Our Favorite Amitabh Bachchan Films

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most influential actors in Indian film. During the 1970s and 80s he was without question the most dominant actor, with famous director François Truffaut calling him a ‘one-man industry’. It’s hardly surprising then, that Bachchan has some fairly incredible film titles under his belt.

Teen Patti (2010)

Although some may think that a mathematician in a London casino would be better of learning the roulette rules than insisting on a game of Teen Patti, after watching this film they might have to swallow their words. Teen Patti tells the story of one of the world’s greatest mathematicians, Perci Trachtenberg, who has a chance meeting with another genius, Venkat, played by Bachchan, at a casino.

Venkat reveals to Trachtenberg that he has discovered a potential new probability theory, one that could change the world of mathematics forever. The theory has already brought Venkat to some troubling moments in his life and he is worried about the prospect of applying it to real-life scenarios. However, Trachtenberg is fascinated and the two go on a wild ride through the card clubs of Bombay, along with a cast of bright and brilliant students.

The story is intelligent and exciting in equal measures, but you’ll have to watch the film to find out whether the probability equation leads them to rags or riches.

Black (2005)

For those who enjoy an emotional drama, it doesn’t get more heartbreaking than Black. The film was released to huge commercial success, netting some ₹400 million, making it one of India’s highest-grossing films of all time. As well as this the film won numerous awards, including no less than eleven Filmfare Awards, with Bachchan taking Best Actor.

Whilst the statistics and accolades are impressive, the subject matter of the film is what is truly important. The film focuses on two central characters, Michelle McNally played by Mukerji, and Debraj Sahai, played by Bachchan. Michelle is a deaf and blind person, who has never been able to communicate properly with others. Debraj is sought as a teacher for her, but has teaching methods which Michelle’s father does not agree with.

This initially results in Debraj being asked to leave, but when the progress Michelle made under Debraj becomes clear, the family realizes that she needs Debraj to help her progress. Debraj is reinstated as a teacher and makes enormous progress with Michelle, though because of his declining health, there are hurdles she must overcome on her own.

This film is a raw and emotional look at how compassion and empathy are at once some of our biggest strengths and weaknesses.

Mili (1975)

If you want to take a look back at the golden days of Bachchan’s career, then there couldn’t be a better film than Mili to do it. Bachchan won the BFJA award for best actor for his role as Shekhar, a depressed neighbour to the central character in the story.

Mili is the central character and is played by Jaya Bhaduri. She is a girl who suffers from an incurable disease, but despite this, she is full of life and curiosity, something that Shekhar finds fascinating and invigorating. Learning of her ailment, and seeing her joy for life in spite of this, Shekhar falls in love with Mili. The rest, you will have to watch to find out!