Bollywood’s enormous production sometimes drowns great films beneath the shadow of box office monsters. These underappreciated movies, heavy on story and art, need more love for their original storylines and spectacular acting. Below are five underappreciated Bollywood films that didn’t receive their fair share of attention but are a must-watch for any movie buff.
1. The Lunchbox (2013)
The Lunchbox is an emotional drama about a connection sparked by Mumbai’s dabbawala system directed by Ritesh Batra, . A mistaken lunchbox delivery links Ila (Nimrat Kaur), a lonely housewife, with Saajan (Irrfan Khan), a retiring widower. Their exchange of notes weaves a story of longing and human connection. Despite getting international acclaim, including a Cannes screening, the movie didn’t become a mainstream success. The amazing performances and emotional plot of the film makes it a must watch.
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2. Ship of Theseus (2012)
Ship of Theseus is the directorial debut by Anand Gandhi. It is an anthology of philosophy that investigates identity and morality through three interwoven narratives: a blind photographer, a monk who is presented with an ethical choice, and a stockbroker who finds a purpose. Upon release the film garnered critically acclaim for its engaging storyline and beautiful visuals but had limited theatrical visibility because of its experimental approach. This intellectual treasure poses questions to the audience to think deeply, and it’s a gem in Indian cinema.
3. Titli (2014)
Set in Delhi’s underbelly Titli is a gritty family drama directed by Kanu Behl. It is the story of Titli (Shashank Arora), a young man desperate to escape his criminal family. Its unique portrayal of toxic family dynamics void of any unnecessary glorification, making it a standout movie. This along with amazing performances from Ranvir Shorey and Lalit Behl makes Titli an amazing watch.
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4. Haider (2014)
Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider, a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the context of war-torn Kashmir, is a filmic masterpiece that failed to completely find the mainstream audience. Shahid Kapoor gives his best performance as Haider, a search-provoked man who tries to find out what happened to his father, accompanied by acting masterclasses from Tabu and Kay Kay Menon. Its combination of political commentary, emotional resonance, and haunting soundtracks, making for a memorable experience.
5. Aligarh (2015)
Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh is a heart-touching biographical drama about Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor who is suspended for being gay. It is about prejudice, loneliness, and courage, with the sensitive performance of Bajpayee widely acclaimed. Deepu Sebastian as a fellow journalist provides a warm support to the story. Despite receiving praise from critics, it could not extend its commercial run due to its sensitive nature.
These underrated Bollywood movies tell unique stories, from thoughtful dramas to daring social commentaries, these movies are a must watch for anyone.
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