Self-isolation: Ten films to watch for a much-needed virtual holiday

While so many countries are in lockdown, which is putting a pause on so many lives, there will also be people who either have holidays booked or are just dreaming of sunnier climes. Although this may not be possible right now, there’s nothing stopping you watching those films which will leave you feeling like you’ve been on a journey or even on holiday.

BizAsiaLive.com looks at eight movies which will take you on a virtual holiday

‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ (2011)
This is one of those rare bromance movies which managed to leave quite an impression on the audiences. The film sees trio Kabir, Imran and Arjun embark on a last lads trip before the latter gets married. They travel through Spain and tackle their fears, one by one. This feel good Zoya Akhtar directorial will not only make you feel like you’ve been on vacation but also that you’ve been on that all-important journey of self-discovery.

‘Veere Di Wedding’ (2018)
This was touted as being the new-age portrayal of women, showing the stories of four female friends who are at different stages in their marital lives. Aside from this narrative, the foursome go on a holiday to Thailand and their villa is really to die for. It’s the perfect film to kick back, perhaps make some yummy snacks and truly take yourself to Asia with the characters.

‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ (2008)
This Siddharth Anand directorial is one chick flick which will make you feel great about yourself. However, it’ll also let you see Switzerland, Australia and Mumbai at the same time – sounds good for 153 minutes of running time! The lead character Raj goes back to certain women in his life to do them right after doing them wrong to start with – it’s a story of hope and travel which will win your heart.

‘Queen’ (2014)
In this liberating story about a woman’s quest to ultimately find herself, the female protagonist is seen being ditched by her fiance at the alter. She then decides to embark on her honeymoon alone and makes great friendships along the way. She makes the journey from Delhi to Paris and Amsterdam, a pre-booked trip. It’s a heartwarming and fun tale of a young woman finding her own worth with some solo travel newness thrown in.

‘Tamasha’ (2015)
This Imtiaz Ali film wasn’t as appreciated when it released as it was afterwards. Despite this, the film is definitely worth a watch as it poses many questions about inner fulfillment relating to a professional career. What it also does is let you see the beautiful Corsica, which is where the lead characters meet and form a relationship. You see the sights, the pretty landscapes and the way the duo are drawn to one another.

‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (2001)
This was original bromance story, written and directed by Farhan Akhtar. The story follows three friends who take a vacation to Goa, with all being intertwined in their own love stories. This is yet another feel good film which will leave you feeling amazing about life and make you feel like you packed your own bags and visited Goa with your friends and also went to Australia to follow one of the character’s lives as he takes over his family business.

‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013)
Another love story in the form of a chick flick is this Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starrer. It starts off with a college-esque trip to Manali, where four friends are part of a real adventure before they all go ahead and pursure their lives. The film also sees the character of Bunny go to Venice as a travel photographer and it also sees the friends reunite in Udaipur for a wedding, which is also stunning in itself. If this doesn’t fulfil that travel bug of yours, we don’t know what will!

‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ (1997)
Switzerland is something that’s very much associated with Yash Chopra directorials and it doesn’t get much better than ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. Seeing the greenery, the truly gorgeous colours of the European paradise will definitely make you feel like you’ve had a refreshing break out there, with all the songs and Bollywood dancing added in.

‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ (2015)
You go on a cruise with your family and friends… what could possibly go wrong! Joking aside, this is yet another Excel Entertainment movie which would tick that virtual holiday box. This multi-starrer is colourful as a plotline, to say the least, but the picturesque landscapes and cruise views become a character in themselves. The film’s shot on a cruise ship around the Mediterranean Sea and onshore in France, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and Italy. So, even though the actual story may not be specific to all of these locations, the wanderlust inspiration will surely be sparked.

‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ (2000)
Arguably, this is the movie that put Thailand on the map for B-town. When the main characters and their friend go on a boat to celebrate, noone knew the male and female lead would end up being stranded in a gorgeous little bit of sandy beach in Thailand. The film also has a chunk of the story in New Zealand which is stunning too. If you weren’t where you are now and you wished yourself anywhere else, it’d definitely be somewhere as seemingly peaceful and pretty as those!

We hope you enjoyed this list of virtual holiday films. Now all you need to do is sit back, grab your homemade popcorn and a drink and think your way to these dream destinations.