In the ever-changing world of Bollywood, coming-of-age films have emerged as a powerful genre. They show audiences a unique perspective on the emotional and physical struggles faced by a generation. Netflix’s recent release, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, has successfully captured the truth of today’s youth. It blends elements of friendship and self-discovery.
Check out the trailer here:
Here’s a curated list of Bollywood movies that share similar themes as Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, offering viewers a journey into the detailed web of relationships and personal growth.
1. 3 Idiots
Released in 2009, 3 Idiots is a classic Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The film follows the pressures within the Indian education system through the lens of three friends at an engineering college. Starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, the story is smartly weaved between the present and events a decade earlier, showing a satire that remains relevant and impactful. Much like Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, 3 Idiots also beautifully shows the trials and tribulations of friendship.
2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a 2011 Hindi-language coming-of-age adventure film directed by Zoya Akhtar. Featuring a huge cast, including Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, and Farhan Akhtar, the story is about three childhood friends on a transformative road trip in Spain. The film goes through themes of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming personal challenges, making it an intense and visually stunning cinematic experience.
3. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is a 2008 romantic comedy that marks the debut of Imran Khan and explores college friendships and life after college. The film also stars Genelia D’Souza, among others. The film shows the gradual drifting apart of friends as they embark on their individual journeys, highlighting the unexpected discovery of love amidst life’s chaos. Much like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan also shows how friends drift apart but then eventually find their way back.
4. Dil Chahta Hai
Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, stars a huge cast, including Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna. Set against the background of urban life, the film captures the essence of friendships and the uncertainties faced by the youth. Produced by Excel Entertainment, this film, akin to Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, focuses on the enduring strength of bonds.
5. Dear Zindagi
Directed by Gauri Shinde, Dear Zindagi stars Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan in a groundbreaking story that places mental health at its core. The film follows a cinematographer’s journey to confront past traumas with the help of a mental health professional. This bold plotline aligns with the themes of self-discovery and overcoming personal struggles found in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.
6. Wake Up Sid
Ayaan Mukherjee’s directorial debut, Wake Up Sid, shows a fresh perspective on relationships and friendship. Set against an urban background with college students navigating the complexities of life, the film’s core revolves around the profound bond shared between Sid and his friends. Notably, Sid’s relationship with Aisha portrayed a maturity rarely seen in Hindi cinema at the time. Wake Up Sid is very much similar to Kho Gaye Hum Kahan in showing a fresh view on relationships and friendships.
7. Lakshya
Farhan Akhtar’s second directorial venture, Lakshya, is a cinematic journey mirroring aspects of his own life, as revealed in interviews. The film revolves around Karan Shergill, a privileged young graduate searching for purpose and direction after college. While Farhan Akhtar’s characters hail from backgrounds of opulence, Lakshya narrates a universal tale of self-discovery and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Karan’s struggles with military training, coupled with a transformative breakup, provide the character with a newfound perspective on life. The film is quite similar to the recent Netflix release, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Lakshya stands as an introspective exploration of youth, privilege, and the choices that define one’s journey.
