Once iconic, several Bollywood blockbusters from the late 20th century are now being re-evaluated through a modern lens—and not all have stood the test of time.
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), known for its coming-of-age charm and the iconic “Pehla Nasha”, now feels slow-paced and shallow to Gen Z audiences raised on realistic campus dramas like Kota Factory and Class. Its sanitized portrayal of teenage angst seems out of touch with today’s nuanced storytelling.
⭐ 2/5
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), once praised for its grandeur and emotional heft, now draws criticism for over-the-top melodrama, regressive gender norms, and its wealth-centric worldview. While still meme-worthy, its drawn-out pacing and simplistic traditional-modern binary feel dated.
⭐ 3/5
Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), remembered for its fairytale romance, feels overstretched and naive today. Its idealized love, parental melodrama, and lack of depth in gender roles seem misaligned with contemporary expectations for realistic and empowering narratives.
⭐ 4/5
Pardes (1997) hasn’t aged gracefully either. Its xenophobic undertones disguised as patriotism and glorification of traditional values now appear problematic. The film’s black-and-white morality and one-note characters make it feel out of sync with globalized, multicultural storytelling.
⭐ 5/5
Raja Hindustani (1996), despite its box-office success, is particularly jarring today for romanticizing abuse and promoting toxic relationship dynamics. Slaps, shouting, and moral preaching would likely be condemned rather than celebrated by socially aware viewers.
⭐ 5/5
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