Introduction
The 90s are considered the golden age of romance and comedy for Bollywood. From Govinda’s slapstick humour to Akshay Kumar’s comic timing, 90s Bollywood movies are guaranteed to be a laugh riot. These movies not only tickle your funny bones but also leave a lasting impression on your mind. The following movies are remembered for their stories, acting, and iconic comic moments, and are considered the best 90s Hindi comedy movies.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Plot summary
Considered one of the funniest Hindi movies of the 90s, Andaz Apna Apna defined the comedy genre for an entire generation. The plot follows two men, Amar and Prem, who want to marry the same rich heiress. The quest leads to an absurd situation where the two suitors get into awkward situations, including a fake kidnapping, an actual villain, and a case of mistaken identity. The story pivots from one comic moment to another, keeping the audience on board.
Iconic performances
Andaz Apna Apna stars Amir and Salman Khan as Amar and Prem, respectively. The chemistry is iconic, and the comic sense of the actors is brilliant. The lead cast is supported efficiently by Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor, and Paresh Rawal. Also, mention must be made of Shakti Kapoor’s portrayal of Crime Master Gogo. The villain is iconic for its goofiness and etched in the audience’s mind.
Cultural impact
Although the movie didn’t perform well at the box office, it became a cult classic and is considered one of the best Hindi comedy films of the 90s. The film is remembered for its charm, comedic timing, and standout performances by the leads and supporting characters. Scenes and dialogues have entered meme culture and are quoted in everyday conversations. Therefore, the movie holds an iconic place in Indian pop culture.
Coolie No. 1 (1995)
Plot summary
Coolie is an iconic Govinda comedy movies the 90s have to offer. The movie is essentially a comedy of errors with mistaken identities playing a central role. The movie stars Govinda as a coolie who is mistaken for a wealthy bachelor who is engaged to the daughter of a socialite played by Kader Khan. Coolie No 1 progresses with a plot filled with lies, awkward moments and over-the-top scenarios. It is fun to watch the coolie’s (Raju’s) identity is revealed creating comedy gold.
Comedic elements
Coolie No: 1 stands on the Govinda’s shoulder. His charisma, comic timing, and witty dialogue delivery with slapstick comedy carry the film forward. The film has all the flavours of a 90s Bollywood comedy, from funny disguises and hilarious misunderstandings. Coolie No:1 balances chaos with entertainment and humour which makes it one of the funniest Hindi movies of the 90s.
Box office success
The movie was a riot at the box office, becoming a commercial hit in its initial theatrical run. The film’s iconic comedic moments and Govinda’s stupendous acting helped him secure a place as one of the dependable comedy actors of the 90s. The movie’s entertainment value, mixed with music, dance, and slapstick humour, is timeless.
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
Plot Summary
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke is a romantic comedy featuring Amir Khan as Rahul and Juhi Chawla as Vyjyanti. The story revolves around Rahul and his nephews and nieces, left behind by his sister after her demise. Rahul balances the responsibilities of the ward under his care when he meets Vyjyanti, a runaway bride, and love blossoms. Amidst the chaos that the children concoct, Rahul and Vyjyanti’s affair grows, forming a family unit. The movie is remembered for its heartwarming romance and humorous moments.
Family-Friendly Comedy
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke is one of the best examples of a family-friendly 90s Hindi comedy movie. It appeals to all audience members, including children, for its innocence and heartwarming moments as well as its humorous scenes. The children’s pranks are amusing, symbolising the chaos they bring to any household. The film also shows that sometimes laughter and mischief can bring a family together.
Award Recognitions
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke also shook the award season, winning multiple awards. It won the National Filmfare award for best film, with Juhi Chawla winning the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Vyjyanti. Her charming performance as the female lead has etched a place in the hearts and minds of the audience.
Dulhe Raja (1998)
Plot Summary
Dulhe Raja is a comedy of errors starring Kader Khan, Govinda, and Raveena Tandon. The film revolves around the rivalry between the two lead characters, Govinda as Raja and Kader Khan as KK Singhania. Raja owns a shabby restaurant beside the luxury hotel run by Singhania. The rivalry between the two owners leads to hilarious situations, with Raja’s relationship with Kiran (Tandon) complicating the situation further.
Performance Highlights
Dulhe Raja relies on the performances of the two leads. The chemistry between Govinda and Kader Khan is legendary, with both delivering punchlines and creating comedy gold effortlessly. It is considered one of the Kader Khan comedy movies of the 90s, and also one of Govinda’s best performances.
Audience Nostalgia
The film also brings in a sense of nostalgia for people who grew up in the 90s. Dulhe Raja is one of the best 90s Hindi comedy movies with catchy tunes, quirky dialogues, and memorable moments. The banter between KK Singhania and Raja is also iconic.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998)
Plot Summary
Another comedy of mistaken identities, Bade Miyan Chote Miya stars two cops and two dopplegangers with identical facial features. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda, the two sets of cops and criminals get mixed in a flurry of mistaken creating some of the funniest moments in any 90s Hindi comedy movies. As the dynamic duo is swept in and adventure on a comedy of errors, the audience is taken for a ride in a laugh riot.
Dual Roles Humor
Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda are excellent in their dual roles of cops and criminal dopplegangers with changing mannerisms and dialogue delivery. Seeing the two veteran actors on screen playing off each other is a relentless treat for the audience. Their contrasting body language is emblematic of their versatility, triggering laughter and amusement.
Box Office Performance
The movie was an immediate commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of the year. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan drew an audience from all corners of the country, across all demographics. The duo of Bachchan and Govinda worked, making it one of the standout comedies of the decade.
Deewana Mastana (1997)
Plot Summary
Deewana Mastana is a rollercoaster ride of romantic comedies with two men falling in love with the same woman. The two men, Raja and Bunnu, are in love with Dr. Neha Sharma and embark on a journey to appease her. Misadventure unfolds as a poor cook (Raja) and a bumbling businessman (Bunnu) throw themselves into one comedic situation and another. The movie also features a lot of twists and turns that keep the audience engaged.
Romantic Comedy Elements
Bunnu and Raja, played by Anil Kapoor and Govinda, respectively, produced enough conflict to keep the movie going. Their chemistry with each other and the romantic lead is noteworthy and memorable. The tension is lighthearted, and the humour is interwoven with the elements of tender romance.
Noteworthy Cast
Both Anil Kapoor and Govinda are amazing in their roles, forming great chemistry that makes the movie memorable. Govinda, being the best comedy actor in the 90s, is spot on in this role. But Anil Kapoor does not lag as well, presenting versatility with comedic roles as much as with his dramatic ones.
Judaai (1997)
Plot Summary
Judai is a situational comedy starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Urmila Matondkar, memorable for its satirical take on materialism. The film explores the idea of a woman selling her husband for wealth, leading to a hilarious misunderstanding and tongue-in-cheek humour.
Sridevi’s Performance
While Anil Kapoor as the husband is brilliant, it’s Sridevi’s performance that carries the movie forward. She transforms throughout the film from the greedy wife to a guilt-ridden woman. She steals the show in every scene with her dramatic expressions and witty dialogue delivery. Her dramatic expressions uplift the comedy of the film and make the satire more hard-hitting. Her transformation also adds a touch of humanity, which also becomes humorous at times.
Bold Storyline and Controversial Topic
The heart of Judai lies in the controversial topic. For the first time, a wife has been portrayed as greedy who sells her husband to a wealthier woman. The conflict of morality and chaos that follows makes it one of the funniest Hindi movies of the 90s. For the 90s, the movie was unconventional and chose to portray a grim topic through the lens of satire. Sridev as Kajal is the showstopper in the movie, with Anil Kapoor as her husband sincere. Urmila Mantonkar as Jahnvi is also noteworthy.
Aunty No. 1 (1998)
Plot Summary
Aunty No.1 is a comedy caper involving Govinda, who disguises himself as an aunt, leading to chaos and misunderstanding. The movie is an unadulterated masala comedy led by Govinda’s outlandish performance. The movie is for people who love cross-dressing slapstick comedy and outlandish outcomes.
Playing with Gender Stereotypes
The movie is memorable for cross-dressing comedy and Govinda’s talent for physical comedy. The film is a deliberately outlandish and over-the-top comedy with Govinda making every ridiculous moment laughable. Aunty No.1 balances between bizarre and cheeky humour. While it challenged conventional gender roles, it started a conversation that was progressive for its time. The humour might have become dated today, but back then it was refreshing and new.
Govinda’s Performance
For the 90s, Govinda’s performance was groundbreaking and courageous to take on the role of a man disguised as a woman. His performance opened up conversations about identity, beauty, and gender conventions prevalent in society.
Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi (1997)
Plot Summary
Directed by David Dhawan, Mr and Mrs Khalida is an action comedy movie starring Akshay Kumar, Juhi Chawla, Kader Khan, and Satish Kaushik. This is the only movie in the franchise that focuses on comedy, rather than on action, unlike the other movies in the franchise. The movie focuses on astrology and its absurdities, an over-the-top love story, and David Dhawan’s signature loud and exaggerated comedy style.
Astrology and Absurdity
Mr and Mrs Khiladi poke fun at blind faith and lazy ambition. Raja does not want to work because of his horoscope. His refusal to work is a running joke throughout the film and becomes the grounds for comedy. The commitment to the absurd plot and its inability to take itself seriously is what makes the comedy work.
Akshay as a Comic Actor
Akshay Kumar is on spot with his comic timing, balancing the absurdly superstitious mindset and his romantic scenes. He is supported superbly by comedy heavyweights such as Kader Khan and Satish Kaushik. Akshay Kumar as the lazy Raja displays the right amount of deadpan confidence in astrology and witty dialogue. He is the primary reason this film has become a cult classic and one of the best Hindi comedy movies 90s.
Chachi 420 (1997)
Plot Summary
A remake of Mrs. Doubtfire, Chachi 420 stars and is directed by Kamal Hassan, playing the titular character. The movie follows a father who is divorced from his wife, desperate to be with his kid. In sheer desperation, he disguised himself as a female domestic helper and caregiver. Playing as Lakshmi Godbole, he gets to be part of his daughter’s life as a nanny in his ex-wife’s household. The film has Tabu and Amrish Puri as supporting characters.
Unique Concept and Execution
While cross-dressing for laughs isn’t new in the comedy space, this film does not make a caricature of playing a woman. Chachi 420 makes women for a disguise, not a mockery of the gender. The move was unique and fresh for its time, discussing themes of family, fatherhood, separation, and divorce. Adding cultural context and nuance brings a new dimension to the movie.
Kamal Haasan’s Performance
Kamal Hassan’s performance is iconic, seamlessly blending into the role of a woman without making it a mockery. Hassan plays Lakshmi and Jaiprakash with equal authenticity. The comic timing and his witty delivery are brilliant. His body language changes as he changes disguise without smoothly that seeming natural. He also portrays characters with emotional depth.
Conclusion
The 90s were one of the greatest eras of Hindi comedy movies. From masala casual comedy to social satires, the movies mentioned above displayed a great sense of the craft, with some of them delving into unexplored topics. Some of the movies, such as Judai and Chachi 420, explore unconventional themes. Comedic actors such as Akshay Kumar, Kader Khan, and Govinda have left their indelible mark on the genre. If you want to watch all these movies in all places, try DHOOMDB–the one-stop destination for some of the best comedy movies in the 90s.
