Bollywood has always been fascinated by the world of crime, power, and moral ambiguity. Among the many sub-genres that emerged from this obsession, don and underworld movies stand out for their larger-than-life characters, gripping narratives, and iconic dialogues. These films don’t just show crime, they explore ambition, loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power in Mumbai’s shadowy underbelly.
From classic dons to modern anti-heroes, here’s a look at some of the most memorable Bollywood don movies and Mumbai underworld movies that shaped Indian cinema.
1. Don (1978), Don (2006) & Don 2 (2011)
No discussion about Bollywood don movies is complete without Don.
- Don (1978): Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of the suave, ruthless Don and the innocent Vijay became legendary. The film set the template for stylish crime dramas in Hindi cinema.
- Don (2006): Farhan Akhtar reimagined the classic with Shah Rukh Khan, adding psychological depth, slick visuals, and a darker tone.
- Don 2 (2011): Unlike the remake, Don 2 was a full-fledged sequel that expanded the character’s universe internationally, showing Don’s rise from Mumbai to Europe.
Together, these films represent the evolution of the don archetype across generations, from mystery to menace to master strategist.
2. Satya (1998)
Satya redefined Mumbai underworld movies forever. Ram Gopal Varma stripped away glamour and presented a raw, unsettling look at gang life.
With realistic characters, authentic language, and an unforgettable performance by Manoj Bajpayee as Bhiku Mhatre, Satya showed crime as chaotic, brutal, and deeply human. It remains one of the most influential Bollywood underworld movies ever made.
3. Company (2002)
Inspired by real-life gang wars, Company explored loyalty, ambition, and betrayal within organized crime.
Ajay Devgn and Vivek Oberoi delivered intense performances, while the film examined how power corrupts relationships. The company took the don genre beyond street-level crime into the world of crime syndicates and global operations.
4. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010)
This film brought poetry and nostalgia to the Bollywood don movie genre.
Loosely inspired by real-life underworld figures, it focused on the transition of power from a principled don to a ruthless successor. Stylish yet grounded, the movie explored how the underworld changed alongside Mumbai itself.
5. Raees (2017)
Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees portrayed a don who operates by his own moral code. Set in Gujarat, the film blended politics, bootlegging, and crime into a character-driven narrative.
While controversial, Raees stood out for humanizing its central figure and exploring the thin line between heroism and criminality. Here are the top 10 Shah Rukh Khan classics that you should also watch.
6. Sarkar (2005)
Inspired by The Godfather, Sarkar focused on power, family, and control rather than street violence.
Amitabh Bachchan as Subhash Nagre wasn’t a typical don: he was a kingmaker. The film showed how crime intersects with politics, making it one of the most cerebral Bollywood underworld movies.
7. Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007)
Based on a real police encounter, this film portrayed the clash between the Mumbai Police and the underworld. Fast-paced and gritty, it focused less on glorifying dons and more on the brutal consequences of gang wars, adding realism to the genre.
Why Don Movies Still Fascinate Us
The appeal of Bollywood don movies and Mumbai underworld films lies in their contradictions. These characters are powerful yet vulnerable, charming yet dangerous. Over time, the genre has evolved from stylized villains to complex anti-heroes, reflecting changes in society, morality, and storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Don 2 a remake or a sequel?
Don 2 is a direct sequel to Don (2006) and continues Shah Rukh Khan’s version of the character, expanding the story beyond Mumbai.
2. Which is the most realistic Bollywood underworld movie?
Satya is widely considered the most realistic portrayal of Mumbai’s underworld due to its raw storytelling and grounded characters.
3. Are Don (1978) and Don (2006) the same story?
Yes, Don (2006) is a modern reinterpretation of the 1978 classic, but it adds a major twist that changes the character’s arc.
4. Which Bollywood don movie is inspired by real-life gangsters?
Satya, Company, and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai draw inspiration from real-life Mumbai underworld figures.
5. Why are underworld movies so popular in Bollywood?
They combine power, drama, moral conflict, and social commentary, making them compelling reflections of ambition and consequence.
