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The 1970s was a pivotal era for Bollywood – it was a decade that witnessed the Indian film industry evolving into a powerhouse of cinematic innovation.
This period saw the rise of the “masala” film genre, blending action, drama, romance and musical elements into a single narrative; you’ll still find many movies created in this style today.
The influence of the socio-political environment was evident in the storytelling, with films reflecting the complexities and aspirations of the ever-changing Indian society in the 1970s.
Plus, it was when Bollywood as we know it came into play!
Bollywood in the 1970s
The birth of Bollywood, India’s prolific film industry, has roots back to the early 20th century when Indian cinema began its conception.
The country’s industry’s origins are often credited to Dadasaheb Phalke, a motion picture director who’s often considered the founder of Indian cinema. In 1913, he released “Raja Harishchandra,” a silent movie which was India’s first full-length feature film.
While Indian filmmaking was popular before, the term “Bollywood” really started in the 1970s.
It was called so because the filmmakers fused two words “Bombay” and “Hollywood” – creating “Bollywood”!
Best 1970s Bollywood films
Bollywood’s 1970s films reflect how the decade was a time of change for the industry. Here are some of the diverse range of Indian films of the decade:
Sholay (1975)
“Sholay” is often hailed as the greatest Bollywood film of all time.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, this epic tale of friendship and revenge set in the rugged landscapes of rural India redefined Indian cinema.
It follows a retired police chief who aims to catch a thief; and recruits two more criminals along the way!
Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra’s portrayal of Jai and Veeru, along with Amjad Khan’s iconic villain Gabbar Singh, became legendary.
The film’s innovative use of dialogue, action sequences, and a memorable soundtrack made it a milestone in Bollywood history.
Anand (1971)
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, “Anand” is a poignant story of a terminally ill cancer patient, Anand (Rajesh Khanna), and his friendship with his doctor, Bhaskar (Amitabh Bachchan).
The film is renowned for its emotional depth, powerful performances and heart-wrenching dialogues.
Rajesh Khanna’s portrayal of Anand brought him immense popularity, and the film remains a classic example of Bollywood’s ability to blend tragedy and hope.
Deewaar (1975)
“Deewaar,” directed by Yash Chopra, is a gripping tale of two brothers on opposite sides of the law.
Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay, the “angry young man” who turns to a life of crime, resonated deeply with audiences.
It’s also well-known for its stellar performances by actors Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor.
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Manmohan Desai’s “Amar Akbar Anthony” is a quintessential masala film that became a massive hit for its entertaining mix of comedy, drama and music.
It follows three brothers who were separated in childhood and reunited as adults and starred Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.
Bachchan’s role as the flamboyant Anthony Gonsalves is especially memorable!
Pakeezah (1972)
A magnum opus by Kamal Amrohi, “Pakeezah” is a visually stunning and emotionally rich film about the life of a courtesan named Sahibjaan, played by Meena Kumari.
The film took over a decade to complete and is celebrated for its exquisite set design, hauntingly beautiful music, and Meena Kumari’s heartbreaking performance.
Even to this day, “Pakeezah” remains a timeless classic.
Bobby (1973)
Raj Kapoor’s “Bobby” is a coming-of-age film that starred Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia in their debut roles.
The film’s fresh storyline, youthful energy and memorable music struck a chord with the younger generation and showcased some of the rising youth movements in India in the 1970s.
And in fact, “Bobby” became something of a trendsetter, influencing the portrayal of romance in Indian cinema for years to come!
Don (1978)
Chandra Barot’s “Don” starred Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role – he played both Don and his lookalike Vijay.
The film’s gripping plot, stylish action sequences and memorable dialogues made it a huge success, with Bachchan’s portrayal of the suave and ruthless underworld kingpin Don becoming iconic!
The Great Gambler (1979)
Amitabh Bachchan was possibly the most versatile actor of the decade – in The Great Gambler, he had another dual role, this time as a sophisticated gambler and an undercover agent!
In The Great Gambler, global spies around the world gamble. Parts of the film were shot in Lisbon, Rome, Cairo and Venice; it’s the 1970s equivalent of playing international-themed games like Fortune Tiger!
Bollywood today
Bollywood remains the heart of Indian film culture; it created over 2,000 films in 2019 alone and often rivals Hollywood (it is the largest film industry in the world in terms of movies created per annum). But it was the 1970s when Bollywood and Indian cinema really started to become well-known. Without some of these iconic movies, Bollywood as we know it today may not have existed.
