Not only does Bollywood command as much influence worldwide as Hollywood, but its influence is increasing. The more people that turn to Bollywood's lighter more melodramatic story lines, the more the Indian film industry attempts to make them appealing to a universal audience. If you know where to look, you can find almost every new film coming out of Bollywood with English subtitles either streaming online or in a DVD.
Online Movies
Online movie sites allow you to stream your favorite Bolly movies right on your smart devices or TV, or you can download them for later use.
SpuuL
SpuuL is an online streaming and movie downloading service that offers hundreds of Hindi, Bollywood, and Indian titles for free or with a paid subscription. A premium account allows you to watch all your movies ad-free, and most have English subtitles. The premium subscription starts at $4.99 a month, and this gives you access to all the premium content. If you like free movies then SpuuL has you covered with dozens of subtitled movies available for free. You can also choose to rent movies, as well. Not only can you find classics, but current titles like Raees, OK JAANU, Coffee with D, Dear Zindagi, Sultan, and Airlift are available.
Amazon Video
On the Heera Channel on Amazon Video, you can find hundreds of videos that are closed captioned with English subtitles. These Bollywood favorites cover the gambit of genres from romance to horror. Amazon offers a free trial for the channel but after the subscription, it will cost you about $4.99 a month. You can also find several great titles through their Prime Video as well. These include Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Hindi Medium, Raabta, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and many more.
Eros Now
Eros Now is another subscription website that offers unlimited Bollywood titles for $7.99 a month. Not only can you watch Bollywood favorites now, but you can download them on all your devices for later viewing. This site offers some of the newest titles available with subtitles for English viewers, as well as classic favorites. Your subscription isn't limited to Bollywood movies either; you can find TV shows, music, and Eros originals that might tickle your fancy.
Netflix
When they say Netflix has a little something for everyone, they mean it. This online streaming and downloading site costs as little as $7.99 a month to stream on one device, but it can meet all your Bollywood binge watching needs. They have a large assortment of newer films, such as Force 2, and classic titles like Maine Pyar Kiya that you can peruse. Not only can you look for your favorite movies with English captions, but you can search for your favorite actors, as well.
Buying Movies
Are you a DVD buff and would like to bump up your collection? While DVDs might be a bit harder to find, it is possible to watch new, big budget films such as Bride and Prejudice and 3 Idiots with English subtitles. Online Indian sites have a wider choice of films, but they are also far more expensive and you must be sure that they will play in your DVD region.
The following are some modern Bollywood releases you can buy with English subtitles:
- I, Me, aur, Main - This is a romantic comedy where a music producer, Ishaan, explores his relationships with women.
- Race 2 - This crime story follows the plights of Ranvir as he works to avenge the death of his lover.
- Special 26 - In this Bollywood crime drama, you'll see the lengths con men will go to rob a rich businessman.
- Table No. 21 - This thriller follows a couple on a dream vacation that turns out to be less of a dream and more about survival.
- Debangg 2 - This comedy action film brings back Chulbul Pandey and a new adventure as he kills a politician's brother.
Some classic Bollywood films from the 50s, 60s, and 70s have been remastered with subtitles. They include the following films, all of which Time Magazine lists as some of the greatest Bollywood films ever made.
- Awara (1951) - This musical drama follows the path of Raju as he tries to maneuver through life after being thrown out by his father.
- Guide (1965) - In this beautiful romance, you watch the love story of a tour guide and a married woman as he helps her discover her passion for dance.
- Ankur (1974) - In this love story, you follow poor Laxmi and the forbidden love with wealthy Surya after her husband leaves her to fend for herself.
- Pyaasa (1957) - This Bollywood romance follows Vijay as she tries to navigate the murky waters of love and recognition.
Get out Your Popcorn
Now you know where to find and watch Bollywood films with English subtitles, all you need to do is get comfortable, get out your popcorn, and start watching these great movies. There are tens of thousands of incredible films produced by the Indian film industry, so if you find you really love these movies, there are plenty of them to choose from.
