Underrated: Movies that either did not do too well at the box office when they released or movies that did not get the attention they deserved, or simply movies that are underrated.
Gulaal [2009]
Genre: Drama, Politics
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Synopsis: A law student witnesses the struggles of the Rajputs, deception, homicide, and crime after being elected as General Secretary of his college.
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Star cast: Kay Kay Menon, Raj Singh Chaudhary and Jesse Randhawa
IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1261047/
If you thought Dev D was Anurag Kashyap’s best movie till date, then think again. Gulaal leaves Dev D way behind. In case you want to be sure yourself, you won’t have to go too far, just watch the first 10 minutes of the movie where Kay Kay Menon gives a power packed speech. The movie has a lot of new actors but each one of them gives an unforgettable performance. The movie primarily deals with the politics in Rajasthan, the largest state in India.
Striker [2010]
Genre: Drama, Politics, Crime, Romance
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Synopsis: Amidst strictly enforced curfew by Bombay Police during December 1992 following Hindu-Muslim riots, Suryakant – one of four siblings from Malad’s Malvani slums, heads home. While doing so, he reflects on his childhood; his sisters: Devi and Rajni; brother Chandrakant; his dad, Shashikant, as well his mother; his expertise with the Carrom-board; run-ins with extortionist-goon, Jaleel Khan; his friendship with Zaid Khan; his crush on Noorie as well as his plans to find employment in Dubai; why he could not attend Devi’s marriage, as well as the tragedy that awaits him.
Director: Chandan Arora
Star cast: Siddharth, Ankur Vikal and Anupam Kher
IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1573482/
When I watched this movie I was not expecting anything more than a movie based on Carom, a popular board game. But within 15 minutes of the movie starting it was evident that the movie has got much deeper roots. The movie talks about the slum life of Mumbai and captures Mumbai in a beautiful yet dark manner. One of the high points of the movie is when the lead actor played by South Sensation Siddharth comments about Mumbai saying: ‘bombay jitna bhi dekho…roz todha aur dikhta hai’. The movie dedicated only about 15 minutes to romance, the love interest played beautifully by Nicolette Bird but it does full justice to the romantic angle of the movie. The song Cham Cham sung by one of India’s most accomplished singers Sonu Nigam only adds to the movie. The movie, however, keeps its concentration on the Hindu/Muslim strife that was the main reason for the 1992 riots in Bombay. The movie is honest and gritty. The star cast once again delivers and excellent performance.
MP3: Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar [2007]
Genre: Romance/College
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Synopsis: Rohan Sood attends St. Lawrence High School and falls in love with Ayesha Mehra, who was born in London, England. Their relationship sours owing to rumours. Ayesha and her mom decide to go to Paris. Rohan travels all the way to Paris to meet his lady love and win her back.
Director: Robby Grewal
Star cast: Ruslaan Mumtaz and Hazel Croney
IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0860454/
One of the best School Romantic movies. Both Ruslaan & Hazel make an excellent pair which is irresistible and their High School romance takes you back to your school days reminding you of the boy/girl that you had a crush/relationship with. It will make you want to fall in love. The movie is extremely cute and sweet but could not perform up to its capability on the Box Office probably due to lack of proper distribution/marketing.
Swades [2004]
Genre: Drama/Inspirational
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Synopsis: A successful Indian scientist returns to an Indian village to take his nanny to America with him and in the process rediscovers his roots.
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Star cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi and Kishori Balal
IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367110/
It is almost impossible for a Shah Rukh Khan movie to be on this list…but surprise surprise, it is! This beautiful movie about a NASA scientist coming back to his village with intentions to take back his grandma back to USA with him will make you fall in love with it. One of Shah Rukh Khan’s best performance till date. The movie was initially offered to Hrithik Roshan, but I am glad he declined it because Shah Rukh Khan does complete justice to the character of Mohan. The Surprise package of the movie is Gayatri Joshi who in her simple and calm character makes a massive impact. Also as always the subtle romance that almost all Ashutosh Gowarikar (of Oscar Nominated ‘Lagaan’ Fame) movies have is outstanding and beautiful to watch. Swades was get another awesome movie that did not receive its due on the Box Office!
Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein [2001]
Genre: Romantic, Comedy
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Synopsis: It’s love at first sight when Madhav Shastri aka Maddy (R. Madhavan) first glimpses the beautiful Reena Malhotra (Diya Mirza). Thereafter he meets her again and finds out that she the betrothed to Rajiv. Maddy impersonates Rajiv and enters Reena’s life. And they both fall in love. Rajiv enters and both Maddy & Reena’s lives go for a
Director: Gautham Menon
Star cast: R. Madhavan, Saif Ali Khan and Diya Mirza
IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299108/
One might argue what this movie is doing in the list of Bollywood’s Most Underrated Movies? But Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein was a flop when it released. I was there in the theatre to watch the movie first day, it was deserted. But Rehna Hai tere Dil Mein surfaced to become the cult that it is today. Very romantic, excellent music and yet another impressive performance by Vrajesh Hirjee who first made his mark with Hrithik Roshan starrer ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai…’!
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