Bollywood Movies That Play With The Idea Of Luck And Destiny

Bollywood regularly tends to focus on luck and fate, which connects with the crowd as they can see their own goals being portrayed on screen. One of Bollywood’s perennial favourite tropes is the sudden reversal of fortune, so it’s no wonder that the classic trope of winning the lottery is such a powerful metaphor. So, let us explore some significant Bollywood movies that deal with the idea of luck and destiny.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Image Credits: Slumdog Millionaire

Despite being a British production, Slumdog Millionaire is heavily rooted in Bollywood storytelling. It tells the story of Jamal Malik, a man from the slums of Mumbai. By a stroke of luck, Malik gets all the answers right on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” In flashbacks, we learn how each answer connects to a key point in his life. Luck and destiny worked together to change the course of his life. The movie emphasizes that money does not buy happiness.

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Malamaal Weekly (2006)

Image Credits: Malamaal Weekly

Malamaal Weekly is a fun film in which a villager wins the lottery but dies before getting his hands on it! A wonderful mixture of humour and social commentary follows as the townsfolk scramble to stake their claim on the prize money. Through comedy, the film tackles human greed and what people will do for money. At the same time, it subtly critiques societal norms prioritising wealth and reminds people that being lucky can be just as much a burden as a blessing.

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Luck by Chance (2009)

Zoya Akhtar’s Luck by Chance is a more subtle glimpse at fortune vs. fate in the land of Bollywood itself. The narrative follows Vikram Jaisingh, a struggling actor who gets his big break only because a superstar drops out of a film. Though Vikram’s ascent is bred by good fortune, it is important to note that talent and hard work are vital for keeping afloat. The film serves as a meta-commentary on how Bollywood works and is both a satire and a love letter to the film industry.

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Striker (2010)

In Striker, luck gets a sinister spin. Surya wins money in carrom board gambling, a skill-based game akin to winning the lottery in its potential unpredictability. Still, his financial fortunes draw trouble rather than joy. The film also plays on how sudden wealth can upend lives, leading to betrayal and violence. It is a cautionary reminder of what happens when one relies too much on luck without proper precautions.

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The Relationship Between Luck and Craft in Bollywood

Bollywood is fascinated with luck partly because it is a double-edged sword: it can build or ruin you, depending on how you harness it. Movies such as Guru (2007) illustrate that relentless drive and ambition must go hand in hand with good fortune to succeed. In contrast, Malamaal Weekly proves that too much greed can harm the best-laid plans.

Final Words: Films Inspired by Kaun Banega Crorepati

The show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, has given rise to many Bollywood films based on luck and dreams. Movies such as Slumdog Millionaire borrow significantly from KBC’s template of the extraordinary life stories of everyday heroes who awaken to fame, money, and power overnight. These narratives play into universal fantasies about immediate success, alongside acknowledging the trials of sudden riches.