Black, Bunty Aur Babli, No Entry, and more: Celebrating 20 years of 2005’s Hindi hits

September 17, 2025 - 7:18 PM IST

In 2005, Bollywood delivered a vibrant mix of films that captured the zeitgeist of a rapidly evolving India. From grand historical dramas to intimate character studies, these blockbusters showcased the industry’s range, blending star power with bold storytelling. As we celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2025, these films—commercial hits, critical darlings, and cultural touchstones—continue to resonate. Here’s an expanded look at the Hindi blockbusters of 2005 that defined an era and remain beloved today.

Black, Bunty Aur Babli, No Entry, and more: Celebrating 20 years of 2005’s Hindi hits

Black – A Timeless Ode to Resilience

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black remains a towering achievement of 2005, starring Amitabh Bachchan as a teacher and Rani Mukerji as a deaf-blind student navigating life’s challenges. Inspired by Helen Keller’s story, its emotional depth and visual grandeur earned it 11 Filmfare Awards, including Best Film.

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Bunty Aur Babli – The Con-Game Classic

Directed by Shaad Ali, Bunty Aur Babli captured the dreams of small-town India through Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji’s con-artist duo. Yash Raj Films’ vibrant production, blended romance, comedy, and crime, with Aishwarya Rai’s iconic ‘Kajra Re’ item number becoming a cultural milestone.

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No Entry – The Comedy That Ruled the Box Office

Anees Bazmee’s No Entry, starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan, was a comedic juggernaut and one of 2005’s highest earners. Its slapstick tale of extramarital antics, bolstered by hits like ‘Ishq Di Galli,’ packed theaters with its mass appeal. Its quotable dialogues and unapologetic humor keep it alive in pop culture.

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Parineeta – A Literary Love Story

Pradeep Sarkar’s Parineeta, adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel, brought 1960s Kolkata to life with Saif Ali Khan and debutante Vidya Balan. The period romance won hearts with its soulful music (‘Piyu Bole’) and Vidya’s star-making performance. Its critical acclaim and festival presence foreshadowed Bollywood’s global reach. Parineeta remains a timeless gem for romance lovers.

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Garam Masala – A Riotous Comedy

Priyadarshan’s Garam Masala, a remake of the Malayalam film Boeing Boeing, starred Akshay Kumar and John Abraham in a chaotic tale of multiple fiancées. Its fast-paced humor and Paresh Rawal’s comic brilliance made it a fan favourite. The film’s success cemented Akshay’s comedy stardom. Its slapstick charm continues to entertain on OTT platforms.

Mangal Pandey: The Rising – A Patriotic Epic

Directed by Ketan Mehta, Mangal Pandey: The Rising starred Aamir Khan as the titular sepoy who sparked the 1857 Indian Rebellion. With a hefty budget, it was a bold historical drama, featuring Rani Mukerji and Ameesha Patel. Despite mixed reviews for its pacing, Aamir’s intense performance and the film’s patriotic fervour resonated with audiences.

Iqbal – The Underdog Triumph

Nagesh Kukunoor’s Iqbal was a sleeper hit, starring Shreyas Talpade as a deaf-mute cricketer chasing his dreams, mentored by Naseeruddin Shah. Produced on a modest budget, it earned widespread acclaim for its heartfelt narrative and authentic portrayal of disability. The film’s underdog story inspired a generation.

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Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? – A Romantic Comedy Delight

David Dhawan’s Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? paired Salman Khan with Katrina Kaif and Sohail Khan in a breezy tale of love and lies. Its catchy music (‘Just Chill’) and Salman’s charismatic performance drove its success. The film marked Katrina’s rise in Bollywood, setting the stage for her later stardom.

Sarkar – A Gritty Political Drama

Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar, inspired by The Godfather, starred Amitabh Bachchan as Subhash Nagre, a powerful patriarch navigating politics and crime. With Abhishek Bachchan and Kay Kay Menon, it earned praise for its intense performances and stark realism. The film’s influence on political thrillers persists. Its raw energy keeps it relevant on streaming platforms.

Page 3 – A Sharp Social Satire

Madhur Bhandarkar’s Page 3 offered a biting look at Mumbai’s elite, starring Konkona Sen Sharma as a journalist uncovering the underbelly of high society. Its critical acclaim and National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress (Konkona) highlighted its impact. The film’s bold commentary influenced later social dramas.

Today marks a special day the 20th anniversary of the film #Page3. I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia and gratitude. This film truly connected with people from all walks of life, and it warms my heart to see how it still resonates.
When we set out to create #Page3, I… pic.twitter.com/q29cth1O1b
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 21, 2025

Also Read: #2024Recap: 19 most EMBARRASSING scenes and dialogues in Bollywood films this year