Bollywood has acquired a reputation for blockbuster films with melodramatic plots, dancing scenes in gardens, and superhuman men chasing saree-clad Indian heroines.
But times have changed, and Indian cinema is experimenting with different themes and genres and expanding its global audience.
For those who consider movies to be more than just a source of entertainment purposes, I would highly recommend watching these films.
1. Newton ( 2017 )
Source IMDb
The film, which is the nation's official Oscar entry, is a stinging critique of the state of Indian democracy. Newton, portrayed by the talented Rajkumar Rao, is a government clerk sent on election duty to a Naxal-controlled town in the war-torn jungles of Chhattisgarh.
There, he struggles to conduct free and fair voting despite the indifference of security forces and the looming threat of communist rebel guerrilla attacks that hangs over it. Rao's lofty ideals are crushed by the heartbreaking fact that, despite all his efforts, the jungle tribes are just pawns in a wider game of vote banks.
Rao's performance demonstrates his versatility as one of the best in modern Indian cinema; he can play the idealistic citizen in Newton just as successfully as the chauvinistic financier in Queen or the raucous groom in Bareli Ki Barfi.
Newton is a somber depiction of the political climate in the nation, but it nevertheless manages to motivate its audience to rise beyond complacency and create a brighter future. Before you start the new year, watch it for a much-needed dose of realism.
2. Lipstick Under my Burkha ( 2016 )
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This is one of the most impactful films about the female experience produced in the nation this year; if you haven't seen it yet, we strongly advise that you do so on your upcoming movie night.
The movie immerses us in the lives of five women who, by little acts of bravery, attempt to fight back against a cruel society that forbids them from leading independent lives.
One of the numerous taboo subjects that the movie critically examines is marital rape. Another is slut-shaming.
What's even more energizing is that the movie forgoes a sanctimonious tone in favor of using dark humor to expose the horrible ways patriarchy tries to limit the experiences of women.
Each of the movie's female characters is tough, imperfect, and vulnerable in her own way.
With consideration for the Indian female actors, each of the film's female characters is tough, imperfect, and vulnerable in her way. Regarding the performances, the whole ensemble of the movie is incredibly skilled, from the 60-year-old Rosy played by veteran actress Ratna Pathak to the rebellious adolescent Rehana played by newcomer Plabita Borthakur. There is no justification for skipping this.
3. Anand ( 1971 )
Source IMDb
Rajesh Khanna plays the title character in this Hrishikesh Mukherjee-directed movie, with Amitabh Bachchan playing a supporting part. With such a strong ensemble, there shouldn't be any questions regarding the acting talent this movie possesses. The narrative centers on Bhaskar, the oncologist played by Amitabh, as he looks back on his patient Anand, a pancreatic cancer patient who preferred to be remembered for having a positive outlook on life rather than for having the disease. This film is an emotional roller coaster with a powerful message that we cannot control our futures and must instead do everything in our power to improve the lives of those around us.
4. The Lunchbox ( 2013 )
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This Ritesh Batra-directed picture may be the most glaringly underappreciated Bollywood production. It also dispels every misconception associated with Bollywood cinema.
The movie lacks grandiose plots, epic heroes, and memorable musical pieces. A great example of postmodern filmmaking, the entire movie depends on understatement—even the characters are subdued. It is an all-American story.
The premise is an epistolary love story between Saajan, played by Irfan Khan, and Ila, a woman who accidentally sends her husband's lunch box for another guy. Ila and Saajan's relationship develops as the film merely follows their lives as it doesn't have a strong theme or climax.
5. Loev ( 2015 )
Source IMDb
This is one of India's best LGBTQ+ films, flawlessly depicting the story of an alienated homosexual couple that struggles between friendship and passion. Sahil, a musician living in Mumbai, and Jai, a prosperous businessman from New York, two childhood friends, decide to go to Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats.
Love forces them both into and out of each other's arms, forcing them to confront their affection for one another while they are together.
The tenderly crafted script, which at its best gradually reveals the myriad fissures in the human spirit, is complemented by the nuanced performances of both key actors.
6. Ajji ( 2017 )
Source IMDb
The film, which examines the murky politics of vengeful justice, is probably one of the most audacious works of Indian cinema to date. The police are helpless to intervene when nine-year-old Manda, a girl, is discovered having been raped in a landfill since the perpetrator is a local politician's son. However, Manda's grandma Ajji would not accept this injustice. Her parents wish to forget and move on.
Can a weak, arthritic, and helpless old woman fight the powerful wolf? As a dark spin on the traditional fairy tale Red Riding Hood, the movie forces you to examine your values while you unapologetically root for Ajji to exact her revenge.
Language - Marathi
7. Barfi ( 2012 )
Source IMDb
Anurag Basu often addresses subjects that conventional Bollywood shies away from and delivers some incredibly moving movies. His movie Barfi is a great illustration. Ileana D'Cruz, Priyanka Chopra, and Ranbir Kapoor are among the cast members.
The film may be classed as a romantic comedy-drama, where Kapoor plays a Darjeeling kid who is deaf and dumb and falls in love with Ileana, a woman from Kolkata who is visiting.
The plot is a sad tale of unrequited love, searching for the lost love, and making new friends and loves along the road as Kapoor's title character Barfi falls in love with Jhilmil, an autistic woman played by Priyanka rather than Shruti (Ileana), the film's intended love interest.
The movie's honest portrayal of emotions and the naivety of the characters on screen, along with some great music, are likely to make audiences cry.
Written by Riya Dabas
Edited by Kritika Sharma
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