4 Bollywood movies that show the relatable lives and struggles of the middle class

Do you think movies only showcase the rich and glamorous side of life? If yes, then you might not know that many Bollywood filmmakers have used the middle-class lifestyle as a film backdrop. He has portrayed the struggles, joys and aspirations of common Indians, giving them a voice in the world of entertainment. Moreover, their relatable characters and authentic story will give you a reflection of the lives of most Indians on screen. Are you interested in watching films that showcase the struggles and quirks of the middle-class lifestyle? If yes, we’ve got you covered.

Top 4 Bollywood movies that depict middle class life:

1. double and quadruple

• Director: Habib Faisal
• Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
• Release date: 8 October 2010
• Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Aditi Vasudev, Archit Krishna
• Genre: Comedy-Drama

In a middle-class family, finances are managed by salary-to-payment every month. So, buying any new property is a big struggle, and Do Dooni Chaar captures that journey wonderfully. It depicts the life of the Duggal family, who want to improve their lifestyle and one step towards this is buying a car from a scooter. Rishi Kapoor plays the role of a school teacher who struggles to balance the needs of his family with the decision to buy a car. Plus, you’ll see how middle-class families stick to a budget, emphasize education, and find happiness in the small things in life.

2. Choked: Money Talks

• Director: Anurag Kashyap
• Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
• Release date: June 5, 2020
• Cast: Saiyami Kher, Roshan Mathew, Amrita Subhash
• Genre: Thriller-Drama

Anurag Kashyap made this film to show the struggle of middle class families during demonetization. Choked reflects Sarita’s story of conflict between the aspirations of a middle-class life and financial struggles. She is a bank cashier who finds it difficult to manage her family amidst financial struggles and her husband’s failed dreams. One day, on the same day demonetisation was announced, he finds some hidden cash in his kitchen, which leads to a confusing situation. The film reflects the resilience of the middle class, which deals with economic pressures and overcomes life’s challenges by displaying everyday bravery.

3. Love per square foot

• Director: Anand Tiwari
• Duration: 2 hours 13 minutes
• Release date: February 14, 2018
• Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Angira Dhar, Alankrita Sahay
• Genre: Romantic Comedy

Buying property for a middle-class family is both a great achievement and a challenge. They spend years and years of time and money to buy their home, and it is even more difficult when they want to buy it in a metropolitan city. Love Per Square Foot is a light-hearted but relatable film based on the challenges of buying a home. They follow the story of Sanjay and Kareena, colleagues who get married to make it easier to get a housing loan and buy a house. Overall, their journey is filled with humour, social expectations, family interference and the journey of a young couple becoming independent in the city of Mumbai.

4. Pagglait

• Director: Umesh Bist
• Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
• Release date: March 26, 2021
• Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Ashutosh Rana, Raghubir Yadav
• Genre: Comedy-Drama

Apart from the daily struggles, meeting family and societal expectations is a major aspect of a middle-class family. Pagglait follows the life of Sandhya, a young widow who is expected to mourn her husband’s sudden death and not move on in life. Hence, he has to deal with family chaos and societal expectations to set out on a journey of self-discovery. The film is a humorous take on certain social norms, heartfelt moments and a wonderful story that highlights the complexities of middle-class life, making it a perfect weekend watch.

Which of these Bollywood films of yours reflects the lifestyle of the middle class in India?