Bollywood knows how to make an entrance, from grand dance numbers and powerful dialogues to costumes that define entire eras. But some films grab your attention right from the first frame. These opening scenes set the mood, pull you in, and stay stuck in your head long after the credits roll. Here are 10 iconic Bollywood movie openings that still hit you with a wave of nostalgia every single time you watch them.
Also Read: 50 Most Iconic & Best Bollywood Dialogues Of All Time
1. Don | 1978
No one can deny that SRK’s entry sequence in Don 2, directed by Farhan Akhtar, is absolutely electrifying. But the OG — Amitabh Bachchan’s entry in the original Don (1978) — still reigns supreme. The explosion scene, the dramatic walk through smoke and fire, and Big B’s larger-than-life aura as The Don easily make it one of the best opening scenes in Bollywood history.
Image Source: YouTube
2. Andaz Apna Apna | 1994
The movie was a flop but later became a classic hit, so its characters, ahead-of-time jokes, the actors, and also the opening scene were so iconic. Remember the first scene in which Amir Khan’s character meets the actress Juhi Chawla on the road? Yup, that is hilarious and iconic.
Image Source: Amazon Prime Video
3. Taare Zameen Par | 2007
It has one of the most mesmerizing, creative, and beautiful opening scenes of Bollywood. The movie starts with showing different colors, patterns, animals, and animated characters interspersed in an imaginative world, aka Ishan’s mind. You can already tell that this child has a strong imagination that will help shape his future.
Image Source: Netflix
4. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | 2011
The scene where you could see the airport rush, the packing bags, the tourists, and all travel-related stuff- you know that the movie will take you on the vacation of a lifetime (for both the viewers and the characters). And the movie, as well as the opening scene, is truly iconic in every sense. However, the rushed and mistaken proposal at a family gathering was even more amusing!
Image Source: Netflix
5. Kabir Singh | 2019
Kabir Singh is one such film that has got mixed reviews and many bashed it also for a rather ‘alpha male’ lead who is not such an ideal boyfriend. However, no matter what the critics and viewers say, the movie’s songs, story, and even cinematography were appreciable. And, most of all, Shahid Kapoor’s acting was top-notch- you would want to whistle and clap at his entry!
Image Source: YouTube
6. Rang De Basanti | 2006
Rang De Basanti’s opening scene showing Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru giving a kind and brave smile before they are hanged to death will give you goosebumps. And, in the next scene, you will see the same three faces living in the contemporary world as college kids- and you know that the story is going to hit you hard! I lumped in my throat and welled up my eyes on so many moments of this movie.
Image Source: YouTube
7. Gangubai Kathiawadi | 2022
Gangubai Kathiawadi is one milestone movie in Alia Bhatt’s career- getting a National Award for it seems worth it when you see the first scene of the movie, and you are impressed with her acting skills! She is Gangubai- the fearless leader, the woman who has gone through a lot- and her sassy entry in the first scene sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Image Source: Netflix
8. Gangs of Wasseypur | 2012
Gangs of Wasseypur is an action thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap that is well-known for its local action sequences, gang rivalries, and dark humor. Its opening scene shows the iconic song ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ playing on TV, while Sultan is on his way to attack Faizal Khan, his arch nemesis’ house- it is unforgettable.
Image Source: YouTube
9. Tumbbad | 2018
Tumbbad is a fantasy horror drama film that introduces the demon God ‘Hastar’ in its first scene- this scene will give you chills and make you forget all about greed for money! Also, the great combination of music, VFX, and story narration indicates that the movie is going to be a lot more eerie, thrilling, and engaging.
Image Source: YouTube
10. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | 2001
The starting scene where a cricket match is ongoing, and the camera focuses on Rohan, who is under immense pressure to hit the ball- we could feel the tension in the air! And, then he closes his eyes and hits a boundary- that’s when you know that it is a Dharma movie and that every entry sequence is going to be grand (including SRK’s famous helicopter entry!).
Image Source: Netflix
These are just a few; there are many more to add to our list of ‘Opening Scenes In Bollywood Movies’. Bollywood never fails to impress us with grand scenes, memorable monologues, and setting fashion inspiration.