Bombay Talkies (2013)
DirectorDibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap
StarringRani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Saqib Saleem, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Watch onAmazon Prime Video, Zee5, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, JioHotstar
Best for: Viewers who enjoy thoughtful anthologies and stories about the impact of cinema on ordinary lives.
Where to watch Bombay Talkies online in India
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Zee5
Amazon Prime Video with AdsFree with ads
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YouTubeBuy
Apple TV StoreYouTubeAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Bombay Talkies story (no spoilers)
Bombay Talkies is a 2013 Hindi drama-romance anthology that celebrates 100 years of Hindi cinema through four short stories. Each story shows how films touch ordinary lives: a woman (Rani Mukerji as Gayatri) and her husband (Randeep Hooda as Dev) navigate a strained relationship, a young man (Saqib Saleem as Avinash) dreams of a different life, an actor (Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Purandar) faces his father's disapproval, and a boy (Naman Jain as Vicky) finds escape in the movies. The film moves between humour, heartache and hope, with a tone that is warm and reflective rather than melodramatic. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap, it uses the power of cinema to connect its characters. The stories are separate but share a love for the movies, and the film avoids easy resolutions. It is a tribute that looks at how films shape dreams, relationships and identity, and it stays grounded in everyday emotions.
Should you watch Bombay Talkies?
Watch it for
- Four directors—Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap—each bring a distinct style to their short story.
- The cast includes Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saqib Saleem and Sadashiv Amrapurkar in character-driven roles.
- The film is a 127-minute tribute to 100 years of Hindi cinema, blending drama and romance across four separate narratives.
- Amit Trivedi's music adds to the emotional tone of the anthology.
Skip it if
- You prefer a single continuous plot; this is an anthology of four separate stories.
- You want fast-paced action; the film is a slow-burning drama with romantic elements.
- You dislike films that reflect on cinema itself; the entire premise is a celebration of Hindi film history.
Bombay Talkies cast
Rani Mukerjias Gayatri
Randeep Hoodaas Dev
Saqib Saleemas Avinash
Nawazuddin Siddiquias Purandar
Sadashiv Amrapurkaras Purandar's Father
Naman Jainas Vicky
Ranvir Shoreyas Vicky's Father
Vineet Kumar Singhas Vijay
Sudhir Pandeyas Vijay's Father
Abdul Quadir Aminas Arjun
Katrina Kaifas Herself (Guest appearance)
Amitabh Bachchanas Himself (Special Appearance)Bombay Talkies movie details
| Director | Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap |
|---|---|
| Writer | Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, Anurag Kashyap, Reema Kagti |
| Music | Amit Trivedi |
| Cinematography | Rajeev Ravi, Pankaj Kumar, Ayananka Bose, Carlos Catalán, Anil Mehta |
| Release date | 3 May 2013 |
| Runtime | 2h 7m (127 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | English, German, Hindi, Marathi |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $11.0 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $2.7 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Bombay Talkies family friendly?
The film has a UA certificate, so parental guidance is advised for younger children; this is a general guide based on genre and certification. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Bombay Talkies official trailer
Our verdict
Bombay Talkies is a sincere tribute to Hindi cinema, with four stories that vary in tone but share a love for films. The directors and cast bring depth to everyday characters, though the anthology format means some segments may resonate more than others. It is an honest, reflective watch for those interested in how cinema shapes lives.
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SirFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Bombay Talkies online in India?
Bombay Talkies is available for subscription streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It is also free to watch on JioHotstar, and can be rented or bought on Apple TV Store and YouTube.
What is the release date of Bombay Talkies?
Bombay Talkies was released in India on 3 May 2013.
Who directed Bombay Talkies?
The film was directed by four filmmakers: Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap.
What is the runtime of Bombay Talkies?
Bombay Talkies has a runtime of 127 minutes.
What is the certificate rating of Bombay Talkies?
Bombay Talkies has a UA certificate in India, which means parental guidance is advised for viewers under 12.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.