As someone who has spent countless hours engrossed in the world of cinema, I must admit that each of these films holds a special place in my heart for different reasons. However, if I were to choose just one, it would have to be “Black” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Over the years, Indian cinema (Hindi in particular) has seen numerous films that challenged traditional norms and introduced unique concepts, yet they didn’t receive immediate acclaim upon release. Here is a carefully curated list of seven Hindi movies that were visionary for their time, and you can now enjoy them on Netflix
7 Hindi movies to watch on Netflix that deserved better
1. Dil Chahta Hai
Cast: Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Release Year: 2001
Genre: Comedy, Romance
The movie “Dil Chahta Hai,” directed by Farhan Akhtar, is frequently recognized for changing how friendships were typically portrayed in Bollywood films. It tells the story of three close friends named Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth, whose distinct personalities add depth to their strong bond as they navigate various stages of life together
The dynamic among Aamir, Saif, and Akshaye as lead actors is truly captivating, and Preity’s portrayal of Shalini leaves an indelible mark. The film was remarkably modern for its era, tackling themes like youth culture, city relationships, and individual liberty in urban settings. Although it didn’t initially gain much popularity, it eventually became a cult classic over time
2. Lakshya
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Action, War
Under the guidance of Farhan Akhtar, the film Lakshya follows the journey of Karan Shergill, a young man lacking direction, who discovers his life’s meaning by enlisting in the Indian Army. Hrithik Roshan gives an exceptional and unconventional performance, while Preity Zinta, portraying Romila Dutta – a war correspondent – develops a strong rapport with him on screen
Lakshya showcased war and a soldier’s internal struggles in a way that was ahead of its time compared to typical Bollywood war dramas, which usually emphasize external heroics. Instead, it delved into the profound psychological evolution of an individual, offering a unique perspective on the human experience within conflict. Despite initially struggling at the box office, it eventually found its niche audience over time
3. Dil Se
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Manisha Koirala, Preity Zinta
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Release Year: 1998
Genre: Romance, Thriller
Under the guidance of director Mani Ratnam, Dil Se delves into the themes of love and fixation, unfolding within the turbulent landscape of Northeast India’s insurgency. At its core lies Amar, a dedicated radio journalist, whose life becomes intertwined with Meghna, a captivating enigma hiding a sinister secret concerning terrorism. The powerhouse performances by Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, complemented by Preity Zinta’s steadfast portrayal, make for an emotionally riveting tale that leaves viewers spellbound
In a refreshing departure from the norm, the movie “Dil Se” was innovative for its thought-provoking theme and unique storytelling approach, which were not common in Bollywood during its release. This film tackled complex topics such as terrorism, love, and nationalism in an unorthodox manner that was seldom explored in Hindi cinema at the time. “Dil Se” was a captivating romance that was both fiery and destructive, taking several years to gain traction and recognition
4. Tamasha
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Musical, Romance
In simpler terms, Imtiaz Ali’s movie Tamasha narrates the story of Ved, a man trapped in the routine of corporate work, who rediscovers his authentic self after meeting Tara during their trip to Corsica again. The chemistry between Ranbir and Deepika was exceptional, yet unfortunately, some viewers found it challenging to comprehend the film. It might seem odd, but this movie offers a lot of intellectual stimulation along with intense emotions
In a more casual and engaging style: Unlike most Bollywood romances, Tamasha’s unique narrative structure and deep introspective theme initially didn’t resonate with audiences when it first came out. However, as time has passed, it seems like everyone is raving about this movie! Let’s be grateful for those lucky stars!
5. Black
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Family Drama
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie, “Black,” is a profoundly emotional and visually captivating production that narrates the tale of Michelle McNally, a girl who is both blind and deaf, and her bond with her instructor, Debraj Sahai. The film draws loosely from the life experiences of Helen Keller, and the chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji significantly enhances the movie’s appeal
Black pioneered unique representation of disability and the struggles faced by individuals who are differently-abled, breaking away from the sentimental approach often seen in Bollywood films. Its brooding atmosphere and sparse dialogue made it stand out, setting it apart from the usual melodramatic style. Despite initially flopping at the box office, Black has since gained global recognition as an outstanding production
6. That Girl in Yellow Boots
Cast: Kalki Koechlin, Naseeruddin Shah
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Release Year: 2010
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Under Anurag Kashyap’s direction, the film “That Girl in Yellow Boots” presents an atypical thrill ride following Ruth, a British woman on a quest to find her missing father in the bustling city of Mumbai. Kalki’s compelling performance as the protagonist showcases both her character’s vulnerability and resilience, while Naseeruddin Shah’s brief yet powerful portrayal leaves a lasting impression
In a world where Bollywood often leans towards conventional plots, I found “That Girl in Yellow Boots” to be a refreshing deviation, focusing more on its intricate characters rather than the typical story arc. This film, with its subtle yet powerful challenge to traditional storytelling, might not have resonated with everyone at first, but today, it’s a must-watch for true cinema enthusiasts like myself. It’s a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling that speaks volumes even when it whispers
7. Swades
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Musical Drama
Under Ashutosh Gowariker’s direction, Swades chronicles the journey of Mohan Bhargava, an NRI employed at NASA, who ventures back to India in search of his childhood nanny. Along this journey, he reconnects with his roots and encounters the hardships faced by rural India. This film serves as a critique on the issue of brain drain, the duties of those privileged, and the prospect for social transformation
Swades stood out by tackling real-world social problems instead of traditional, escapist entertainment. The movie’s theme of self-reliance and personal action encouraged viewers to question their own impact on society. Although critics appreciated the film, it didn’t fare well commercially. However, with time, Swades has grown to be one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most acclaimed movies
Among these seven groundbreaking Hindi movies, each one not only provided entertainment but also expanded the horizons of storytelling, playing a significant yet unintentional role in shaping the narrative within the cinematic sphere. Which one is your personal favorite? Share your thoughts with us @pinvkilla!
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2024-09-04 20:23