Father’s Day is a time to honour the unsung heroes of our lives. And what better way to celebrate the day than with a movie marathon that showcases the diverse and profound relationships between fathers and their children? From Bollywood gems to Hollywood classics, here’s a curated list of films that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you appreciating the essence of fatherhood.
With their diverse stories and rich emotional landscapes, these films provide a window into the multifaceted nature of fatherhood. Whether you’re looking for laughter, tears, inspiration, or simply a heartfelt story, this list offers something for every viewer. This Father’s Day, sit back, relax, and celebrate the fathers who have shaped our lives with their unwavering love and support.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Netflix
Starring – Will Smith and Jaden Smith
Based on a true story, “The Pursuit of Happyness” stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son. Despite their dire circumstances, Chris’s determination and resilience to provide a better life for his son, portrayed by Smith’s real-life son Jaden, highlight the unbreakable bond and sacrifice of a devoted father.
Memorable Line from a Father – Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.
Wake Up Sid (2009) – Netflix
Starring – Ranbir Kapoor, Konkana Sen Sharma and Anupam Kher
“Wake Up Sid” tells the story of Sid (Ranbir Kapoor), a lazy and aimless young man who is living off his father’s wealth. His father, Ram Mehra (Anupam Kher), is a self-made businessman who constantly pushes Sid to take life seriously. The film beautifully captures the evolution of their relationship as Sid learns to take responsibility and discovers his passion, ultimately earning his father’s respect and pride.
Memorable Line from a Father – Mere liye photography ka matlab tha, tumhari tasveere kheechna…
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – Amazon Prime
Starring – Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher
While “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” is often celebrated as a romantic saga, it also speaks about the father-son dynamic between Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and his father (Anupam Kher). Raj’s father supports him in his pursuit of love, showing a modern and understanding approach to parenthood. Their bond is filled with humour, warmth, and a deep sense of camaraderie.
Memorable Line from a Father – Agar aaj tujhein lagta hain ki tune apni poori jawaani jee li, toh koi baat nahi, ab tu jaa aur meri jawaani jee kar aa
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) – Netflix / Amazon Prime
Starring – Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur and Kalki Koechlin
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani explores the ambitions and dreams of Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and the impact of his decisions on his relationships. The father-son relationship isn’t the central focus of the movie, but the memories of Bunny’s late father and the influence of his teachings are poignantly depicted, emphasising the lasting impact of a father’s guidance.
Memorable Line from a Father – Beta, ek baat yaad rakhna, zindagi mein chahein jo ho jaayein, kuch bhi… main hamesha tumhare saath hoon.
Tamasha (2015) – Netflix
Starring – Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Piyush Mishra and Javed Sheikh
“Tamasha” presents the journey of Ved (Ranbir Kapoor), who struggles with societal expectations versus his own passions. His relationship with his father (Javed Sheikh) is strained, filled with unspoken expectations and disappointment. The film highlights the pressures children often feel to meet their parents’ expectations and the eventual understanding and acceptance that brings them closer.
3 Idiots (2009) – Amazon Prime
Starring – Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor
“3 Idiots” offers a touching subplot involving Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan) and his father (Parikshit Sahni). Farhan’s father has high hopes for him to become an engineer, while Farhan aspires to be a wildlife photographer. The film underscores the sacrifices parents make for their children and the immense pressure children feel to live up to those sacrifices, as well as the importance of following one’s true passion.
Memorable Line from a Father – Bete, tumhara woh professional camera kitne ka aayega? Laptop ke against aa jaayega naa? Agar aur paise lage to maang lena
Angrezi Medium (2020) – Disney+ Hotstar
Starring – Radhika Madan, Irrfan Khan, Deepak Dobriyal and Kareena Kapoor
In “Angrezi Medium,” Irrfan Khan plays a single father, Champak Bansal, who will go to any lengths to fulfil his daughter Tarika’s (Radhika Madan) dream of studying abroad. Their journey is filled with humour, love, and the trials of navigating a foreign land. The film beautifully portrays the unwavering support and sacrifices a father makes for his daughter’s happiness.
Memorable Line from a Father – Yeh 18 ki umar mein apni life khud banao, achchi baat hain, josh hain banao… lekin kisi time pe wapis bhi toh aa jao
The Godfather (1972) – Netflix / Amazon Prime
Starring – Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan
A cornerstone of cinema, “The Godfather” explores the complex relationship between Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his sons. The film delves deep into themes of loyalty, power, and the burden of legacy. The dynamics between Vito and his sons, especially Michael (Al Pacino), highlight the influence of a father’s expectations and the weight of carrying on a family’s legacy.
Memorable Line from a Father – A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man…
Piku (2015) – SonyLIV
Starring – Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan and Amitabh Bachchan
“Piku” revolves around the relationship between Piku (Deepika Padukone) and her ageing, irritable father, Bhaskor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan). Their bond is depicted with warmth, humour, and exasperation, capturing the essence of caregiving and the inevitable role reversal that occurs as parents age. The film is a tender tribute to the enduring, often complicated, love between a father and his daughter.
Memorable Line from a Father – Beech raastein mein motion ka feeling hua toh?
Bicycle Thieves (1948) – YouTube
Starring – Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola
A neorealist masterpiece, “Bicycle Thieves” follows Antonio Ricci, who, along with his young son Bruno, searches for his stolen bicycle, essential for his job. The film poignantly depicts the harsh realities of post-war Italy and the deep bond between father and son as they navigate adversity together. Bruno’s unwavering faith in his father is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
