I have observed that many westerners still think of Bollywood as a factory that produces these musicals with cheesy dance moves. This of course is a BS stereotype. In this post, I want to discuss some of my favorites that came out of contemporary Indian cinema, and what makes them global master pieces.
**Readers can also consider it as a recommendation list for Bollywood movies.
Leading the charts for me is the 2018 Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu starrer, dark comedy/thriller Andhadhun. Usually, thriller movies revolve around one big mystery which gets revealed or solved at the end. But this is not your usual movie, anything that happens is revealed to the audience and the movie characters within 5 mins of the event. Yet it is so gripping that you can't take your eyes off the screen even for a split second.
And surprisingly, the movie pulls off tense moments (like murder) in a way that makes you laugh and horrified at the same time. The background score is just phenomenal and lifts the entire movie like lemon zest on pasta. Must watch!!
Set in the rural India backdrop, Swades is the seen from the eyes of Mohan Bhagwat - a high-ranking NASA official that comes to India in search of his nanny. Quite possibly the most touching movie I've ever seen, Swades puts you on an emotional roller coaster.
As Mohan goes on with his life in the village, he realizes that the basic things that he takes for granted, are big issues in rural India. His transformation from an NRI on a vacation to meet family to a humbled personality who wants to do something for the people, is portrayed beautifully. At 203 minutes, it is the longest movie in this list, but one that respectfully earns every single second of that runtime.
Ashutosh Gowariker's direction is very audacious, and Shahrukh Khan as Mohan Bhagwat delivers his career best in this movie. A particular scene where Mohan bashes the elders on their habit of trivializing all problems whilst assuming a default moral high ground of "Indian Sanskaars", is my personal favorite of all times.
GULLY BOY
The 2019 Oscar entry from India (and deservedly so), Gully Boy delineates the rise of a rapper from the slums of Mumbai. Murad (played by Ranveer Singh) is born in a lower-middle class family, but dreams of becoming a rapper, one that sings not of girls, cars and money but of the societal divide, the problems of the poor etc.
En route to this persona, Murad's dreams evolve, shaped by the challenges he faces and the support he receives. However, what stood out the most for me was the inspiration for his songs, that is highlighted so well.
The character build up of Murad, his girlfriend Safeena and his mentor MC Sher is amazing and makes the audience relate to them. At the climax when Murad sings "Apna time aayega (my time will come)", for a moment, you feel that you too can turn the world upside down.
Birth of a child is generally a happy news, until the pregnancy happens to a middle aged couple who should be becoming grandparents and not parents. Add to it the Indian society's taboo of an old couple having sex (which is how babies originate), the situation quickly becomes an embarrassment to the family. Badhaai ho is a comedy drama that works its magic on top of this premise. While the movie is laced with comical moments, funny situations and punchlines, the particular issue at hand is dealt with a certain grace and seriousness.
It is the second Ayushmann starrer in this list. However, its his parents (Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta) and his grandmother (Surekha Sikri) who steal the show.
The movie does a great job at humorously displaying the relationships, gossips and parenting in a middle class Indian family. The chemistry between Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta is an absolute delight to watch and Surekha Sikri is phenomenal, you can't help but wish for more of her dialogues.
OTHER MUST WATCH BOLLYWOOD MOVIES
and many more. Moral of the story is "Don't watch Dabangg and then judge Indian cinema".
WHAT MAKES THESE MOVIES SO GOOD
Let me know your favorites in the comments.