11 Underrated But Simply Outstanding Bollywood Indie Films You May Have Overlooked
Our checklist of all these cinematic masterpieces will ensure you've watched the best of what cinema has to offer and allow you to kill time at home because COVID-19 as a disease is still thriving.
We all have that feeling sometimes- you realize there are a plethora of films you totally mean to watch, but just didn't have the time. Some exceptionally brilliant films that you heard from your friends but just didn't get the chance binge watch. Or, some cinematic gems you might not even know about because they were independently made films that barely have a marketing budget but deliver solid content.
A Death In The Gunj / Amazon Prime Video
While for whatever reason you might have missed out on some indie films, it's never too late to start watching them now. Our checklist of all these cinematic masterpieces will ensure you've watched the best of what cinema has to offer and allow you to kill time at home because COVID-19 as a disease is still thriving.
1. Ram Singh Charlie
Kumud Mishra in Ram Singh Charlie / Sony LIV
Ram Singh Charlie, directed by Nitin Kakkar and starring the incredible Kumud Mishra is many things. First, it's a must-watch and second, the film is a celebration of what is to be an artist. Ram might be a circus performer but that doesn't take away from his talent for making people laugh. He does what he knows best with this sincerity that only an experienced artist like Mishra can bring out. In one scene, Ram tells his son, ¡®Asli artist sab ke liye nahi, apne liye perform karta hai.¡¯ Watch it now!
Streaming platform: Sony LIV
2. Ankhon Dekhi
Sanjay Misra in Ankhon Dekhi / Disney + Hotstar
A delicate but profound film about invisible people- those who you might pass on the street or see from your car window but rarely pay attention to or think about. Written and directed by actor Rajat Kapoor, the story gloriously finds beauty in the life of a lower-middle-class family in Delhi and how it slowly falls apart. Watch it for the brilliant Sanjay Misra and and Seema Pahwa, who plays his harassed wife.
Streaming platform: Disney + Hotstar
3. Chittagong
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Manoj Bajpayee in Chittagong / Youtube
If there is just one Bollywood film that should have been made to depict the armed revolt against the British in India, then it is this one. Bedabrata Pain¡¯s Chittagong is an extremely well-made labor of love. There is no glamour or extravagance that Bollywood usually loves, but there is a captivating and honest storyline that is uplifted by its exceptional cast of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, and other legends. We are eagerly awaiting a sequel.
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
4. Kaamyab
Sanjay Mishra in Kaamyaab / Twitter
One of the best Bollywood independent films that recent memory dictates, Kaamyaab is an emotionally moving and engaging film that showcases the life of a struggling artist and how his inability to acquire success how that has completely destroyed his innate spirit. And Sanjay Mishra is faultless as the lead character, nothing short of magnificent.
Streaming platform: Netflix India
5. Dhanak
Dhanak / Youtube
It's impossible to not be touched by the story of this set of two siblings: Chottu and his elder sister Pari. The two children set on a journey on foot across Rajasthan to restore Chottu's eyesight. Their bonding, unique challenges that come their way, and the sheer innocence displayed makes for a delightful film.
Streaming platform: Youtube.
6. Ship of Theseus
Ship Of Theseus / Youtube
In the year 2013, when Anand Gandhi's film released, barely anyone went to watch it. But later, it was hailed as the hidden cinematic gem that everyone should watch. Ship of Theseus is by far the most original, remarkable, and most thought-provoking film we have been given as audiences in longer than I care to remember. The film brilliantly asks just one endearing question: if you dismantle a ship, plank by plank, and reassemble it, does it remain the same ship? Watch to know it.
Streaming platform: Youtube.
7. A Death in The Gunj
Kalki Koechlin and Vikrant Massey in A Death In The Gunj / Amazon Prime Video
Konkona Sen Sharma's film and her directorial debut, A Death In The Gunj are all things marvelous. A striking but insanely talented cast- think Vikrant Massey, Kalki Koechlin, Jim Sarbh, Ranvir Shorey, Om Puri among prominent ones. But where the film truly wins is its portrayal of a real-life family that anyone would instantly connect with because it catches onto your vulnerability. Make time for it.
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
8. Soni
Soni (2019) / Netflix India
The film Soni doesn't have a plot that can be described. Maybe because being a female cop in the Delhi Police guarantees you an incredible story. Powerful and revolutionary, the lead characters of Soni deliver ground-breaking performances that will make you effortlessly answer why women aren't safe in the country's capital, New Delhi.
Streaming platform: Netflix India
9. The Cinema Travellers
The Cinema Travellers / Twitter
A film that truly captures the magic of cinema and why we hoard into cinemas to watch films, it has to be The Cinema Travellers. It was also showcased at Cannes and received a standing ovation so we don't need to sell you just how great the movie is. But here is a little nudge to watch it because it will take you to great places.
Streaming platform: Youtube.
10. The Lunchbox
Irrfan Khan in The Lunchbox / IMDB
One of Bollywood's best films, Shakun Batra creates magic and a story so grounded in a reality that almost anyone will relate to it. Irrfan Khan as Saajan Fernandes delivers one of his career-defining performances and will hit home to anyone who has ever experienced loneliness. Nimrat Kaur's debut is delightful and as a woman in a loveless marriage, she is clearly to watch out for.
Streaming platform: Netflix India
11. Masaan
Vicky Kaushal and Shweta Tripathi in Masaan / Twitter
If you actually want to witness the acting prowess of Vicky Kaushal, Richa Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, Shweta Tripathi, and Pankaj Tripathi, Masaan has to be your next watch. With such a captivating storyline and performances that hit home, don't do yourself a disservice any longer and watch Masaan, you will not stop thanking us for pushing you to watch this cinematic gem.
Streaming platform: Netflix India