Published By: Sayan Guha

The Best Indian Films of the 1970s: A Look at the Decade That Changed Indian Cinema

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane and Explore the Decade That Revolutionized Indian Cinema With These Timeless Classics.

The 1970s were a decade that forever altered Indian cinema, ushering in fresh themes, stories, and production methods that still have an impact today.

The films of the 1970s continue to enthrall audiences and solidify their status in Indian cinema history thanks to their compelling performances and iconic soundtracks.

Here are a few of the top Indian films from this legendary era:

Sholay (1975)

There is no need to introduce this movie. With its enduring dialogue, endearing characters, and exciting action scenes, Sholay has endured the test of time. Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Sanjeev Kumar were all part of the all-star cast for the Ramesh Sippy-directed movie.

Deewar (1975)

Deewar, another Amitabh Bachchan-starring movie, tells the compelling story of two brothers who wind up on opposing sides of the law. A convincing performance by Bachchan and some of the most popular dialogue in Indian cinema can be found in the Yash Chopra-directed movie.

Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)

Manmohan Desai’s movie is a classic masala entertainer with a blend of comedy, action, and drama. Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Rishi Kapoor play the lead characters in this movie, which also contains some of the most popular tunes in Indian cinema.Mera Naam Joker (1970)

Mera Naam Joker, an emotive movie directed by renowned director Raj Kapoor, tells the story of a circus clown who struggles to find fulfilment in his personal life. The movie has some of the most enduring songs in Indian cinema and stars Raj Kapoor in the lead role.

Anand (1971)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Anand is a heartwarming tale of a terminally ill man who spreads joy wherever he goes. The film features a powerhouse performance by Rajesh Khanna and has some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema.

Pakeezah (1972)

Pakeezah, a timeless classic directed by Kamal Amrohi, tells the tale of a courtesan who falls in love with a nobleman. The movie has a mesmerising performance by Meena Kumari and an eerie soundtrack.

Abhimaan (1973)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Abhimaan is a poignant tale of a singer who becomes jealous of his wife’s success. The film features Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri (now Bachchan) in the lead roles and has some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema.

Aradhana (1969)

Aradhana had a significant influence on Indian cinema in the 1970s, despite technically being released in the late 1960s. Rajesh Khanna gives a ground-breaking performance in the Shakti Samanta-directed movie, which also includes some of Indian cinema’s most well-known songs.

Choti Si Baat (1976)

In the charming romantic comedy Choti Si Baat, directed by Basu Chatterjee, a shy young man struggles to communicate his feelings to the woman he loves. Amol Palekar gives a ground-breaking performance in the movie, which also includes some of Indian cinema’s most enduring songs.