My favourite quirky, vintage Bollywood posters

I love old Hindi film posters.

Growing up, I would be thrilled at the sight of those huge, hand-painted hoardings announcing a new release. The tattered posters, barely staying on the grubby roadside walls, that gave a quick reference to the film’s box office run were my choice of street art.

They weren’t just publicity material for a film. The colours, typography, actors’ expressions — each element had a story to tell. At a time when no teasers were dropping or trailers were being dissected, a captivating poster was all that would draw the audiences into the theatre.

Over the years, my fascination with vintage Bollywood posters has only increased. Every once in a while, I would scour the internet for them and have discovered some cool, quirky posters in the process.

Here are some favourites.

1. Shubh Din/ Shubdin (1974)

When they mishear your snack-in-bed request.

Via: CineMaterial

2. Train Dacoity (1984)

Kitschy and kickass. Also, don’t miss the locked arms.

Via: Cinestaan

3. Rocket Tarzan (1963)

When sci-fi meets jungle safari.

Via: Death becomes her

4. Billi / The Cat (1938)

This perplexing poster from Thirties cinema.
Plus, it has a cat song.

Via: Bollywood Movie Posters

5. Woh Main Nahin (1974)

When you want to confuse the audience about your film’s title.

6. Do Sholay (1977)

What’s better than Sholay? Do Sholay!

7. Cheekh (1985)

Not everyday do you get to see a dead body on a tongue.

Via: Aditi Sen

8. Patthar Aur Payal (1974)

#FacialRecognitionFail

Dharmendra looks like Kulbhushan Kharbanda with a dimpled chin and Hema resembles Jayashree Gadkar. Vinod Khanna becomes Sanjay Khan when you squint your eyes enough.

Via: Osianama

9. Commander (1981)

Andy Warhol meets Aruna Irani.

10. Aawara Ladki (1967)

A baby, cheetah and a dog. What more do you need?

Via: Osianama

11. Mr India (1961)

Asking important questions