole Gupte
Amole Gupte’s Stanley Ka Dabba presents a heartwarming tale centered around a young schoolboy named Stanley. This enchanting film explores the significance of education while shedding light on the struggles faced by children in the Indian schooling system. With its endearing simplicity and authentic performances, Stanley Ka Dabba tugs at our heartstrings, leaving us with a profound message about resilience and the power of friendship.
13. Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011)
- Cast: Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Randeep Hooda
- Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster immerses us in a world of power, politics, and deception. Set within a royal family, the film weaves a complex love triangle involving a wealthy aristocrat, his unfaithful wife, and a captivating gangster. Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, and Randeep Hooda deliver stellar performances, adding layers of suspense, betrayal, and revenge to this riveting narrative.
14. Singham (2011)
- Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj
- Director: Rohit Shetty
Rohit Shetty’s high-voltage cop drama Singham unleashes the righteous police officer Bajirao Singham, essayed by Ajay Devgn. Set in a small town, the film showcases Singham’s unwavering battle against corruption and injustice. With its thunderous dialogues, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and memorable performances, Singham strikes a chord with audiences, emerging as a quintessential Bollywood action entertainer.
15. Shor in the City (2011)
- Cast: Tusshar Kapoor, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Preeti Desai
- Director: Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K.
Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. craft a tapestry of interconnected stories set in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai in Shor in the City. This gritty film takes us through the lives of various characters whose paths intertwine amidst the chaotic urban landscape. Shedding light on themes of crime, ambition, and redemption, Shor in the City presents a thought-provoking narrative that leaves a lasting impact.
16. I Am (2011)
- Cast: Juhi Chawla, Manisha Koirala, Rahul Bose, Nandita Das, Sanjay Suri
- Director: Onir
Onir’s anthology film I Am delves into four distinct stories, each confronting prevalent social issues in Indian society. From exploring themes of homosexuality to shedding light on child abuse and societal prejudices, the film raises pertinent questions about identity and acceptance. Through sincere performances and thought-provoking narratives, I Am challenges the status quo and compels us to contemplate the world around us.
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17. Delhi in a Day (2011)
- Cast: Victor Banerjee, Vidya Bhushan, Anjali Patil
- Director: Prashant Nair
Prashant Nair’s Delhi in a Day offers a satirical take on the lives of the affluent in Delhi. The film follows a young British guest who becomes entangled in the eccentricities and hypocrisies of Delhi’s elite society. With its sharp wit and astute observations, Delhi in a Day provides a lighthearted yet insightful commentary on the dynamics of social hierarchies.
18. 7 Khoon Maaf (2011)
- Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Vivaan Shah, Neil Nitin Mukesh
- Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Vishal Bhardwaj’s dark and unconventional thriller, 7 Khoon Maaf, draws inspiration from Ruskin Bond’s short story. The film unveils the life of Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes, played by Priyanka Chopra, and her string of marriages that culminate in mysterious deaths. With its intriguing storyline, atmospheric cinematography, and remarkable performances, 7 Khoon Maaf showcases Bhardwaj’s storytelling prowess, offering a unique cinematic experience.
19. I Am Kalam (2011)
- Cast: Harsh Mayar, Gulshan Grover, Pitobash Tripathy
- Director: Nila Madhab Panda
Nila Madhab Panda’s I Am Kalam tells a heartwarming tale of Chhotu, an underprivileged child driven by the desire to alter his destiny. Inspired by the life of former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the film emphasizes the power of dreams and determination. With its endearing performances and uplifting narrative, I Am Kalam serves as an inspirational film that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Conclusion
These exceptional Bollywood movies of 2011 showcased the diversity and range of storytelling in the industry. From gripping crime thrillers to heartwarming tales of resilience, these films left an indelible mark on audiences and contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian cinema.
