Back in the 1970s, Bollywood films regularly played in Bangkok cinemas, but faded away as Hollywood became ever more dominant.

But Bollywood films have been making a comeback in recent years, thanks to the efforts of Bollywood Thai Entertainment, which imports Hindi-language features for limited screenings in Bangkok cinemas on the same weekend they are opening in India.

The movies have been a hit with Bangkok's Indian community. Encouraged by that, as well as the popularity of the Oscar-winning, Bollywood-tinged Slumdog Millionaire, Major Cineplex wants to see if it can entice Thai viewers to check out this polished, colorful, song-and-dance-filled brand of cinema.

The first Bollywood Film Festival runs from Friday, October 9 to October 18, with seven recent films at Major Cineplex Sukhumvit (Ekamai).

• Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi -- Shah Rukh Khan is a simple man leading a humdrum life when he meets his total opposite and finds love in a flamboyant, fun-loving, vivacious woman (Anushka Sharma). This is the opening film, playing at 7 on Friday and again at 1 on Sunday, October 11 and at 1 on Saturday, October 17.
• Kaminey -- In this crime drama, twin brothers take divergent paths only to discover they need to stick together to succeed. Shahid Kapoor and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra star. At 1 on Saturday, October 10 and 7 on Monday, October 12.
• Rock On -- A rock band forms and has great success, but like most rock bands, the members don't really get along and they go their separate ways, only to reunite 10 years later. Stars actor-director Farhan Akthar. At 4.20 on Saturday, October 10 and 4.20 Sunday, October 18.
• Om Shanti Om -- This song-filled spectacular from 2007 is a monster hit, holding the record as the top-grossing Bollywood movie of all time. Shah Rukh Khan stars as an actor who is killed and reincarnated, but still remembers his past life. Actress Deepika Padukone made her stunning debut in this one. At 7.20 on Saturday, October 10, 7 on Thursday October 15 and 1 on Sunday, October 18.
• New York -- This is a much-talked-about drama  is about three friends -- John Abraham, Nitin Mukesh and Katrina Kaif, who live in New York City in 2001. At 4.20 on Sunday, October 11, 7 on Tuesday, October 13 and 4.20 on Saturday, October 17.
• Jodhaa Akbar -- Super lavish, highly acclaimed historical drama with Bollywood beauty queen Aishwara Rai Bachchan in an unwieldy-looking nose-ring. She plays the fiesty Hindu wife of a Muslim Mughal Emperor Akbar (1542-1601). He's played by Hrithik Roshan. At 7.20 on Sunday, October 11, 7 on Wednesday, October 14 and 7.20 on Saturday, October 17.
• Luck By Chance -- Farhan Akthar stars in this comedy about a starry-eyed youngster wanting to make it big in Bollywood. Also stars Konkona Sen Sharma and 90s icons Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. At 7 on Friday, October 16 and 7.20 on Sunday, October 18. 

Om Shanti Om has Thai and English subtitles while the rest of English subtitle only. Tickets are 120 baht. per seat. Call (02) 3814855 or check the website.