While Bollywood is renowned for its vibrant dance sequences and heartwarming dramas, it also has a hidden deck of films, mind the pun, that will take you on an entirely different journey. They can often be seen in the films of Hollywood directors, because such entertainment always arouses interest and makes it interesting to watch. Bollywood is no exception.
Join us as we discover some of the best Bollywood casino movies that are sure to keep you entertained, just as if you were yourself playing any of the best slots games at the swankiest casinos the world.
Teen Patti (2010)
Though the name may lead Western audiences to assume that the movie is about a teen called Patti, it’s actually about a popular Indian card game, maths, and the meaning of life.
Teen Patti, starring the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, takes us into the world of Venkat Subramaniam, a brilliant mathematician who, finds a curious link between the game and the randomness of life itself. Venkat invites another genius mathematician to help him with the project, played by no other but Sir Ben Kingsley.
The movie is so much more than an exploration of academia, as it morphs into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, with the viewer not knowing who to trust even while the credits are rolling.
Gambler (1971)
This classic Bollywood flick follows Raja, an orphan who’s been taken under the wing of the so-called Master, a notorious criminal don in the underworld of gambling. But Raja becomes a master card player himself, going his own unlawful way.
This is not where the twists end. Raja falls in love with Chandra, a woman whose beauty makes him want to leave the world of crime and gambling behind. Can he do it? Let’s just say, without spoiling, that fate has its own plans for Raja.
Striker (2010)
Striker will be an interesting choice for a movie night if you wish to learn more about Mumbai’s underbelly. The film revolves around Suryakant Sarang, a young prodigy in the game of carrom.
He finds himself entangled in underground betting, putting him in the crosshairs of Jaleel, a ruthless gambling kingpin. As Surya navigates the slums of India and the illegal betting scene, the realities of life strike him just as hard as the game.
The Great Gambler (1979)
Another movie starring the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, The Great Gambler, is on our list. Jai, a skilled gambler who has never faced defeat, finds himself lured into the schemes of gangs looking to exploit his winning streak to entrap a patriot and steal military secrets.
There’s a doppelganger twist—Inspector Vijay is assigned undercover to the case, and he looks just like Jai. As their paths cross, the lines between their identities blur, leading to action-packed situations, romantic twists, and a battle for national security.
Jannat (2008)
Jannat introduces us to Arjun Dixit, a young and streetwise gambler portrayed by Emraan Hashmi, who falls in love with Zoya Mathur, played by Sonal Chauhan. The film is mostly focused on the personal drama that ensues between the lovers after Arjun becomes a cricket bookie. But of course, it’s not only their relationship that’s on the line- it’s also their own lives.
Conclusion
These films offer a unique perspective on the world of gambling through the lens of Indian culture. After all, in the magical realm of Indian cinema, there’s always more than meets the eye, and these casino-themed movies are no exception.