India's rich cultural heritage has contributed to its burgeoning cinema industry, bestowing upon us numerous movie classics throughout the years. While Bollywood tends to dominate the spotlight, Indian cinema offers much more than just high-budget, star-studded productions. Often overlooked are the underrated Indian films that equally deserve appreciation and recognition. When discussing Indian movies, we usually refer to popular Bollywood films with extensive budgets and renowned actors. However, there exist hidden gems within the Indian film industry that deserve far more recognition than they receive. These underrated movies possess a unique, refreshing, and captivating quality of their own. Below is a list of the top 10 most underrated Indian movies that you need to watch right now.
1. Masaan (2015):
Set in Varanasi, Masaan is a multilayered narrative that follows the lives of two individuals—Devi and Deepak—as they struggle to break free from societal constraints. Devi, portrayed by Richa Chadda, becomes a victim of moral policing when caught with her boyfriend in a hotel room. Deepak, played by Vicky Kaushal, hails from a lower caste and aims to escape poverty by becoming an engineer. Masaan beautifully depicts the stark contrast between the old and new Varanasi, with its decaying structures and narrow alleys coexisting alongside modern highways, flyovers, and hotels. The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the essence of Varanasi unlike any other movie before it. While Masaan did not receive the recognition it deserved upon its 2015 release, it has gradually gained a cult following and is now regarded as one of the most beautiful movies ever made in Indian cinema. The film has won several international awards, including the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes, and has propelled the careers of its cast and crew.
2. The Lunchbox (2013):
Directed by Ritesh Batra, The Lunchbox is a Hindi-language film that explores the unexpected friendship between a lonely housewife, Ila (Nimrat Kaur), and a widower accountant, Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan Khan), as they exchange notes and meals through Mumbai's elaborate lunchbox delivery system. While the premise may seem straightforward, what sets The Lunchbox apart is its careful and subtle portrayal of human emotions. Through written notes, the characters gradually reveal their deepest fears, hopes, and desires, forming a bond that transcends age, religion, and social status. The Lunchbox premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013, receiving rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The movie holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been acclaimed for its authenticity, exceptional performances, and heartfelt storytelling. It garnered a BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and served as India's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards.
3. Udaan (2010):
It's not every day that a movie touches your heart and soul, but Udaan, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is one such film that remains unjustly underrated. Released in 2010, Udaan narrates the story of Rohan, a 17-year-old boy compelled to return home from boarding school to live with his authoritarian father, whom he hasn't seen in eight years. Rohan's father, an abusive and unfeeling man, perceives his son as nothing more than an extension of himself, with the sole purpose of taking over the family factory at any cost. However, Rohan's aspirations differ greatly; he dreams of becoming a writer. The clash between Rohan's dreams and his father's ambitions creates tension that permeates the film. Udaan captivates audiences with its beautiful cinematography and exceptional performances by its cast.
4. Runway 34 (2022):
Directed by the talented filmmaker Sanjana Krishnan, Runway 34 follows the journey of a young girl named Neha, who escapes from her abusive home in search of a better life. She finds herself in a big city where she meets other runaways like herself, all of whom have their own harrowing stories to tell. Together, they form a makeshift family and try to make ends meet by doing odd jobs and surviving on the streets. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the gritty reality of life on the streets. The performances of the cast are outstanding, especially that of the young actress who portrays Neha. She brings depth and vulnerability to her role, making the audience root for her and feel her pain. What sets Runway 34 apart from other films with similar themes is the way it handles its subject matter. The film is never exploitative or gratuitous but rather shows the struggles of the characters with empathy and compassion. It sheds light on a very real issue that is often swept under the rug in India - the plight of runaway children who are forced to live on the streets due to poverty, abuse, and neglect.
5. Dasvi(2022):
When it comes to Indian cinema, there are often films that go under the radar due to various reasons. Dasvi, a film released earlier this year, falls into that category. This dark comedy directed by Tushar Jalota is an unexpected delight that deserves more attention and appreciation. Dasvi tells the story of a small-time politician from Uttar Pradesh, Hiralal Yadav (brilliantly played by Abhishek Bachchan), who fails his 10th-grade exams and must go back to school to earn his degree. In the process, he encounters a slew of colorful characters, including a quirky school principal (played by Yami Gautam), a stern and sarcastic teacher (played by Nimrat Kaur), and a gangster to whom he owes money (played by Manav Kaul). The film manages to strike a balance between being entertaining and thought-provoking. It highlights the corruption in the Indian education system, the socioeconomic disparities prevalent in the country, and the challenges faced by politicians who genuinely want to do good. While these issues are presented with a comedic touch, they still leave a lasting impact.
6. Soni (2018):
Sometimes, the best films are the ones that fly under the radar, unnoticed by the masses. Such is the case with Soni, a gem of a movie that unfortunately didn't receive the recognition it deserved. Directed by Ivan Ayr, Soni is a hard-hitting, realistic portrayal of the struggles of two female police officers in Delhi, India. The film's title character, played by Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, is a tough but troubled cop with a volatile temper. She is paired with Kalpana Ummat (Saloni Batra), a more level-headed officer who serves as Soni's superior. The two women navigate the difficulties of their job while also dealing with personal issues in their own lives. What truly makes Soni shine is its unflinching examination of issues facing women in modern India. The film tackles subjects such as gender inequality, domestic violence, and police corruption with honesty and authenticity rarely seen in cinema. Ayr masterfully blends social commentary with a compelling character-driven narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
7. Jersey(2022):
Have you ever come across a movie that was so beautiful and touching, yet left you surprised that it did not receive the recognition it deserved? Well, that's precisely the case for the underrated sports drama "Jersey." "Jersey" tells the story of Arjun, a cricketer played by Nani, who retires from the sport due to age and injuries. The film beautifully captures the struggle of a middle-aged man attempting to make a comeback in the sport he loves. What sets "Jersey" apart from other sports dramas is its subtle storytelling, touching upon themes of love, family, sacrifice, and redemption. One of the standout elements of the movie is Nani's outstanding performance. He portrays the role of Arjun with conviction and delivers an emotional performance that lingers even after the film's end. While the film was positively received by critics, unfortunately, it didn't garner the attention it deserved at the box office. Although it was remade in Hindi, it still deserves recognition as an original piece of art that resonates with the audience through its subtle and authentic storytelling.
8. Judgementall Hai Kya (2019):
Starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles, "Judgementall Hai Kya" is a dark comedy that explores the themes of mental health and perception. The movie follows Bobby (played by Kangana Ranaut), a woman who suffers from acute psychosis, as she becomes obsessed with her neighbor's wife and the peculiar events surrounding her. While the movie may appear confusing at first glance, the plot gradually unfolds, revealing layers of depth and nuance. Both Kangana and Rajkummar deliver phenomenal performances, showcasing their versatility as actors. However, what truly sets "Judgementall Hai Kya" apart is its approach to mental health. Bobby's struggles are depicted with sensitivity and realism, challenging stereotypes and stigmas surrounding mental illness. The movie also illustrates how societal expectations can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding.
9. Nil Battey Sannata (2015):
Released in 2015, "Nil Battey Sannata" starred Swara Bhaskar, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Riya Shukla. The story revolves around Chanda, a hardworking single mother who works as a housemaid in Agra and strives to provide her daughter Apeksha (also known as Appu) with a good education. Apeksha is a rebellious teenager who does not take her studies seriously and aspires to become a maid like her mother. Frustrated by her daughter's attitude, Chanda enrolls in school herself to inspire her daughter to improve. One of the main reasons why "Nil Battey Sannata" deserves more recognition is its relatable story. Education is a crucial aspect of Indian society, and every parent wants their child to excel academically. The movie beautifully portrays the struggles parents face in providing the best education for their children, particularly in low-income households. It emphasizes the importance of education not only as a means to secure a better future but also as a tool to challenge societal norms and transform one's life.
10. October (2018):
October is a 2018 Indian film directed by Shoojit Sircar. It stands out from the typical Bollywood fare by presenting a more subdued and contemplative narrative, focusing on emotions and the power of ordinary moments rather than extravagant song-and-dance sequences or exaggerated plotlines.The film revolves around the character of Dan, played by Varun Dhawan, who is a hotel intern leading a mundane life. However, everything changes when his colleague and friend Shiuli, portrayed by Banita Sandhu, suffers a severe accident and falls into a coma. This tragic event shakes Dan to the core, despite their previous lack of emotional connection. Overwhelmed by guilt and uncertain about the future, Dan starts visiting Shiuli in the hospital and taking care of her belongings.
