Priyadarshan didn’t just enter Bollywood—he remixed it. Known for turning Malayalam classics into Hindi laugh riots (and occasionally emotional gut punches), his directorial style is unmistakable. From uproarious comedies to poignant dramas, he has a knack for crafting films that resonate deeply with audiences. Here are his top Hindi films, ranked in reverse, showcasing his unique vision and enduring impact on Indian cinema.
10. Billu (2009)
A subdued remake of Kadha Parayumbol, Billu didn’t exactly roar at the box office, but it speaks softly and carries significant emotional weight. Irrfan Khan delivers a heartfelt performance as a humble village barber whose long-lost friend turns out to be a Bollywood superstar (Shah Rukh Khan, playing… Shah Rukh Khan). This film is a quiet meditation on dignity and friendship, a rare and refreshing choice in a star-driven industry often focused on grand spectacles.
9. Khatta Meetha (2010)
Khatta Meetha bravely takes on India’s infamous red-tape culture, attempting a satirical bite that perhaps exceeds its chew. Nevertheless, Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of a morally grey road contractor adds a compelling layer of texture. Priyadarshan’s signature ability to balance farce with social commentary shines through, even if the overall result feels a touch half-baked. It’s a film that aims high and, despite its imperfections, offers a glimpse into the director’s ambitious vision.
8. Chup Chup Ke (2006)
Mistaken identity? Check. Deaf-mute act? Check. Characters who believe everything except the truth? Double check! In Chup Chup Ke, Shahid Kapoor pretends to be mute while Kareena Kapoor barely utters a word, leaving the heavy lifting and uproarious dialogue to the comedic powerhouses Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal. While the plot might wobble with its intricate contrivances, the film’s comic timing is absolutely spot-on, delivering consistent laughs.
7. Malamaal Weekly (2006)
Imagine a dead lottery winner, a nosy priest, and an entire village scheming like their lives depend on it—and they just might! Malamaal Weekly is pure, unadulterated chaotic good. Set in a poverty-stricken village, the film transforms into a morality play hilariously disguised in clown shoes. Despite its often over-the-top energy, the humor lands far more often than it misses, making for a truly memorable and surprisingly insightful watch.
6. Bhagam Bhag (2006)
A theater troupe gets entangled in a murder mystery in London? Sounds like an Agatha Christie spoof, and that’s precisely the zany, fast-paced ride Bhagam Bhag offers. Priyadarshan masterfully blends action, crime, and comedy into a narrative that moves faster than its own logic can keep up. Govinda’s signature slapstick, Akshay Kumar’s clueless confidence, and the film’s dark humor somehow brilliantly gel, creating an entertaining and unpredictable romp.
5. De Dana Dan (2009)
Think of De Dana Dan as Hera Pheri dialed up to eleven: even more characters, more frantic running around, and virtually no breathing room. With a convoluted plot involving a hotel, a ransom, a spectacular water tank explosion, and multiple characters screaming over each other, it’s loud, indulgent, and yet strangely rewatchable. This is chaotic comfort cinema at its finest, a film you can revisit for its sheer, unadulterated mayhem.
4. Hulchul (2004)
This Rajasthani reimagining of The Taming of the Shrew meets Romeo and Juliet is a brilliant blend of family drama and full-blown slapstick. Akshaye Khanna plays the straight man, providing a grounded anchor while the rest of the cast goes gloriously unhinged. Priyadarshan truly nails the tonal balance, weaving intense, feud-filled tension with punchlines that catch you completely by surprise, making Hulchul a truly engaging experience.
3. Hungama (2003)
No one plays the “web of misunderstandings” card quite like Priyadarshan, and Hungama might just be his most efficient and hilarious execution of that strategy. Every character believes something entirely different is going on, and every scene feels one revelation away from total collapse. Yet, it never devolves into a messy tangle. Instead, Hungama is quick, clever, and a masterful lesson in comedic precision, a true gem in his filmography.
2. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Horror-comedy is a treacherous genre—one wrong step and you risk losing either the fear or the fun. But Priyadarshan flawlessly navigates this minefield, delivering a psychological thriller expertly laced with chuckles. Carried by Akshay Kumar’s manic energy and Vidya Balan’s hauntingly brilliant performance, Bhool Bhulaiyaa tackles themes of mental illness and possession with surprising nuance and incredible effectiveness. It’s a genre-bending triumph that still chills and thrills.
1. Hera Pheri (2000)
Still the undeniable crown jewel. A remake of Ramji Rao Speaking, Hera Pheri transcended its source material to become something far greater—a cultural reset for Indian comedy. Raju, Shyam, and Baburao became household names, their dialogues are still constant meme fuel, and Priyadarshan’s direction keeps the film perfectly rooted despite the escalating madness. It’s not just a comedy; it’s an institution, a benchmark against which all other Bollywood comedies are measured.
Takeaway
Priyadarshan’s Hindi films are more than mere remakes; they are brilliant remixes that perfectly tapped into India’s taste for chaos, cleverness, and catharsis. His exceptional control over large ensembles and his intrinsic love for misdirection make his brand of comedy unmistakably his own. He built a cinematic world where laughter echoes with purpose.
Bonus Tip: Watch Hera Pheri, Hungama, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa back to back, and you’ll start to notice a fascinating pattern: the louder the characters, the sharper and more intricate the storytelling. Priyadarshan’s world is one where noise has a profound narrative purpose.
Which of Priyadarshan’s films has made you laugh the hardest? Let us know in the comments below!
