This year, the 76th Independence Day is also a long weekend- giving us the perfect reason to unwind and watch movies that have long been on our watchlist. If you're looking for some recommendations on what to do with your long weekend, we have just the thing for you!
This Independence Day weekend, here are our picks (across genres) for 6 must-watch family movies (that aren't Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham- we know that's already on your watchlist)!
Do Dooni Chaar
In what can be considered one of the most heartwarming tales of a middle-class family, Do Dooni Chaar starring Neetu Kapoor and Late Rishi Kapoor makes for a decent family watch. The story explores the life of a school teacher, who does everything in his power to make ends meet but struggles in fulfilling the desires of his family in the fast-paced world. The 2010 released film brings alive honest sentiments and showcases a bond between the kids and parents that is both emotional and desirable. There are some significant takeaways the that you will find once you watch it. The film is available on Netflix.
Chak De! India
Every movie binge must be started off right, and this time it's no different. It's only fair that you start off your Independence Day binge with one of the best movies of the 2000s decade, Chak De! India. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, the story focuses on the Indian women's hockey team and their quest for victory at the World Cup. It's an absolute must-watch, and if you've already seen it, it's the best movie to binge again! Watch it now on Netflix.
Badhaai Ho! (2018)
2018's Badhaai Ho was a family movie like no other. Starring Ayushman Khurana, Neena Gupta, and Gajraj Rao, the movie focuses on a middle-aged couple who accidentally get pregnant a third time, and the fun and hijinks that ensue with their family during the pregnancy. The movie's not all fun and games though- at times, it questions certain attitudes held by Indian society and holds up a mirror to New Delhi and its class divisions. A hilarious watch, it's a movie you must see. Watch it now on Hotstar/Disney Plus.
Badhaai Do
The spiritual sequel to Badhaai Ho, Badhaai Do is just as good as its predecessor, if not better. Starring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, the movie focuses on a couple once more- this time around, they're much younger, not pregnant, and in a marriage of benefits (we're not going to spoil the movie for you- go see it!) Once again, the cast in this one hit it out of the park with their performances, much like Badhaai Ho. Watch Badhaai Do on Netflix.
Queen
Starring Kangana Ranaut, we can't appreciate Queen enough. A movie on the journey a woman undertakes to find herself after her engagement is broken, this movie has everything- a good story, great locations, wonderful characters, and moments that make your heart insanely warm. It's got everything you need to make it the perfect addition to your binge list. Watch it now on Netflix.
Bend It Like Beckham
Starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, Gurinder Chadha's Bend It Like Beckham is another gem produced during the 2000s. The movie focuses on the life of a teenage British Indian girl, and her football aspirations. It's a perfect addition to a long weekend binge- it'll make you laugh, it'll make you cry (and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the movie will make you sigh!) Watch it now on Apple TV/Jio Cinema.
The Sound of Music
What's a long weekend movie binge without a musical? An oldie but a goodie, 1965's The Sound of Music is the perfect movie for you and your family to sing along to. Starring Julie Andrews in one of her best roles, the movie focuses on an aspiring nun in Austria and the obstacles she faces as the governess of the seven Von Trapp children. Despite The Sound of Music is set in Austria in 1938 (and it being made in 1965), it's a timeless classic, with some of its lessons being relevant even today! Watch it now on Vudu.
Suggested reading: Independence Day Weekend: 6 New OTT Series To Watch