As the monsoon rains sweep across the Indian subcontinent, Bollywood is mirroring this natural deluge with a cinematic storm of its own. August 2024 has turned into a goldmine for film enthusiasts, as a quartet of iconic re-releases graces theatres all over India. This diverse collection, featuring tales of star-crossed lovers, gritty crime families, heartfelt family dramas, and coming-of-age romances, offers audiences a golden opportunity to experience the enchantment of these classics on the big screen once more.

While our neighbors in Pakistan might not have the privilege to witness these re-releases in theatres, the timeless allure of these films transcends geographical boundaries. Let’s delve into this cinematic time capsule and uncover why these four films continue to mesmerize audiences, years after their initial premieres.

‘Laila Majnu’

Kicking off our nostalgic journey is Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Laila Majnu’, which made a grand re-entry into theatres on August 9. This modern adaptation of the classic Persian love story transports the narrative to the stunning yet conflicted valleys of Kashmir.

When it first hit the screens in 2018, ‘Laila Majnu’ may not have been a box office juggernaut, but it has aged like a fine wine. The film marked the Bollywood debut of Triptii Dimri, who has since ascended to become one of the industry’s most coveted talents. Her on-screen chemistry with Avinash Tiwary, marked by brooding intensity, captures the fervor of first love. Their struggle against familial opposition serves as a metaphor for the broader conflicts that have long beset the region.

Visually, ‘Laila Majnu’ is a feast for the eyes, portraying Kashmir’s ethereal beauty with snow-capped mountains and blooming gardens that mirror the passionate highs and devastating lows of Laila and Qais’s romance.

But it’s not just the visuals that make ‘Laila Majnu’ worth revisiting. Ali’s screenplay strikes a delicate balance between honoring the original tale and maintaining contemporary relevance. Qais’s journey to London introduces a globalized dimension to the story, reflecting the realities of a diaspora caught between two worlds.

‘Gangs of Wasseypur’

From the delicate strokes of a love story, we transition to the gritty, blood-soaked landscape of Anurag Kashyap’s masterpiece, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. This two-part epic, storming theatres on August 30, is nothing short of a modern classic.

When it first erupted onto screens in 2012, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ was groundbreaking. It dared to depict the Indian hinterland not as a backdrop for melodramatic sagas but as a complex ecosystem with its own set of rules, power dynamics, and moral codes.

Spanning three generations of a crime family in the coal-mining town of Wasseypur, the film explores themes of revenge, ambition, and cyclical violence. Manoj Bajpayee leads an ensemble cast including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadha, and Pankaj Tripathi—each delivering powerhouse performances.

What sets ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ apart is its unvarnished portrayal of violence as a mundane part of everyday life. Kashyap’s direction eschews Bollywood glamour for a documentary-like realism that is both shocking and captivating.

The sprawling narrative is anchored by meticulous attention to detail. From evolving weaponry to shifting political landscapes, every frame is rich with historical and cultural references that reward multiple viewings.

Despite its grim intensity, Kashyap infuses the saga with dark humor and quirky musical interludes that provide much-needed levity. The soundtrack—an eclectic mix of folk tunes and original compositions—has achieved cult status. In an era of increasing corporatization and gentrification, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ serves as a stark reminder of the power struggles and human costs behind India’s industrial growth.

‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’

Next up is ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’, the 2001 romantic drama that made its return on August 30. Starring R Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan, this film holds a special place in the hearts of millennials who came of age in the early 2000s.

On the surface, RHTDM follows a classic love triangle—boy meets girl, boy lies to girl, complications ensue. But what set it apart was the fresh-faced charm of its lead pair. Madhavan and Mirza brought relatable, boy-next-door qualities to their roles that resonated deeply with young audiences.

However, viewed through a contemporary lens, the central premise—a man deceiving a woman about his identity to win her affection—raises significant questions about consent and healthy relationships. It serves as a stark reminder of how societal attitudes toward romance and gender dynamics have evolved over two decades.

Yet, RHTDM continues to captivate largely due to its incredible soundtrack. Songs like Zara Zara and Sach Keh Raha Hai Deewana have attained iconic status. Composed by Harris Jayaraj, the music blends melodic tunes with poetic lyrics, creating an auditory experience that transcends the film’s narrative flaws.

‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’

Rounding out our quartet is ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’, the epitome of Bollywood family dramas. Infamous for its 3-hour-26-minute runtime, the film returned to theatres on August 9 to mark its 30th anniversary. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this film is often credited with redefining family entertainment in Indian cinema.

First released in 1994, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ starred Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit in leading roles. The film wove a tale of love and family values that resonated across generations. From elaborate wedding ceremonies to festive gatherings, it offered a romanticized portrayal of joint family life, tapping into collective nostalgia for an era already fading due to urbanization and globalization.

However, HAHK wasn’t just about tradition; it was also unabashedly romantic. The chemistry between Salman and Madhuri was electric. Their playful banter and stolen glances captured the excitement of young love. Songs like Didi Tera Devar Deewana and Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai became instant classics whose popularity endures even three decades later.

The film’s re-release provides a unique opportunity for multiple generations to experience this cultural touchstone together. For older audiences, it’s a chance to relive magic from 30 years ago. For younger viewers, it’s a window into a different filmmaking era—one that prioritized family values and clean entertainment over gritty realism or high-concept plots.