If there is a Bollywood director who captures the nuances of self-discovery the best, it has to be Imtiaz Ali. His unique storytelling and raw characters are what make his stories connect to the masses. While doing so, he also keeps his characters flawed- just like you and I and life. And wait, let’s not forget about the soulful background music here. Music to dance to, music to cry to, music to romanticise life in an auto. So, if Ilahi isn’t already your background score for every solo trip, what rock have you been living under? And to get you out of there, here are our few recommendations to explore the Imtiaz Ali movies.
1. Socha Na Tha
Imtiaz Ali’s debut, Socha Na Tha, is like the first chapter of a book you can’t put down. It’s a refreshing take on love that defies societal norms and familial expectations. The film follows Viren and Aditi, who initially reject each other in an arranged marriage setup, only to later realise their true feelings. This Imtiaz Ali movie is a story that unfolds with the gentle unpredictability of real life, peppered with moments of humour and genuine warmth. The charm of this film lies in its simplicity and the relatable journey of its characters as they navigate the complexities of love and relationships.
2. Jab We Met
Jab We Met is the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug that gives strength to keep hope alive. It’s the story of Geet, an energetic and talkative girl, and Aditya, a sad businessman, who cross paths on a train journey that changes their lives forever. Jab We Met is a celebration of love, life, and the joy of embracing yourself. With its memorable characters, and dialogues that have been trending ever since, Jab We Met remains a beloved classic that continues to be a fan favourite, reminding us all to live life like there is no tomorrow!
3. Love Aaj Kal
This Imtiaz Ali movie explores the timeless nature of love in Love Aaj Kal through two parallel stories set in different centuries. The film captures how in relationships dynamics may change over time but the emotional core remains the same and that keeps the couple intact. It weaves through the past and present, reminding everyone that while the world around us may evolve, the heart’s desire remains the same. This Imtiaz Ali movie is a reflection on the struggles and triumphs of love in any age and century.
4. Rockstar
In the Rockstar movie Janardhan, a college kid with stars in his eyes, dreams of rocking the music world. But when he falls for the enigmatic Heer, his life takes a dramatic turn. As he transforms into the anguished artist ‘Jordan’, his music captures the heartache and rebellion of a generation. The Rockstar movie is a tale of love, loss, and the painful path to creative genius, all set to a soundtrack that’s as soul-stirring as the story itself and definitely deserves a spot in your Imtiaz Ali movies list.
5. Highway
Another great addition to Imtiaz Ali's movies list is Highway. This movie takes everyone on an unexpected road trip as the main character gets abducted and her captor is a trucker travelling to the valleys in the Himalayas. As the journey prevails Veera discovers an unexpected sense of freedom and empowerment being extremely ironical to the situation of her being abducted and all. It's amazing how the human mind works and how complex our psychology is. This Imtiaz Ali movie sets into the perception of how one can find oneself emotionally and get a good perspective in life in the most unexpected situations and places.
6. Tamasha
In all relationships, the course of affection and excitement naturally takes a dip with time with reality hitting in all the bad spots. It is how the individuals contribute and make efforts to be together that makes it beautiful and amazing. Tamasha captures the story of two characters Ved and Tara who have a fling in Corsica and then later on face difficulties because of social expectations being in contrast with their personal goals. Tamasha is about rising over the pressure that society puts on individuals and finding oneself in this vast world that we are a part of.
7. Jab Harry Met Sejal
When a cynical tour guide meets a spirited woman who has lost her engagement ring and is looking for it desperately, they embark on an adventurous journey through Europe. Complete with humour, self-discovery and charming landscapes their journey reminds everyone of the old philosophy - Sometimes what we are looking for is right in front of us and we just have to look closely and understand.
This movie reassures everyone of the great power to keep believing and staying positive so add to your weekend Imtiaz Ali's movies list.
8. Amar Singh Chamkila
A biopic that is in the works and soon to be released, this film is inspired by the life of a legendary Punjabi folk singer, Amar Singh Chamkila, whose untimely death left the whole industry in shock. In an aim to capture the legacy, vibrancy and controversy of a person who lived and created music this film is sure to appeal to a large crowd.
The high anticipation amongst people can be understood by Imtiaz Ali being in the director’s seat and having made movies heartfelt and authentic. Just like Amar Singh Chamkila’s music!