Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has made a lasting impact on Bollywood by popularizing the genre of comedy. The director’s unique blend of slapstick humour, vibrant storytelling, and memorable characters helped redefine mainstream Hindi cinema.
On the special occasion of the filmmaker’s birthday, let us go down memory lane to witness some of his best films. From Govinda’s superhit Coolie No. 1 to the popular rom-com Partner, here are the top films of David Dhawan’s career that have contributed to the light-hearted, entertaining cinema that Bollywood is known for today.
David Dhawan Films That Will Keep You Laughing Out Loud
Here are the best films directed by David Dhawan that prove he is the king of Bollywood comedy.
1. Coolie No. 1
The cult classic comedy-drama revolves around a railway coolie who gets entangled in a web of lies and mistaken identity. The film features Govinda in the titular role of Raju, the coolie, who is introduced as a wealthy prince by a cunning matchmaker, to get him married into a rich family.
David Dhawan’s directorial is filled with slapstick humour, catchy songs, and Govinda’s trademark comic timing, making it a memorable and entertaining film in the 90s Bollywood era.
2. Judwaa
The action-comedy drama is known for its entertaining blend of humor, action, and romance, and features Salman Khan in a double role as identical twins separated at birth. As the story unfolds, the brothers eventually discover their true identities and come together to fight the villain who separated them in the first place. In the end, the brothers reunite with their parents and defeat the villain, and all misunderstandings are cleared up, leading to a happy resolution.
The film became a major hit and is considered one of David Dhawan’s most successful films.
3. Hero No. 1
The light-hearted drama follows a modern, wealthy, and fun-loving young man who falls in love with a girl whose grandfather is a strict and traditional man who believes in old-fashioned values. With the motive to win the heart of his lover’s family, the protagonist decides to disguise himself as a servant and offers his services to the family.
Govinda and Karisma Kapoor starrer was well-received and remained a favourite among fans of 90s Bollywood cinema.
4. Biwi No. 1
As Prem, a successful advertising begins an affair with a glamorous model, his wife leaves him and decides to stay alone. However, determined to win back her husband, Pooja transforms herself into a modern and independent woman, making the man realise the value of his wife and family. Eventually, Prem regrets his actions and begs for her forgiveness, and they reunite as a family.
5. Haseena Maan Jayegi
The plot revolves around two mischievous brothers, played by Sanjay Dutt and Govinda, who are constantly getting into trouble due to their carefree and reckless behaviour. Fed up with their antics, their father decides to teach them a lesson and sends them away to manage one of his businesses in Goa, hoping they will become responsible.
The quintessential David Dhawan drama is full of vibrant characters, slapstick humour, and memorable performances.
6. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
The film follows the journey of an angry-tempered yet kind-hearted man, played by Salman Khan, who moves to Goa to escape his troubled past after a series of anger-related incidents. As he decides a fresh start, he falls in love with his beautiful neighbour, played by Priyanka Chopra. However, the mischievous roommate Sunny secretly harbors feelings for Rani and begins to sabotage Sameer’s efforts to woo her.
The rivalry between the men escalates, leading to a series of comedic events as they compete for Rani’s affection.
7. Partner
The romantic comedy revolves around the lives of two men, who form an unusual partnership. While Salman Khan plays the charismatic and suave love guru who helps men win over the women of their dreams, Govinda portrays the clumsy and timid accountant who has fallen hopelessly in love with his boss. When the latter seeks help from the love guru, a series of comedic situations arise as Prem tries to transform Bhaskar into a confident man.
David Dhawan revolutionized Bollywood by making comedy the king of the box office. The filmmaker has crafted a distinct brand of humor that blended slapstick with heart, giving rise to unforgettable films that we still love.