Bollywood movie fans are used to weird movie names. We know for a reason that the content, story, and storyline of a movie can turn out to be great even if or despite the fact that the name is something funny or quirky. If not, why would movies like Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan or even Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro be such critically acclaimed and appreciated movie? It sounds like quirky movie names was a trend of the old Bollywood, as before the 2000s all movie titles tended to be weird and hilarious.
For cinephiles like me, the quote “What’s there in a name?” feels apt when talking about quirky movie names. But nevertheless, we must admit that some of these names are quite quirky, weird and even hilarious. While, not all of them might have been great on content, here is a look at the most quirky movie names Bollywood has given us over the years.
1. Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro
The movie came out in 1989 and though it didn’t do well commercially, it did bag the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and even the National Film Award for Best Cinematography. That in itself should tell you that the movie is good enough to be added to your watchlist.
2. Andheri Raat Mein Diya Tere Haath Mein
Known for his double meaning dialogues, Dada Kondke delivered the same with this movie as well. Released in 1986, the movie was quite successful and even has a good 6.7 IMDb rating. Looks like even this is worth a watch!
3. Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli
Though women’s issues are far from over even today, back in the day they were too many to even list. This movie was a pathbreaker because it addressed a non-satisfying arranged marriage in the year 1971. The female lead in the movie flees her marriage and chooses to join a dance-and-song group instead. Quite bold for its day and age, don’t you feel?
4. Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam
This one was a remake of a South Indian movie. The Hindi one starred the then stalwarts of comedy like Govinda, Anupam Kher, Johnny Lever, and Satish Shah. Though it has a low rating and a silly name, the movie is quite funny and worth a shot if you’re into comedy movies.
5. Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai
Starring the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, and Smita Patil, this one was high on content and performances. It was so critically acclaimed that it even bagged the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film. This film is definitely a must watch for cinephiles. Recently the movie also got remade with Nandita Das and Manav Kaul in the lead.
6. Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty
2018 gave us Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, but long before that, in 1975, the bowel movements were addressed hilariously in Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty. A bunch of characters who all live near Juhu beach in Mumbai meet and a series of comic, romantic and fight scenes ensue.
7. Do Ladke Dono Kadke
When you put someone like Amol Palekar in a movie, you can be sure that it will be funny. The movie came out in 1979 and follows the plot line of a kidnapping gone hilariously wrong. It has 6.5 IMDb rating so we can be assured that it is definitely one of the funniest movies of all times in Bollywood even though the name is quite weird.
If these made you laugh, we’ve got more quirky movie names listed below. Have a good laugh and wonder what led to the naming of them!
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Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi(1974) | Allah Meherbaan To Gadha Pahelwan (1997) | Sasti Dulhan Mahenga Dulha (1986) |
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Sone Ka Dil Lohe Ke Haath (1978) | Murde Ki Jaan Khatre Mein (1985) | Mehendi Ban Gai Khoon (1991) |
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Shaitanon Ka Honeymoon (1998) | Raja Rani Ko Chahiye Pasina (1978) | Ramji Londonwaley (2005) |
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Ghar Mein Ho Sali To Pura Saal Diwali (2001) | Ek Se Mera Kya Hoga (2006) | Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978) |
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Paap Ko Jalaakar Raakh Kar Doonga (1988) | Guru Suleman Chela Pahelwan (1981) | Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1996) |
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Akeli Mat Jaiyo (1963) | Bhatakti Jawani (1988) |
Which one of these quirky movie names made you chuckle the most? Do you know of any such quirky movie names which we missed out on naming here? Let us know in the comments!
(originally written for TopYaps.com)