From Dear Dad To Dangal: 5 Hindi Films That Showcased The Many Shades Of Fatherhood

Fathers can be complex human beings when it comes to expressing love and affection. They do not express their affection directly most times unlike mothers, rather their love finds its way into our lives in the form of sacrifices that they make in order to fulfil our dreams and wishes. However, not all father-child relationships are full of warmth and love. Some are marred by abuse, resentment and miscommunication as well.

Over the years, the portrayal of fatherhood has drastically changed in Indian cinema. Fathers in Hindi films these days are more caring and expressive, they try to understand their children. They let them be who they are and not what they want them to be. On the other hand, some films have aptly captured the dysfunctional relationship that many children share with their dads.

Here are some Hindi films on fatherhood that have stayed with us over the years:

Dear Dad

Himanshu Sharma and Arvind Swamy in Dear Dad.

Dear Dad is a 2016 coming-of-age film directed by Tanuj Bhramar. The film narrates a road trip taken by 14-year-old son Shivam, with his 45-year-old father Nitin. Over the course of the trip, the duo bond and eventually the father comes out of the closet and shares his story with his son. The film is a great example of how the portrayal of father-son relationships has changed in Bollywood over the years. Dear Dad features actors Arvind Swamy and Himanshu Sharma in the lead roles.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Suggested Reading: Five Underrated Hindi Films On Small Town Girls You Should Watch

Dangal

The biographical film follows the real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his dream of winning a gold medal for India in wrestling. He envisions his dream through his daughters Geeta and Babita and trains them in the sport despite the criticism from the villagers. In real life, the two sisters went on to become India's leading wrestling champions bashing the existing social stigma that girls can't play sports as professionals, also serving as an inspiration for many others. Dangal features actors Aamir Khan, Sanya Malhotra, Sakshi Tanwar and Fatima Sana Shaikh in the lead roles.

Where to watch: Netflix

Udaan

A still from Udaan

This 2010 drama film revolves around the abusive father-son relationship between Rohan and his dad Bhairav Singh. After being expelled from his school, Rohan returns home to his father and half-brother, about whom he did not know. When he expresses his desire to become a writer, his father forces him to work at his factory instead. Over the course of the film, we see Rohan break the toxic cycle created by his father and live life on his own terms without any further abuse. He also develops a loving relationship with his half-brother. Udaan is directed by award-winning filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and stars Ronit Roy, Rajat Barmecha, Aayan Boradia and Ram Kapoor among others.

Where to watch: Netflix

102 Not Out

Directed by Umesh Shukla, 102 Not Out is a 2018 comedy-drama starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in lead. Dattatraya Vakhariya (Bachchan), a 102-year-old man, lives with his grumpy 75-year-old son Babulal (Kapoor) and wants to break the record of being the oldest man alive. Dattatraya, who is childish by nature, also helps his son get back on his feet, after he loses his will to live. This unique film captures the journey of two grown-up men, both in the last leg of their lives and how ageing helps them bond.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video 

Suggested Reading: Five Underrated Hindi Films On Small Town Girls You Should Watch

Piku

Despite their differing opinions and constant bickering about trivial issues, Piku and her ageing father Bhaskor Banerjee grow closer on a road trip to Kolkata. Directed by Shoojit Sircar and written by Juhi Chaturvedi, this quirky relationship between the father and daughter makes one reminisce about the beauty of familial bonds and the importance of cherishing them while we still have time. Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan are seen in pivotal roles in the film Piku.

Where to watch: Sony LIV