In 2007, Govinda- and Salman Khan-starrer 'Partner', a light-hearted romantic comedy, went on to be a huge box office success.

In the recent past, filmmakers have explored the bond successfully in blockbusters like 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Jhankaar Beats', 'Masti', 'Mirch Masala', 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Heyy Baby'. These films were light-hearted and thoroughly entertained the viewers.

Mumbai-based film historian S.M.M. Ausaja feels people identify with such films and that's why they work at the box office.

'Over the years, films on friendship have done quite well, with films like 'Dosti', 'Yaarana' and of course 'Sholay' being landmarks in this genre. The main reason for their success is that people identify with such subjects. When such themes are explored in movies, they mostly make a mark,' he explained.

Film critic Omar Qureshi agreed: 'Films with which people can identify always work. Everyone can connect with films that revolve around friendships because everyone has a friend. There is no one who doesn't have a single friend.

'When the audience can relate to the situations in the film, they get interested in the story. Thus, friendship films have been hits mostly.'

Geetika Joshi, a 19-year-old college student, feels films like 'Jaane Tu...' or 'Rang De Basanti' have more appeal because of the friendship angle rather than out-and-out love stories.

'I like films based on friends more. After all friends are such an integral part of our lives today. I go and watch such films with my pals and have a ball. These are light-hearted and have a fun element,' she said.

'Films on friends are young, hip and very us, they represent our generation.

I love such films,' said Uday Goswami, a BPO employee.

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)