Top 10 Indian Comedy Movies of the 2000s

The 2000s were a turning point for Indian cinema. With the advent of multiplexes, changing audience tastes, and a shift toward youthful storytelling, comedy became more nuanced, refreshing, and widely embraced. This decade delivered some of the most memorable and beloved comedy films that still resonate with viewers today.

India has a rich tradition of humor in cinema, but the 2000s took it to a whole new level. Directors began to blend slapstick with satire, situational comedy with emotional depth, and familiar tropes with contemporary characters. In the process, they gave birth to a wave of India comedy movies that combined commercial success with critical acclaim. Whether rooted in everyday absurdities or larger-than-life madness, these films showcased a unique cultural rhythm that audiences couldn’t resist.

Let’s take a joyful journey through the Top 10 Indian Comedy Movies of the 2000s, a collection that not only made us laugh but also stayed in our hearts.

1. Hera Pheri (2000)

One simply cannot begin any discussion about India comedy movies without mentioning Hera Pheri. Directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, this cult classic redefined modern Indian humor. The story revolves around three financially struggling men who accidentally get involved in a kidnapping plot. Their desperate, bumbling attempts to make quick money are the source of endless laughs. Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of the half-deaf landlord Babu Bhaiya became instantly iconic and is now a cultural meme.

2. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial debut gave India one of its most endearing comedic characters—Munna Bhai, played by Sanjay Dutt. A Mumbai gangster with a heart of gold decides to become a doctor to fulfill his father's dream. What follows is a hilarious clash between street-smart wit and medical discipline. Arshad Warsi’s performance as Circuit, Munna’s loyal sidekick, added another layer of charm to this film. It wasn’t just funny—it was deeply human. The laughter it offered came with a pinch of wisdom.

3. Hungama (2003)

Another Priyadarshan hit, Hungama is the epitome of chaos comedy. With a sprawling ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Akshaye Khanna, Aftab Shivdasani, and Rimi Sen, the film weaves a story of mistaken identities, romantic confusion, and pure madness. The fast-paced screenplay and relentless confusion make it one of the most entertaining India comedy movies of its time. Every scene is a ticking bomb of laughter, with Payal Rohatgi’s subplot adding to the hilarity.

4. Andaz Apna Apna (1994 Re-release Success)

Although released in 1994, Andaz Apna Apna found its true cult status during the 2000s thanks to television reruns and DVD circulation. The absurd comic tale of Amar and Prem, played by Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, became a staple in every Indian household. Dialogues like “Teja main hoon, mark idhar hai” and “Crime Master Gogo” found a second life on the internet. Its revival during the 2000s allowed a new generation to discover and cherish it as a true gem of India comedy movies.

5. Bheja Fry (2007)

Vinay Pathak’s portrayal of Bharat Bhushan in Bheja Fry brought a refreshing change to Indian comedy. A film that thrives on intelligent writing and quirky characters, it tells the story of a pompous music producer whose evening is ruined by an overly helpful idiot. The dry humor and clever setup made it a critical darling and a surprise hit. It reminded Indian filmmakers that comedy need not always be loud or extravagant to be effective.

6. Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006)

Rohit Shetty’s first installment in the Golmaal series burst onto the scene with energy and laughter. Featuring Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi, and Tusshar Kapoor, this film mixed physical comedy with vibrant storytelling. Tusshar Kapoor’s mute character stood out with his expressive antics, and the chemistry among the leads made the movie click. The massive success of Golmaal led to a franchise that’s still going strong. This film cemented its place among the most entertaining India comedy movies of the decade.

7. Chupke Se (2003)

Though lesser known compared to other entries on this list, Chupke Se delivered subtle, slice-of-life comedy with a modern twist. The story of a small-town girl entering the glamorous world of beauty pageants is laced with gentle satire and situational humor. It brought together comedy and dreams in a way that many aspirational youth in India could relate to during the 2000s. The film didn’t rely on star power, but its heartwarming humor made it a standout.

8. Dhamaal (2007)

This adventure-comedy directed by Indra Kumar takes inspiration from It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and localizes it brilliantly. Four jobless, goofy friends go on a wild treasure hunt, and what unfolds is a series of ridiculous misadventures and rib-tickling gags. With a strong ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Javed Jaffrey, Dhamaal captured the audience with its physical comedy and slapstick fun. It became one of the defining India comedy movies for families to enjoy together.

9. Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)

Dibakar Banerjee’s Khosla Ka Ghosla is a masterclass in middle-class satire. Featuring Anupam Kher as a retired man battling a corrupt property dealer played brilliantly by Boman Irani, this film blended humor with realism. It highlighted the trials of an average Indian family with a comic lens, offering not just laughs but a mirror to society. The dialogues were witty, and the performances genuine, making it one of the most intelligent comedies of the decade.

10. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

Though widely known as a psychological thriller, Bhool Bhulaiyaa is also packed with hilarious sequences, particularly thanks to Akshay Kumar’s performance as Dr. Aditya Shrivastav. His comic timing and unconventional approach to unraveling the mystery gave the film a unique flavor. Mixing horror and humor isn’t easy, but director Priyadarshan pulled it off. The movie’s clever shifts between suspense and comedy earned it both box office success and audience affection.

A Laughter-Filled Legacy

The 2000s were truly a golden age for comedy in Indian cinema. Directors dared to experiment, writers created memorable characters, and actors delivered performances that became timeless. These films weren’t just about cheap thrills or comic relief—they reflected changing cultural landscapes, addressed everyday struggles, and most importantly, united audiences through shared laughter.

India comedy movies during this era proved that humor could be thoughtful, layered, and even transformative. They brought joy without undermining intelligence. Today, as we look back at these gems, it’s not just nostalgia that makes them special—it’s the craft, the characters, and the spirit of fun that remains undiminished.

So, whether you're in need of a mood lift or just want to revisit some classic laughs, these ten titles are the perfect place to start. They are not just films—they are reminders of how beautiful it is when a nation comes together to laugh.