Every year, we crowd into multiplexes to watch our favorite stars repeat the same slapstick formula films like Dilwale, Rowdy Rathore, Dabangg, and Ready (the list goes on and on). And, believe it or not, they never let us down because they still deliver exactly what they promise: hopeless masala films! These are a few names that result in many movies to be a part of underrated Bollywood movies club
However, now and then, some decent cinema comes along to restore some sanity to your life. In Bollywood, there is no shortage of such high-quality films. It’s just that we don’t hear much about them due to the publicity gimmicks of mainstream commercial films, which these underrated Bollywood movies can’t often manage.
What are the most underrated Bollywood movies?
Masaan
In the town of Varanasi, Masaan follows two different story arcs that finally converge. One follows Devi’s (Richa Chadha) journey as she copes with her boyfriend’s loss and the remorse she feels for his death. The second film follows Deepak (Vicky Kaushal), a man from a family who burns funeral pyres on the ghats of Varanasi. The film received positive reviews from critics and earned a few awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
Ankhon Dekhi
Rajat Kapoor’s film Ankhon Dekhi is a bittersweet story about a man who has an epiphany and chooses to believe only what he sees through his own eyes. As the patriarch of a middle-class family living in Old Delhi, Sanjay Mishra delivers a flawless score.
Titli
Titli, the youngest member of a violent brotherhood in the Delhi subterranean badlands, is desperately trying to flee from the hellish ‘family’ business. His plans are foiled by his rowdy brothers, who force him to marry against his will. Titli, on the other hand, finds an unexpected friend in his new partner, Neelu, who has her own set of thwarted dreams. What follows will suffocate you in Titli’s universe!
Filmstaan
Filmistaan tells the story of an Indian film director who is abducted and forced to cross the border while filming. Even when he’s being kept captive in Pakistan, Hindi films are his only hope of survival. This film was nominated for a National Film Award for Best Hindi Feature Film.
Few Underrated Bollywood movies that should make it to spotlight
Sankat City
This film follows a group of petty car thieves who unwittingly end up in the crosshairs of a ruthless gangster. Pankaj Advani directed this film, which has a dark tone to it.
Monsoon Wedding
Mira Nair’s film has developed a cult following over the years. This film, set against the backdrop of a wedding, highlights various characters and their stories. The film also addresses issues such as child violence. At the Venice Film Festival, the film was awarded the Golden Lion.
My Brother… Nikhil
My Brother… Nikhil tells the story of a man who is diagnosed with HIV. The story takes place in Goa in the late 1980s, when HIV was still taboo in our culture. Sanjay Suri’s character, Nikhil, is supported only by his sister (Juhi Chawla) and his boyfriend (Purab Kohli). When it was first released, this film caused quite a stir and is now considered one of the best on the subject.
Mirch
Vinay Shukla’s film is a collection of four short stories set within the main narrative. The stories are based on Panchtantra’s tales and are set in a variety of contemporary settings.
Which are the underrated Bollywood movies on Netflix?
Shikara
It’s not often that a Vidhu Vinod Chopra movie goes unnoticed or receives negative feedback and ratings. Shikara is a top pick of Amazon Prime Video’s overlooked movies for 2020. It tells the story of Kashmiri Pandits and a couple who want to flee the terrors. Although it may not have the highest IMDb ranking, the film’s storytelling, directing, acting, and overall gripping nature earn it a spot on our list.
Bhonsle
The film was originally scheduled to be released in 2018, but it was moved to Sony LIV in mid-2020. The film, which stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role as a retired cop, is set during a period when political pressures in Maharashtra caused migrant workers to be evicted from the state. The thrilling thriller shares a few specifics and has the potential to leave you happy at the conclusion.
Gatham
A spine-tingling story Amazon Prime Video has added a Telugu psychological thriller to its list of South Indian films. The story follows a couple whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. However, when they enlist the assistance of a stranger, things quickly deteriorate. He is assisting the couple for a secret purpose. Bhargava Poludasu, Rakesh Galebhe, and Poojitha Kuraparthi play pivotal roles in Gotham.
Kaamyaab
The touching tale is underappreciated. It stars Sanjay Mishra as a supporting character who is unaware that his next film will be his 500th. After realizing this, he decides to leave his mundane life behind and resume acting. A light-hearted watch, the film also follows several subplots that lead up to the grand finale. Overall, it’s a fantastic movie to watch at any time.
