Over the years, Bollywood movies have become a medium that explores fate and chance ravelled into romance, drama, and adventure. The stories often explore the role of fate in people’s lives, providing characters with second chances or twists of fate that change the course of their lives. We bring you a list of ten iconic films that represent Bollywood’s perspective on fate and chance.
Ludo (2020)
A multi-story anthology film illustrating the role of chance in true stories. In one storyline, a character wins the lottery, illustrating how luck can dramatically change one’s life.
Chhichhore (2019)
The film is an ode to the power of success and failure in determining one’s fate. A reunion among a group of friends looking back fondly on their college days stresses just that life’s outcomes are often beyond our grasp.
Andhadhun (2018)
This riveting fate-and-deceit story is about a blind pianist whose life is turned upside down by chance meetings and pressure choices. It is a story that shines a light on the unpredictability of fate.
Dangal (2016)
A biographical sports drama revolving around Mahavir Singh Phogat’s decision to raise his girls as wrestlers; it is based on a true story. His very decision to break free from gender roles not only changes his and his family’s lives but also forces Indian society to rethink gender roles.
Tamasha (2015)
This movie is about a clash between social requirements and personal aspirations. The journey of Ved represents what happens when someone blindsides themselves in the quest for society’s validation but finds a way to their true calling due to self-reflection and destiny.
Queen (2013)
Rani’s journey from heartbreak to self-discovery in Europe shows how you can find yourself after, at times, losing everything. Her experiences are a reminder that fate can take us to places we never dreamed of.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
This feature follows a trio of friends on a road trip that forces them to face their fears and live life to the fullest. It highlights the notion that risking something can bring about unforeseen delights and possibilities.
Jab We Met (2007)
Geet’s spontaneous decision to board a train brings her together with Aditya. It changes both their lives forever in this romantic comedy. It paints a lovely picture of how serendipity has the potential to change one’s life path indelibly.
Chakde! India (2007)
This sports drama about redemption and second chances details how a disgraced hockey player rewrites his future by coaching a women’s team. It shows that despite odds, hard work and talent can shift someone’s destiny.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
This family drama shows us how the ties of kinship and social pressure dictate our fate. Rahul will have to choose Love over family approval, led to a chain of events that test the bonds of relationship.
These are the films that together portray the Bollywood obsession with fate and fortune and how the characters ride their destiny through love, ambition and coincidence.
