Table of Contents
Top 10 Bollywood Movies Based on Business and Startups that have inspired audiences with their narratives about ambition, entrepreneurship, and resilience:
1. Guru (2007)
Directed by Mani Ratnam, this film is loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani and follows the journey of an ambitious villager who rises to become a successful business tycoon. The story showcases the struggles and triumphs of building an empire from scratch, highlighting the importance of risk-taking and resilience as key elements of entrepreneurial success. The movie inspires viewers by emphasizing how overcoming challenges and embracing calculated risks can lead to extraordinary achievements in business.
2. Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)
Directed by Shimit Amin, the film follows the journey of a young salesman who embarks on starting his own parallel business, grounded in honesty and a customer-centric approach. Through his dedication to ethical practices and prioritizing customer trust, he navigates the challenges of building a successful enterprise. The key lesson of the story emphasizes that ethics and maintaining customer trust are the essential pillars for creating a sustainable and thriving business.
3. Badmaash Company (2010)
Directed by Parmeet Sethi, the film follows a group of friends who start an unconventional business, fueled by innovative ideas. However, as they progress, they face significant moral dilemmas that challenge their values and the sustainability of their venture. The key lesson of the story highlights that long-term business success requires a balance of ethical practices and innovation to overcome obstacles and build a thriving enterprise.
4. Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)
Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film follows the journey of two ambitious youngsters who start a wedding planning business. Through their hard work and deep understanding of the market, they navigate the challenges of the industry and achieve success. The key lesson emphasizes that understanding customer needs and the ability to adapt to market demands are vital for sustainable growth and success in business.
5. The Big Bull (2021)
Directed by Kookie Gulati, the film is inspired by the life of Harshad Mehta and delves into the world of stock market trading and ambition-driven entrepreneurship. It explores how the protagonist rises to prominence in the financial world, driven by his dreams and aspirations. However, the key lesson highlights that greed and unethical practices can ultimately lead to a downfall, even after achieving initial success. The story serves as a cautionary tale of how unchecked ambition can have severe consequences.
6. Corporate (2006)
Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, this film sheds light on the complexities of corporate politics, fierce competition, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the cut-throat world of business. The narrative follows characters navigating the pressures of the corporate environment, where personal ambition often clashes with professional integrity. The key lesson emphasizes that integrity and a well-thought-out strategy are crucial in successfully navigating corporate challenges and maintaining a strong moral compass in the face of competition.
7. Bazaar (1982)
Directed by Sagar Sarhadi, this film, though not a direct business startup story, delves into the harsh realities of human exploitation and the ethical challenges in a market-driven society. It highlights how individuals are often treated as mere commodities in the pursuit of profit. The key lesson teaches that compassion and fairness should never be overlooked in business practices, reminding us that maintaining a humane approach is as vital as financial success.
8. Aankhon Dekhi (2014)
Directed by Rajat Kapoor, the film follows a middle-aged man who sets up his own unconventional business after a life-changing experience. With no prior business background, he uses his personal journey and unique perspective to shape his entrepreneurial path. The key lesson of the story emphasizes that believing in your own experiences can lead to unique opportunities, showing that age or conventional norms should not limit one’s ability to pursue success.
9. Tamasha (2015)
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film follows the journey of a protagonist who leaves his monotonous corporate job to pursue his passion and discover his true calling. Throughout the story, he grapples with the challenges of stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing the uncertainty of following his dreams. The key lesson from the film is that following your passion can lead to ultimate success and happiness, encouraging viewers to listen to their hearts and take bold steps toward personal fulfilment.
10. Wazir (2016)
Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Wazir is primarily a thriller that delves into themes of power, strategy, and betrayal, with business moguls and the corporate world playing pivotal roles in the storyline. As the characters navigate a world of deceit and manipulation, the plot highlights the dark consequences of actions driven by revenge and personal gain. The key lesson in Wazir revolves around the destructive effects of loss, revenge, and the consequences of manipulation, urging viewers to reflect on the moral implications of their decisions.
Conclusion
Bollywood movies based on business and startups offer a diverse portrayal of entrepreneurship, reflecting the challenges, triumphs, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the corporate world. From the rise of self-made billionaires in Guru to the ethical struggles in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year and the competitive dynamics explored in Corporate and Baazaar, these films provide valuable lessons on ambition, resilience, and the harsh realities of business life. They inspire aspiring entrepreneurs while also shedding light on the human side of the startup journey. Whether through the lens of the stock market, tech startups, or wedding planning businesses, these movies underscore the importance of passion, perseverance, and integrity in pursuing success.
