As we bid farewell to the legendary actor, director, writer and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, scenes from his movies flashed through my mind. As a tribute to the iconic personality of the Indian cinema, let's reminisce some of the best old Bollywood movies of Manoj Kumar.
If you scan through the list of best old films Bollywood, you will find Manoj Kumar movies on top.
The veteran actor passed away at 87 (1937 -2025), leaving behind a legacy to cherish. Fondly known as “Bharat Kumar”, his contribution to the Indian cinema is beyond words.
He spread the spirit of nationality through his Bollywood best old movies like Upkar, Shaheed, Kranti and Purab Aur Pacchim and became the face of patriotic cinema.
Manoj Kumar movies like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan voiced human struggles.
The versatile actor also aced his performances in the best classic Hindi movies (suspense/thriller genre) like Gumnaam and Woh Kaun Thi. He played his characters in romantic dramas such as Patthar Ke Sanam and Neel Kamal with equal elan.
Top Manoj Kumar Movies
We are mentioning below must watch top old Bollywood Manoj Kumar movies:
Kranti (1981)
I first watched Kranti during my childhood, and I remember how my heart brimmed with patriotic fervour by the end of the movie. One of the must watch top old Bollywood movies, Kranti is a story that revolves around a group of revolutionaries who fought against British oppression.
One of the best classic Hindi movies, Kranti became the blockbuster when released in 1981. The super hit film was produced and directed by Manoj Kumar. According to media reports Kumar sold his Juhu bungalow to finance his dream project.
Considered one of the best Hindi old movies, this historical drama boasted a stellar cast, including Dilip Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Hema Malini and Parveen Babi.
Manoj Kumar's Best Old Bollywood Movies
Apart from patriotic films, 'Bharat' Kumar also acted in suspense thrillers like Woh Kaun Thi.
Woh Kaun Thi (1964)
'Woh Kaun Thi', a mystery horror thriller is also one of the best Manoj Kumar movies. Starring Manoj Kumar and Sadhna, the gripping narrative of the film keeps you at the edge of your seat.
It is the story of doctor Anand who met a mysterious woman on a rainy night. His girlfriend was killed and his mother gets him married to a lookalike of the mysterious woman.
The movie boasts of some of the iconic songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar, like “Naina barse rimjhim rimjhim” and “Lag ja gale”.
Best Classic Hindi Movies
When it comes to the best classic Hindi movies, you will find films of the veteran actor on top.
Upkar (1967)
Upkar is another classic movies old Bollywood gem directed by Manoj Kumar. He also acted in the movie along side Asha Parekh, Prem Chopra and Pran. The narrative is inspired by the Indo-Pakistan war in 1965.
The patriotic song 'mere desh ki dharti' from this best Hindi old movie became an anthem. Soon after the release of the film, fans fondly began calling him 'Bharat Kumar'.
The iconic film won the Best Film, Best Director and Best Dialogue awards at the Filmfare.
Top Old Bollywood Movies
If you are a movie buff and love watching top old Bollywood movies, then add films mentioned below to your watch list.
Gumnaam (1965)
The suspense thriller Gumnaam is one of the top Bollywood classic movies of Manoj Kumar. Nanda played the lead opposite Kumar in this movie which became a box office hit.
The plot of the movie revolves around a group of strangers stranded on a deserted island. The thriller becomes intriguing with each scene as visitors are killed one by one inside a spooky mansion.
Best Old Films Bollywood
The list of the best old films Bollywood is too long but without the mention of the next film, it will be incomplete.
Purab Aur Pachhim (1971)
Purab Aur Pachhim is one of the must watch best Hindi old movies produced and directed by Manoj Kumar. The storyline of the blockbuster is themed on patriotism. It showcases the cultural disparity between the East and West.
Bharat played by Kumar is a patriot Indian youngster whose father was a freedom fighter. He went to England where he met Preeti (Saira Banu), so-called modern girl addicted to cigarettes and booze.
Superb performances along with a strong message made the movie iconic. Music by Kalyanji Anandji adds to the gripping narrative of this drama, which is packed with nationalism.
Best Hindi Old Movies
As a lover of Indian classic cinema, I have many films yet to be watched in my list of the best Hindi old movies.
Two of the top old Bollywood movies of Manoj Kumar - Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Shaheed are lined up next in my binge watch list.
