If you’re a film lover looking for something offbeat and memorable, here are some underrated bollywood movies that should be on your watch list. Bollywood has a reputation for producing extravagant and larger-than-life films that cater to the masses. However, among the commercial blockbusters, there are some underrated gems that have been overlooked. These movies may not have set the box office on fire, but they have made a lasting impact on those who have had the pleasure of watching them. These underrated bollywood movies offer a refreshing change from the usual fare and showcase the diverse talent of the Indian film industry.
Bollywood is known for producing some of the most iconic films in the world. From romantic dramas to action-packed thrillers, Bollywood has something for everyone. However, there are a few hidden gems that often go unnoticed by the masses. These underrated movies may not have received the attention they deserved, but they are definitely worth a watch. Here are ten underrated movies of bollywood that deserve more recognition.
1. Kabhi haan Kabhi naa (1994)
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is one of those Bollywood films that didn’t receive the commercial success it deserved upon its release, but over time, it has become a cult classic and a fan-favorite. It’s an underrated gem that showcases the brilliance of Shah Rukh Khan’s acting skills and his ability to play a character with a grey shade. The film’s storyline revolves around a young man named Sunil, who is in love with his childhood friend Anna but faces rejection from her repeatedly. Despite the constant rejection, Sunil never gives up on his love and continues to pursue Anna, which leads to some hilarious and heartwarming moments. The movie’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of a young man’s journey through love, friendship, and self-discovery.
2. Gulaal (2009)
Gulaal is one of those Indian movies that is highly underrated, yet it is a brilliant piece of cinema that deserves more recognition and appreciation. The film, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a dark political drama that explores themes of power, corruption, and violence. The movie’s storyline revolves around a young man named Dileep Singh, who dreams of becoming a part of the Rajputana movement in Rajasthan, but his dreams are shattered when he finds himself caught up in the dark, corrupt world of politics and power games. The movie is a gritty, realistic portrayal of the dark underbelly of Indian politics, and the performances by the cast, including Kay Kay Menon, Abhimanyu Singh, and Mahie Gill, are simply outstanding.
3. Ugly (2013)
Ugly is a brilliant piece of Indian cinema that is highly underrated but deserves more recognition and appreciation. The film, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a dark thriller that explores the ugly side of human nature and the corrupt system of Indian law enforcement. The movie’s storyline revolves around the kidnapping of a young girl, and the subsequent investigation that uncovers the dark and disturbing truths about the characters involved. The film is a gritty, intense portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the corrupt underbelly of the Indian legal system.
4. Talvaar (2015)
Talvar (2015) is an Indian crime thriller movie that is often considered an underrated gem in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Meghna Gulzar, is based on the real-life investigation into the double murder case of a teenage girl and her family’s servant, which occurred in Noida, India, in 2008. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon its release, Talvar didn’t receive the commercial success it deserved, which is why it’s considered an underrated gem. The movie’s powerful and thought-provoking storyline, combined with its exceptional performances and music, make it a must-watch for anyone interested in crime thrillers or Indian cinema.
5. Aligarh (2015)
Aligarh (2015) is an Indian biographical drama movie that is often considered an underrated gem in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Hansal Mehta, is based on the true story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended from his job and faced public humiliation after being caught in a homosexual act. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon its release, Aligarh didn’t receive the commercial success it deserved, which is why it’s considered an underrated gem. The movie’s powerful and thought-provoking storyline, combined with its exceptional performances and music, make it a must-watch for anyone interested in human rights issues or Indian cinema.
6. Shahid (2012)
Shahid (2012) is an Indian biographical drama film that is often considered an underrated gem in Indian cinema. The movie, directed by Hansal Mehta, is based on the life of human rights lawyer and activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in Mumbai in 2010. The performances by the cast, including Rajkummar Rao, Prabhleen Sandhu, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, are exceptional, adding to the movie’s overall impact and authenticity. The film’s music, composed by Karan Kulkarni, is also noteworthy, with tracks like “Kab se kab tak” and “Beparwah” adding to the movie’s emotional impact.
7. Masaan (2015)
Masaan (2015) is an Indian drama movie that is often considered an underrated gem in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, is set in the city of Varanasi, and tells the story of four people from different backgrounds whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. The movie’s storyline is a poignant and powerful exploration of love, loss, and the struggle for dignity in a society marked by inequality and prejudice. The film raises important questions about social and cultural norms in India, and the impact they have on people’s lives and relationships.
8. Udaan (2010)
Udaan (2010) is an Indian coming-of-age drama movie that is often considered an underrated gem in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, follows the story of a teenage boy named Rohan who is expelled from boarding school and forced to return to his strict father’s home in Jamshedpur. The performances by the cast, including Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, and Aayan Boradia, are exceptional, adding to the movie’s overall impact and authenticity. The film’s music, composed by Amit Trivedi, is also noteworthy, with tracks like “Aazaadiyan” and “Geet Mein Dhalte Lafzon Mein” adding to the movie’s emotional impact.
9. Highway (2014)
Highway (2014) is an Indian road drama movie that is often considered an underrated gem in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, follows the story of a wealthy girl named Veera who is kidnapped just days before her wedding and held captive by her kidnapper, a young man named Mahabir. The performances by the cast, including Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, are exceptional, adding to the movie’s overall impact and authenticity. The film’s music, composed by A.R. Rahman, is also noteworthy, with tracks like “Patakha Guddi” and “Maahi Ve” adding to the movie’s emotional impact.
10. The Lunchbox (2013)
A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system (Mumbai’s Dabbawallahs) connects a young housewife to a stranger in the dusk of his life. They build a fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox. Gradually, this fantasy threatens to overwhelm their reality. The film has a melancholic atmosphere and it’s very honest. The fact that it portrays ordinary lives gives it a truthful feeling about the situations that we are watching. The emotions are not exaggerated and the performances by the three leading actors are great.
11. Ankhon Dekhi (2013)
Ankhon Dekhi is a 2013 Hindi language drama film directed by Rajat Kapoor, starring Sanjay Mishra in the lead role. The movie tells the story of a middle-aged man named Raje Bauji who lives in a cramped old house in Old Delhi with his large family. He’s a man who believes in only what he can see and experience directly, and he has no patience for people who spout abstract philosophical or religious theories without any evidence to back them up. The movie opens with Bauji having a strange experience where he has a sudden epiphany about the nature of truth. From this point on, he decides that he will only believe in things that he can see with his own eyes. This includes everything from God to the existence of other people’s feelings. This new outlook on life leads to some unexpected and often comical situations as Bauji starts to question everything he’s ever known.
12. CityLights (2014)
CityLights is a story of hope and struggle, following Deepak Singh, an ex-army man who relocates to Mumbai with his family after a tragedy strikes their village life. However, their hopes of a better life soon turn into a harsh reality as they face the challenges of a big city. Despite the pedestrian plot, Rajkumar Rao’s performance is nothing short of outstanding, giving it his all and effortlessly holding his ground against the talented Manav Kaul. He delivers a performance that is brimming with confidence and nuance, showcasing why he is one of the best actors in Bollywood today. CityLights is a film that may not have received the attention it deserved, but Rao’s performance alone makes it a must-watch for any true film lover. So, if you’re in the mood for some raw and powerful acting, don’t miss out on CityLights.
13. Photograph (2019)
In Photograph, a struggling street photographer is under immense pressure from his grandmother to settle down and get married. In a desperate attempt to appease her, he convinces a shy stranger to pose as his fiancee. What follows is a heartwarming tale of unexpected love and transformation. Director Ritesh Batra delivers a beautiful and melancholic atmosphere, using minimalistic techniques such as well-utilized silences, subtle music, and absorbing cinematography to create a truly immersive experience. The performances of Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra are both impressive and emotionally unpredictable, with Farrukh Jaffar’s portrayal of the grandmother adding a lively energy to the mix. While the narrative may feel bland at times, the set of beautiful moments and subdued performances make Photograph a satisfying and heartwarming watch. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful love story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, be sure to check out this underrated gem.
14. Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)
In the fast-paced and cut-throat world of real estate, it’s easy to become a victim of fraud and deception. This is the predicament that Kamal Kishore Khosla finds himself in when he retires and decides to build his dream house on a plot of land in Delhi. However, his life’s savings are stolen by a ruthless property dealer, leaving him and his family with no choice but to devise a plan to get the land back. This heartwarming comedy showcases the power of family and community in the face of adversity. With its brilliant writing, strong storyline, and witty dialogues, it’s no wonder that this movie is considered one of the best comedies made in Bollywood. It’s a reminder that good writing is still alive in the industry, and that a well-crafted story can capture the hearts and minds of audiences. So, if you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie with a touch of humor, make sure to check out this underrated gem.
15. Oye Lucky Lucky Oye (2008)
Lucky is a master thief, known for his fearlessness and charisma. He has always lived life on the edge, robbing the rich and elite with ease. But his luck runs out when he’s finally caught and brought to justice. As he faces the police and media, he begins to reflect on his life as a criminal, and the decisions that led him down this path. This modern classic is a fantastic film in every way imaginable. Director Dibakar Banerjee has expertly crafted a story that is reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s iconic GoodFellas, with Lucky’s rise from the streets to the top of the criminal world told through flashback sequences and montages of his life and memories. But it’s also reminiscent of Catch Me If You Can, with Lucky’s longing for stability, love, normality, and family in his moments of loneliness. The film is a masterclass in performances, especially from Paresh Rawal, who delivers a truly unforgettable performance.
This underrated gem will leave you moved and entertained, with its perfect blend of humor and heartbreak. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat, don’t miss out on this unforgettable film
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