Dramatic close-ups, fierce hair flicks, flawlessly choreographed dance routines and explosively colourful scenes — all in a day's work for Bollywood.
As South Korean director Bong Joon-ho said: "Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."
A portmanteau of "Hollywood" and "Bombay," the Bollywood genre refers specifically to the Hindi-language sector of India's massive film industry.
However, there is more than one language in India — Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and many more — all of which have their own film industries. Bollywood is just the dominant one.
If you're an absolute beginner in Indian cinema, this list of the industry's greatest classics is your ultimate introduction.
So get cosy and pour yourself a cup of chai — not "chai tea" — which literally translates to "tea tea".
1. Khabi Khushi Khabi Gham (2001)
What's the translation? "Sometimes happiness, sometimes sorrow."
For many Indian cinema newcomers, Khabi Khushi Khabi Gham, or K3G, is known as the "gateway movie".
You won't find a single Bollywood fan who doesn't know it.
With its star-studded cast, timeless songs and moving story about family, pride and social prejudice, K3G is one of the grandest Bollywood films — an absolute must to start with.
Synopsis in a sentence: Years after his father disowns his adopted brother for marrying a woman of lower social standing, a young man goes on a mission to reunite his family.
Song to remember: Bole Chudiyan — when you hear the first note of this song on the dancefloor, you know it's about to go down.
2. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
What's the translation? "Something is happening."
Resembling an 80's pop culture musical with a touch of Grease, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a movie for a lifetime and for all ages.
From the same man who directed K3G, Karan Johar's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is renowned for stunning performances by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Devgn. Their on-screen chemistry will easily give Rose and Jack a run for their money.
Synopsis in a sentence: Anjali is left heartbroken when her best friend and secret crush, Rahul, falls in love with Tina. Years later, Tina's young daughter tries to fulfil her mother’s last wish of uniting Rahul and Anjali.
Song to remember: Ladki Badi Anjani — we haven't even pressed play and there's already tears in our eyes.
3. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
What's the translation? "Tomorrow may not be there."
A film that you can watch once and still have running through your head days (or years) after.
Kal Ho Naa Ho is a tear-jerker and will have a lasting impact on you.
Once again, Shah Rukh Khan steals the spotlight and does a magnificent performance in this film that has it all — comedy, romance and tragedy.
The moment you try to stop crying, another scene begins and you start all over again. Seriously.
Synopsis in a sentence: An introverted MBA student falls for her charismatic new neighbour who charms her troubled family. But he has a secret that forces him to push her away.
Song to remember: Kal Ho Naa Ho — a song about mortality and cherishing the present moment? Get out your vision boards.
4. Dhoom (2004)
What's the translation? The Hindi word for noise, ie, to create an uproar.
Let's shake things up with an adrenaline rush. Meet India's very own Fast & Furious: Dhoom.
Filled with high-speed chases, extraordinary camera work and technical effects wizardry, Dhoom is a thoroughly entertaining watch with some insane visuals and high-energy songs.
Synopsis in a sentence: A mysterious gang of bikers is on a robbing spree across Mumbai. A police officer enlists the help of a motorcycle mechanic to help him with the case. With the clock ticking, it's up to them to catch the criminals red-handed.
Song to remember: Dhoom Machale — the moves, the beats, the energy. It's all here, people.
5. Dil Chatta Hai (2001)
What's the translation? "The heart is yearning."
A romantic comedy with no shortage of drama. Dil Chatta Hai is a heartfelt coming-of-age movie that follows the lives of three college friends as they try to navigate life and love after graduation.
Snapping up the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, Dil Chatta Hai has been described as a breath of fresh air.
Synopsis in a sentence: Three inseparable childhood friends have just graduated college. Nothing comes between them until they each fall in love, when their wildly different approaches to relationships create tension.
Song to remember: Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe — Justin Timberlake called, he wants his Rock Your Body music video back.
6. Koi... Mil Gaya (2003)
What's the translation? "I've found someone."
One of the unlikeliest pairings: Bollywood and sci-fi.
Hrithik Roshan plays a young man trying to continue the work his father did in communicating with extra-terrestrials from outer space, which leads to something miraculous and wonderful.
With a blue, childlike alien who doesn't speak also at the centre of the plot, Koi Mil Gaya closely resembles the Steven Spielberg classic, ET.
Synopsis in a sentence: Rohit, a young man with a mental disability, befriends an alien. When the police learn about the alien, they try to capture it while Rohit tries his best to protect his new friend.
Song to remember: Koi Mil Gaya — we can't help but feel some slight Twilight vibes in this one.
7. Monsoon Wedding (2001)
You're invited to a big, fat Indian wedding.
Bursting with bright shades of red, orange and yellow, the opening credits of Monsoon Wedding are just as breathtaking as its story.
A blend of Hindi and English, Monsoon Wedding is a portrait of a modern, upper-middle-class, dysfunctional family in Delhi.
Director Mira Nair doesn't beat around the bush in presenting viewers with the reality of the situation, while still treating it with dignity and realism.
Oh, it also won the BAFTA for Best Foreign Language Film. No big deal.
Synopsis in a sentence: A stressed father, a bride-to-be with a secret, a smitten event planner and relatives from around the world create much ado about the preparations for an arranged marriage in India.
8. 3 Idiots (2009)
Students facing unimaginable pressure to achieve perfection and uphold a spotless reputation? Welcome to the life of every South Asian person.
With its scathing commentary on the Indian education system and the pressure it places on students, 3 Idiots is known for being ahead of its time.
It's funny, inspiring and has some seriously good motivational messages.
Synopsis in a sentence: While attending one of India's premier colleges, three miserable engineering students and best friends struggle to beat the school's draconian system.
Song to remember: Aaal Izz Well — get the instant noodles out, it's time to feel like a student again.
