Holi (1984)
DirectorKetan Mehta
StarringAamir Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Ashutosh Gowariker
Watch onNot on major OTT platforms in India
Best for: Viewers who appreciate character-driven Indian dramas about campus life and generational conflict.
Where to watch Holi online in India
Holi is not currently listed on major OTT platforms in India. We check availability every week.
Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Holi story (no spoilers)
In a typical college in a typical Indian city, hostel boys Madan Sharma (Aamir Khan) and his friend are a rowdy lot. The teaching staff suffer from the common apathy of most teachers in similar colleges, and the administration has the usual problems, with ill-paid employees periodically going on strike. On this particular day, Madan and his friends wake up, some with the customary hangover, and are not so perturbed to find no water in the taps again, as when they hear that it is not going to be a holiday after all. Instead, there will be a lecture in the auditorium by the Chairman of the Board (Dr. Shriram Lagoo) on the day of the festival of fire, Holi, and the boys decide not to attend the classes. The hostel superintendent Professor Singh (Naseeruddin Shah), the only lecturer with some human links with the students, becomes central to the day's events. The film is a drama that captures the clash between authority and student indifference.
Should you watch Holi?
Watch it for
- Aamir Khan plays Madan Sharma, a rowdy hostel boy, in one of his early roles.
- Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri bring depth as Professor Singh and Principal Pandey.
- Director Ketan Mehta crafts a grounded drama about college life and student-teacher dynamics.
- The 120-minute runtime keeps the story tight and focused on a single day.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced films; this drama unfolds slowly over one day.
- You are looking for a musical; the film has no listed songs or music director.
- You dislike college-setting stories with rowdy student characters.
Holi cast
Aamir Khanas Madan Sharma
Naseeruddin Shahas Professor Singh
Om Purias Principal Pandey
Ashutosh Gowarikeras Ranjeet Prakash
Shreeram Lagoo
Deepti Naval
Amole Gupte
Raj Zutshi
Kitu Gidwani
Neeraj VoraHoli movie details
| Director | Ketan Mehta |
|---|---|
| Writer | Ketan Mehta, Mahesh Elkunchwar |
| Cinematography | Jehangir Choudhary |
| Producer | Pradeep Uppoor |
| Release date | 15 August 1984 |
| Runtime | 2h 0m (120 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi, Georgian |
Parental guide: is Holi family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the film's drama genre and 1984 release; it contains mild rowdy behaviour but no explicit content. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Holi is a slice-of-life drama that uses a single festival day to explore the friction between students and college authorities. With a cast led by Aamir Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri, and directed by Ketan Mehta, it offers a grounded look at campus life. The 120-minute runtime keeps the focus tight, though the slow pace may not suit everyone.
More movies directed by Ketan Mehta
Mangal Pandey - The RisingMore Aamir Khan movies
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos
Coolie
Sitaare Zameen Par
Laal Singh Chaddha
Thugs of Hindostan
Secret SuperstarMovies like Holi
HomeboundFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Holi online in India?
Holi is not currently listed on major Indian OTT platforms for free streaming.
When was Holi released?
Holi was released in India on 15 August 1984.
Who is in the cast of Holi?
The cast includes Aamir Khan as Madan Sharma, Naseeruddin Shah as Professor Singh, Om Puri as Principal Pandey, Ashutosh Gowariker as Ranjeet Prakash, Shreeram Lagoo, Deepti Naval, Amole Gupte, and Raj Zutshi.
Who directed Holi?
Holi was directed by Ketan Mehta.
What is the runtime of Holi?
Holi has a runtime of 120 minutes.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.