Ganpati Bollywood Charades: 15 Movies for Your Game

The modaks are here, the aarti is done, and your cousins are getting restless. What now? It's time for the one party game that unites every generation of a desi family: Dumb Charades.

But why play with random movies when you can add a festive twist? We've curated a list of Bollywood films perfect for a Ganpati-themed charades showdown. These movies are either about the festival, feature an iconic Ganpati song, or just have that Bappa-level energy.

Ready to play right now? Try Bollywood Charades on Desi Mauj — auto-generate film titles and start in seconds.

How we picked

• Thematic Connection: Each film has a clear link to Lord Ganesha or the festival, from iconic songs to major plot points.
• Clue-Friendly Titles: We chose names that are fun to act out. Some are easy, some will make you sweat more than the person doing the visarjan dance.
• Mix for Everyone: From 90s classics to recent hits, there's something for your Gen Z cousin and your nostalgic uncle.

15 Ganpati-Themed Movies for Charades

Humse Badhkar Kaun (1998)

This one's for the 90s kids. The song "Deva O Deva Ganpati Deva" was a massive hit and a staple at every pandal. Hint: Point to 'us' (humse), act 'better than' (badhkar), and ask 'who' (kaun)?

Daddy (2017)

This biopic on Arun Gawli is deeply rooted in Mumbai's culture, where Ganpati is a huge part of the social fabric. Hint: Just point to yourself and act like a father.

Gali Gali Chor Hai (2012)

This political satire has the song "Ganpati Bappa Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aana." A fun title to decipher. Hint: Act out a 'street', then repeat it, then act like a 'thief'.

Dabangg 2 (2012)

Features a fun, celebratory Ganpati song, "Pandeyjee Seeti." Plus, acting like Chulbul Pandey is always a crowd-pleaser. Hint: Put your sunglasses on the back of your collar.

Banjo (2016)

The movie is set against the backdrop of Mumbai's Ganpati celebrations and follows street musicians. Hint: Pretend to play a banjo. Easy peasy.

Shor in the City (2011)

The film's chaotic and brilliant climax unfolds during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Hint: Act out 'noise' or 'sound' and then gesture a big 'city'.

My Friend Ganesha (2007)

The most direct one on the list and perfect if kids are playing. The title is a dead giveaway. Hint: Act out 'friend' and then make an elephant trunk with your arm.

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010)

The entire plot kicks off because a guest who arrives for Ganpati just... won't leave. A hilarious situation to act out. Hint: Act like a guest, then point to your watch and shrug.

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

The "Gajanana" song is a grand and dramatic aarti that sets a serious tone. Hint: Act like a historical warrior (Bajirao) with a spear or sword.

Sarkar (2005)

The film is soaked in a powerful Marathi ethos, with the "Govinda Govinda" chant echoing the city's festive energy. Hint: Act like a powerful political figure or simply gesture 'government'.

ABCD: Any Body Can Dance (2013)

The climax is a jaw-dropping dance performance dedicated to Ganpati. It's a gift for charades. Hint: Just spell out the letters A-B-C-D and then do a dance move.

Judwaa 2 (2017)

Features the super catchy "Suno Ganpati Bappa Morya." The concept is a charades classic. Hint: Act out having a twin or doing everything in pairs.

Vaastav: The Reality (1999)

The film's intense opening scene features a powerful aarti. The title is a bit tricky, making it a great challenge. Hint: Try to act out 'real' or 'truth'.

Don (2006)

Shah Rukh Khan's entry during the "Maurya Re" song is an epic Ganpati visarjan scene. Hint: Act out being a powerful underworld boss. The swagger is key.

Agneepath (2012)

The "Deva Shree Ganesha" song is practically the festival's official anthem now. A powerful and easy-to-act-out title. Hint: Act out 'fire' and then a 'path' or 'road'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many Ganpati-themed movies set in Mumbai?

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest and most vibrant festivals in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai. The city's energy, massive public pandals, and grand visarjan processions provide a dramatic and visually rich backdrop that filmmakers love to capture.

Are all these movies family-friendly?

Not all of them! While the theme is festive, films like Agneepath, Vaastav, and Daddy are action or crime dramas meant for mature audiences. It's always a good idea to know your players. For a game with kids, stick to titles like My Friend Ganesha or Judwaa 2.

What if a movie title is too hard to act out?

House rules, baby! A common charades rule is that if the title is too tough, you can act out a famous character, song, or scene from the movie. For example, instead of acting out "Bajirao Mastani," you could act out Ranveer Singh's iconic "Gajanana" aarti scene.

Now go on, gather your team and let the Ganpati charades madness begin!