Explore 10 underrated Bollywood movies that deserve more recognition for their compelling stories and performances. Don’t miss these hidden gems!
Bollywood has produced countless movies over the years, ranging from blockbuster hits to heartwarming stories. While mainstream films often steal the spotlight, many underrated gems remain largely unnoticed. These movies might not have achieved massive box office success but are definitely worth watching for their unique storytelling, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes. Here are some of the best underrated Bollywood movies you must check out.
1. The Lunchbox (2013)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Director: Ritesh Batra
The Lunchbox is a heartwarming tale of two lonely individuals who connect over a mistakenly delivered lunchbox. Set in Mumbai, this film beautifully portrays the emotions of love, longing, and human connection. With brilliant performances from Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur, The Lunchbox stands out as a simple yet moving film that deserves more recognition.
2. Piku (2015)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Although Piku features big names like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Irrfan Khan, it didn’t get the widespread acclaim it deserved. This delightful movie explores the complexities of family dynamics, aging, and the parent-child relationship. The gentle humor, emotional depth, and stellar performances make Piku a must-watch, yet it remains underrated by many.
3. Masaan (2015)
Genre: Drama
Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
Masaan is a hauntingly beautiful film about loss, guilt, and redemption. Set in the holy city of Varanasi, it follows the lives of two characters struggling with their past. Richa Chadha and Vicky Kaushal deliver exceptional performances in this emotionally intense movie. Masaan won several awards at international film festivals but didn’t receive enough attention in India, making it a true hidden gem.
4. Tumbbad (2018)
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
Directors: Rahi Anil Barve
Tumbbad is a rare example of a Bollywood horror film that doesn’t rely on typical scares but focuses on storytelling and atmosphere. It is a visually stunning tale set in the 1910s, involving the search for a mythical treasure. The film is disturbing, eerie, and thought-provoking, with a unique narrative that stands out in the Bollywood horror genre. Despite its brilliance, Tumbbad was underappreciated by mainstream audiences.
5. Ship of Theseus (2013)
Genre: Drama
Director: Anand Gandhi
Ship of Theseus is a philosophical and deeply introspective film that explores identity, change, and the concept of life itself. The movie follows three distinct characters dealing with issues of organ transplants, ethics, and personal transformation. It’s a slow-paced film with a profound narrative and is a perfect pick for viewers who enjoy thought-provoking cinema. However, it was largely overlooked at the box office.
6. Ankhon Dekhi (2013)
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Director: Rajat Kapoor
Ankhon Dekhi is a quirky and insightful film that focuses on a man who decides to only believe what he sees with his own eyes. The film explores themes of truth, family, and existentialism in a way that is both humorous and deeply philosophical. Despite its remarkable screenplay and brilliant performance by Sanjay Mishra, it failed to get the recognition it truly deserves.
7. Chupke Chupke (1975)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
A classic comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chupke Chupke stars Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, and Amitabh Bachchan. This hilarious, yet tender, film revolves around a newlywed couple who plan a practical joke on their families. It’s an underrated gem in the world of Bollywood comedy, with timeless performances and moments of light-hearted joy that are often overshadowed by other classic comedies.
8. Ugly (2013)
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Ugly is a dark thriller about the complexities of human nature and the consequences of greed and ambition. The film focuses on the kidnapping of a young girl and the unraveling of relationships and corruption in its aftermath. Despite its gripping storyline and raw performances, Ugly remains largely unseen by a wider audience. The film is intense and emotionally charged, making it a must-watch for fans of dark cinema.
9. Barfi! (2012)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Director: Anurag Basu
While Barfi! received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, it didn’t achieve the level of recognition it deserved at the box office. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man, his complicated relationships, and his search for love. The film’s heartwarming and emotionally engaging narrative, coupled with stellar performances, makes it one of the best underrated Bollywood films.
10. Qissa (2015)
Genre: Drama
Director: Anup Singh
Qissa is a poignant tale about identity, gender, and the effects of the partition of India. Starring Irrfan Khan in a powerhouse performance, the film deals with the life of a man who raises his daughter as a son, hoping for a male heir. This thought-provoking film didn’t make much noise at the box office but is a must-watch for its brilliant storytelling and strong performances.
Conclusion
Bollywood has given us a wide variety of films over the years, and while mainstream movies often dominate the conversation, there are many underrated gems that deserve more attention. These films offer fresh perspectives, exceptional storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Whether you enjoy drama, romance, or dark thrillers, there’s something for everyone on this list. Next time you’re looking for a movie to watch, give these hidden gems a chance—you might just discover your new favorite film.
